This
chapter brings together the findings of the case studies (in Chapter 4 & 5)
and the comparative analysis of the two automated systems (in Chapter 6) and
discusses the overall findings of the research and relate these findings to the
initial research hypothesis. The
problem of the inadequacy of library services and cataloguing systems in the
The market for library systems which
caters for Roman scripts is now well developed and mature after nearly 30 years
of development. Libraries which collect literature in non- Roman scripts are
not so well served. This is the case where the structure of the language
concerned presents problems for information retrieval techniques. Increasingly there is a demand for libraries
containing Arabic material to be served by appropriate catalogue systems,
particularly with reference to OPAC. Multi-script capability is seen as
essential for international information exchange between libraries and
information centres. One language, which provides a challenge to library
suppliers, is Arabic. It has been difficult to change to automation for Arabic
materials, due to the particular characteristics of the script. Until recently,
Romanisation has been the solution for those libraries wishing to automate
Arabic script holdings.
As we have stated earlier (in
chapter 4) there are several reasons for choosing the three cases of the AUC in
Egypt, the College of Basic Education and ART library of Kuwait University in
Kuwait. Firstly,
In addition, the writer chose the
In addition,
The American University Library in
Cairo (AUC), which includes the Main Library and Rare books collection,
provides the academic community with one of the largest English Language
research collections in
The book collection is organized
according to the U.S. Library of Congress classification system, on open stacks
accessible to all users. The library recently migrated to a new automated
system with expanded search capabilities. This new system adds a web dimension
and several features for the remote user.
The AUC contains two main libraries,
the main library located in the AUC building and another library called “The
Arabic Studies Bio-bibliographical Research Unit”. The AUC provides some
services for both libraries.
The
The ART library presently occupies a
large building at the
The AUC Library acquires materials
in many formats - books, periodicals, maps, prints, recorded sound, videos,
etc, in all subjects that the AUC teaches. The AUC obtains materials through
purchase and donations. In addition, the library purchases materials from the
Library of Congress, from commercial vendors and receives gifts and donations
via local people (see fig 5-11). It can also be seen from the same figure that
the
The AUC library uses the (IBIS) system for
cataloguing and the INNOPAC catalogue system in its library web site catalogue
(see fig.5.14). The library materials have been classified using the Library of
Congress Classification scheme. There is an Author, Title, and Subject-heading
catalogue in card form, which is also classified by the Library of Congress
Classification system. The codes used to file the cards in the subject
catalogue are used to arrange the books in their subject groups on the shelves.
The INNOPAC system on the library
web site catalogue can access the American University Library materials in both
languages (Arabic and English) to enable students to search for an Arabic title
or author by typing in the Arabic language. This is a new service that the AUC
library has recently provided.
Fig. 5-14 also shows user awareness
of the library catalogue in the
In the ART library fig 5-14 there are two
cataloguing systems, the card catalogue and the automated catalogue called the
ARTS CAMPUS IN SHUWEIKH (ACS) it shows the users are using the card catalogue.
The library materials are classified using the Dewey decimal classification
scheme. There is an author, title, and subject-heading catalogue in card form.
These cards are in both Arabic and English languages, divided into two
sections, the Arabic materials and the English materials.
The library is trying to change from
a manual system (the card catalogue) to a new automated system but because of a
shortage of library staff, the ACS catalogue system is not yet fully
functional. The ACS catalogue system is a Web-based OPAC system operating in a
windows interface capable of retrieving the ART Campus University Library
materials in English language.
Question number (4) (see Appendix
Section, A questionnaire no. (3) asks about how the library catalogues in the
three institutions work. The results reveal that the AUC library is using the
IBIS cataloguing system in the AUC library, and the INNOPAC cataloguing system
in the library home page catalogue. When ordering stock, the books go directly
to the cataloguing department. Cataloguers can download the records provided by
the Library of Congress. It is the task of cataloguers to make sure that the
records from the Library of Congress are of good quality and they are up to a
certain standard, editing them if they are not. In other words, it is a
question mainly of searching the Library of Congress catalogue by either ISBN,
author or title and retrieving the records, having a look at them and making
use of the classification numbers. If the record looks good, then cataloguers
can add the information. The latter are usually copied from the record obtained
from the Library of Congress and if it is an incomplete record, (i.e. for some
religious books which need a different subject heading) the cataloguer is able
to go through it carefully, edit it and change the fields as necessary. It is
important that all changes must be done together before releasing the record
rather than entering a record, reconsidering it and re-accessing it.
