Understanding Omani academic library collaboration : a soft systems approach

Abstract The primary aim of this research was to understand the situation of Omani academic library collaboration (OALC). The results show that the situation of Omani academic library collaboration was problematical due to lack of library collaboration activities in Oman, financial and human constraints that have rendered working in isolation no effective, and challenges related to purchasing, processing and providing services and information to the library community. Therefore, an investigation was required to understand factors that delay establishment of collaboration activities, factors that support working collaboratively, and methods and strategies that can be used to improve the current situation of OA Le. Soft systems methodology (SSM) was used as an interpretive approach to find out about the problematical situation and to model, discuss and improve OALe. Four academic libraries were involved in this study: Sultan Qaboos University Library, Nizwa University Library, Sohar University Library, and Dhofar University Library. 23 participants were involved in describing their situation in one-to-one interviews in order to gain understanding of the complexity of OALe. Then three group interviews were used tor the purpose of modelling and discussing conceptual activities which were suggested to improve the situation. Systems that are systematically desirable and culturally feasible were identified. A workshop was then organised to implement the awareness raising system, improve inter-group communication and conflict resolution, establish a strategic planning committee composed of representatives from every library to carry out the activities, and develop some rules and regulations that could be used to operate and control the system of interlibrary loans. The changes achieved through the process of the research would impact on three dimensions of the academic libraries: structure, attitude and procedures. The contribution of this research is in the appl ication of SSM in academ ic library collaboration.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo