The university libraries of the Arabian Gulf: extending their role in the area's development

Despite their rapid economic and social development over the last twenty years, no Arabian Gulf country has developed an effective library system. At a comparatively early stage in their educational development Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have each established their own universities. The libraries of these universities house the largest collections of books and information in the area as well as employing most of the available skilled manpower. The services they provide however are inadequate and their role is seen as being purely to serve the needs of the parent institution rather than as forming part of a national information system. [Continues.]