However, whereas this is standard
practice in cataloguing, there are a number of books, such as those about
religion, some pamphlets, and foreign materials, which have no suitable
records. In this case, records have to be created from scratch using
traditional cataloguing methods. Libraries usually have their own subject
cataloguing references and cataloguers simply create the record using these
references. The record to be created comes up in a card with fields.
Cataloguers then fill in each field as they go along. If the system works
inefficiently, it may create duplication of the materials without the
cataloguer being aware of it. Furthermore, libraries in
On the same issue, the
(a) the
cataloguers, or the technical staff, who carry out the actual cataloguing,
classification and reviewing, and
(b) the scribes
who carry out the non-technical tasks on library materials and write the
catalogue cards.
The main duties of cataloguers include:
cataloguing, choosing subject headings, preparing master cards, checking card
order, developing the catalogues and cataloguing procedures, making decisions
regarding the cataloguing policy and preparing guides for cataloguing
procedures.
In the ART library, after the
records are checked by the acquisition staff, the books are then moved to the
cataloguing department. The cataloguers then make sure that the records are up
to a certain standard and edit them if they are not. In other words, it is a
question mainly of searching ACS either by author or title and retrieving the
records. If the record is new and it appears complete, then cataloguers only
need to add the necessary information about their particular location and
subject headings. However, there are problems when it comes to books such as
conferences, pamphlets, and foreign materials which have no suitable records.
In this case, records have to be created from scratch using a local control
number. Libraries usually have their own lists of control numbers. However, the
ART library is still using Dewey 16.
The INNOPAC Cataloguing System in
the AUC library web site catalogue supports Arabic Script. This is considered
an extra service. With this service, the students can search the library
materials in Arabic script. The AUC is a member of the Research Library Group
(RLG) through which it can access the Library & Archives Support System
(RLIN) to add the Arabic Authors and Titles into the INNOPAC system. The Arabic
script capabilities were developed using:
·
Microsoft
Arabic Windows (9X or NT)
·
SLIP, PPP,
or direct connection using TCP/IP
·
Microsoft
Arabic Internet Explorer v.5
For Telnet:
·
Microsoft
Arabic Windows (3.11, 9X or NT)
·
SLIP, PPP,
or direct connection using TCP/IP
·
Microsoft
Telnet
The Arabic Books acquired since January 1997 are
on the online catalogue and have searchable Arabic script as well as Arabic
translated and can be searched for by Author and Title fields in the AUC online
library catalogue. The catalogue is not bilingual; searches in Arabic will ONLY
display records for materials in Arabic that have Arabic Author and Title.
The Arabic script capability is new
and needs more work. In addition, it is an ongoing job to add Arabic authors
and title information to the catalogue for all Arabic language items. This is
not yet complete due to a problem in entering Arabic Phonetics in the Arabic
author names and titles.
However, traditionally, each Arab
library in the
The catalogue of
any library is the record of its holdings and the guide which indicates where
to find individual publications. It is an inventory of the stock and it normally
records all books, pamphlets, government publications and serial publications
in the library. It may, but it does not always, record other things such as
selected articles in periodicals, research reports, microfilm and microfiche
publications, tape cassettes, films, etc. The catalogue, however, can never
include details of all the “units of information” which the library contains.
It is a record of published items but not a record of all the contents of each
item.
Catalogues are usually arranged under
the names of authors, subjects or titles and there are usually one or more
cards for every item in the library with each card giving details of the
author, title, publisher, date of publication and its location in the library.
