Cooperation among university libraries in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries: proposals for effective cooperative programmes

The aim of this research is to examine the current situation of university libraries in the GCC countries identifying the problems and difficulties being faced by them and suggest means and ways by which an effective library cooperation may solve these problems. A general description of library cooperation is given, including that in developing countries and in the Arab world. Apart from literature sources the material for this research was obtained by questionnaire, personal visits to university libraries and some related research institutions in the countries concerned and by some personal observations and experience. The development of library and information services in general in the CCC countries is examined, but particularly various features of university libraries, from administration to user services. University library resources, technical services, and existing cooperative activities are also discussed in detail. There are some major issues which are related to library cooperation such as financial resources, adequacy of library collections, collection development practices, uniform standards of technical processing of library materials, availability of bibliographical apparatus and experienced professional manpower. The analysis of these issues brought out factors which should motivate individual libraries to engage in a library cooperation and resource sharing network. There is no practical or well organised resource sharing programme among university libraries in the GCC countries, even the existing marginal activities are not satisfactory to all university libraries concerned. This is mainly due to the absence of a well organised central agency which should take the lead to implement a well developed cooperative model for library cooperation in the region. The various professional meetings which have been organised at a regional level emphasised the importance of establishing effective cooperative links among university libraries in the Gulf region, but little implementation of these proposals have resulted so far. With the current political situation in the Gulf region and with the limitation on financial resources, the need for effective library cooperation is emphasised now more than ever before. Therefore, this research makes some practical recommendations emphasising the need for a central agency responsible for library cooperation programmes and proposing a model for an effective resource sharing network among university libraries in the GCC countries in the hope of improving the existing situation.