An Automated bibliographic network for the libraries of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a feasibility study

The purpose of this study has been to investigate the desirability and possibility of establishing an automated bibliographic network among Riyadh's libraries, to examine the technical problems involved which prevent Riyadh libraries' computer systems being linked on-line for the purposes of co-operation and sharing, to assess the potential benefits of library networking, and to propose a management plan for Riyadh's libraries network. The methodology used was the survey research technique. Data were collected with questionnaires, interviews, and analysis of relevant literature in order to survey the present networking activities in other countries, the important of standards and the different computer protocol suites. The questionnaire was designed to collect information on the present status of Riyadh City libraries' names, types, collections, computerization, computer type, operating systems, software retrieval systems, computer storage capacities, telecommunication networks, and information technology (IT) budgets. The questionnaire was distributed to the heads of forty-six libraries of all types in Riyadh City. Forty-two questionnaires were returned to the researcher. Interviews were conducted with twelve carefully selected libraries to obtain a view of interviewed libraries' purposes of using computers, the catalogue scripts, number of items purchased every month, number of serials subscription, number of materials waiting for technical processing every month, manpower resources and the expected benefits of library networking. Based on the findings, Riyadh City has a sufficiently large range of different types of libraries - with varied collections and offering a wide range of services - to make the proposed network desirable and feasible. With regard to the automation used by Riyadh's libraries, approximately half (twenty-one) of them employ some form of automation, while most of the remaining libraries were willing to become automated in the near future. With regard to the technical aspects of establishing the proposed network among Riyadh libraries and linking their computers on-line, an open system protocol suite is required to achieve information mobility and to ensure that all Riyadh's libraries' computers communicate to each other. Two main open protocol suites have now emerged: TCP/IP and OSI. In the case of the computerization circumstances of Riyadh's libraries, the study suggests that either of these protocol suites may be applicable, but the OSI protocol standards would be more feasible for a number of reasons described in the study. Finally, a management plan for Riyadh's libraries network (RLNET) was presented according to the following: framework, mission; objectives; organizational structure; legal agreement; functions and services; technical solutions; funding; timetable and an action plan