These details are bibliographic records which in libraries in developed
countries are now handled by computers. Some libraries have all their catalogue
cards arranged in one alphabetical sequence, which includes authors, subjects,
and titles. This type of catalogue is called a dictionary catalogue.
An author
catalogue does not often confront the library user with too many difficulties,
but problems do arise with finding items particularly when searching by Arabic
author name. There is no unified standard of Arabic language for names from
before the 20th century, for example, Al-Mutanabi, or a 20th century name like
Ahmed. Libraries have to catalogue these kinds of scripts under the name of the
main author i.e. the body responsible for producing the publication, and it is
here that the problem arises because in many cases the user cannot find the
needed information or where to look.
A catalogue is therefore, a list of, and index to, a
collection of materials. It enables the user to discover what material is
present in a collection, and where this material may be located. An
extraordinary explosion in knowledge has resulted in an increase in publication
of books and other materials which act as information carriers. It is
impossible to be certain what material and information exists, and where it may
be obtained, without the aid of technology. Technology can be of considerable
help in aiding and improving cataloguing techniques. Computers can process vast
amounts of information or data at great speed and it is these two factors, capacity
and speed, which constitute the major reason for computer use. Capacity: computers can process much more information than would be
possible manually. Speed: computers can perform clerical operations much faster
and more accurately than a person can. The machine can do operations that could
take many man/hours in minutes. (Hunter, 1985)
The cataloguing process consists of
two main operations: firstly, the creation of a record relating to an
individual item and, secondly, the subsequent manipulation of this record to
form the actual catalogue. Because computers offer the capabilities of
capacity, speed and flexibility, the automation of the catalogue process could
save staff time, and hence save money. Fortunately, the computer offers
numerous other advantages. It will enable wider co-operation between libraries
and information services. The objectives of computerized cataloguing can be
summarized as follows: (Anthony, 1982)
1. to save money.
2. to provide better control and improve efficiency
– computerization has enabled many libraries to integrate various activities
such as book ordering, cataloguing and circulation.
3. to achieve higher productivity - computerized
catalogues are much more up to date than the manual catalogues.
4. to extend the service offered - many
computerized catalogues offer facilities such as a subject approach, which is a
very necessary extension of the service offered.
5. to permit increased co-operation with other
libraries or information services. A standardized format for machine-readable data
has provided an unprecedented opportunity for the sharing of cataloguing and
exchange of bibliographic records.
Automated cataloguing systems in the
Many complete programs in management
of libraries and information centres in Arabic language started to appear few
years ago, but they were insufficient for the needs. There were some strong
available systems with good characteristics, which solve the problems of
dealing with Arabic language. However, the solutions were partial or too
general, and insufficient for searching and retrieving in libraries and Arabic
information centres environments. This puts a big burden on libraries in
following up enquiries.
Arabian Advanced System has taken
the responsibility of introducing the solution for these problems facing the
libraries and Arabic information centres so as to attain a complete system.
These solutions were effective in storing and retrieving information in
different languages especially in Arabic. The complete system contains
subsystems for every operation and function which exists in libraries and
information centres, such as reference, editing, borrowing, editorial
adjustments. (Mumtaz, 2001)
Arabian Advanced System screened the
libraries and the different institutes inside
Ameritech Library Services (DYNIX) is considered as a pioneer in the library field. It started to produce complete library management systems around 1980 and it was the first company to offer a computing system called DYNIX. Statistically, Ameritech Library Services have 35% of the international market. It also produces a wide range of Open Systems using the Client/Server Architecture offering flexibility of design to keep up with future changes. These programs are user-friendly and enable the library and information centres to:
1.
Manage
library systems
2.
Help people
to easily reach the different information sources
3.
Add and
manage local information
4.
Allow open
access to local information in different formats (photographs, voice and video)
5.
Give
information and material needed
6.
Enable
sharing of resources
7.
Help
Client/Server Architecture
8.
Conform to
the international standards of EDX12 and Z39.50
9.
Strengthen
the different networks connections such as SPX/PX, TCP/IP, PIPES etc.
10.
Work under
different environments such as WIN NT, UNIX, NOVELL, OS2.etc
11.
Take
advantage of a Graphical User Interface (GUI). (Mumtaz, 2001)
By using a Client/Server Architecture, DYNIX
produced a complete computing system (MARQUISE). In the same time NOTIS
produced the Horizon system, which also employed the same concept of
Client/Server Architecture. In the middle of 1994 both companies (DYNIX and
NOTIS) merged into one company called Ameritech Library Services, which
consists of:
A- Group: - library systems
B- Group: - information services
Horizon systems are now used in more than 95
libraries all over the world. This system is also employed in Arabic areas, for
example:
1.
·
The
Colleges of Higher Technology
2.
·
Arabic Saudi
Loan Institute
·
Information
and Financial Centre
·
Islamic
university of leader Mohamed
The learning institutions constitute
half of the organisations using the Horizon system. The next stage in using the
Horizon system will be to offer it to special libraries and other customers,
like school and general libraries. NOTIS chose the Horizon system after several
studies had been performed. Horizon means Client/Server Architecture, open
systems, significant capability in connectivity and the chance to get infinite
amounts of information.
In the Arabic world there are many
libraries which use only Arabic information centres. On the other hand, some
libraries have both Arabic and foreign systems. The latter system leads to a
different information basis for each system, consequently requires two work
groups for the two information systems used in the library. The first group is
responsible for building the Arabic information files, using its own symbol.
The other group does the same work in the other language. The user would have
to search by both languages.
The Arabian Advanced System tried to
produce a complete computing dual language system to support the Arabic
language containing the following characteristics:
One of the most important
developments affecting the library and information has been the growing
reliance by individual libraries on the services of automated, co-operative
international networks, also known as bibliographic utilities. These utilities
help libraries to exploit the fact that work done at one institution can be
utilized by another library with no change being required such as in the work
between two libraries in the
Although the networks affect almost
every aspect of library work, the most important impact has always been on
cataloguing. The catalogue is the most valuable and unique resource of each
library. This central bibliographic file has always been the focal point for
all library processing activities. Cataloguers create unambiguous codes in
order to describe and classify each item added to the collection. Since the
code is a mandated professional requirement, cataloguers are theoretically able
to use each other’s work. Therefore, a huge online catalogue, accessible to all
member institutions, and containing all cataloguing work created by individual
libraries has been developed.
In the 1970’s when computer-based
network cataloguing was introduced, OCLC became a virtual computerized
cataloguing monopoly. The major reason for its acceptance was its ability to
reduce both cataloguing costs and the time required to process acquired
material. Another reason for OCLC popularity with libraries was that it did not
demand standardization in cataloguing practice by its users. Instead, it
stressed co-operative activity in building the database by libraries adding as
many records to it as possible and making its inputting standards flexible.
(Hafter, 1989)
Some libraries think that the
catalogue record is only a finding tool, and thus provided minimal cataloguing
of the new items added to their collections. Deciding whether or not to use
this minimal level cataloguing often requires the judgment of professional
cataloguers. This problem continues to concern all the networks, particularly
OCLC because it possesses the largest database. Moreover, once a database becomes
large enough it provides a foundation for a multiplicity of information-based
activities other than cataloguing.
Libraries are able to find the authoritative record in the network
database that best describe the material they are interested in. If the record
does not contain enough information, the participating library cannot easily
use the new network service. The one exception to this rule is RLIN. The
Research Libraries Group was created in 1974 (RLIN). Its core constituency
remains the major academic research libraries. The database contains more than
12 million records. (Hafter, 1989).
Programming for the RLIN database
includes a particularly powerful subject searching program which can combine
subject terms and exploit the unusual detail and variety of the records created
by major research institutions. The American University Library in Cairo (AUC)
is a member with the Research Library Group (RLG). It can access the Library
and Archives Support System (RLIN) to add Arabic Authors and Titles to its
cataloguing system.
The efficient and effective use of
new technology has helped to improve the image of the librarian. As a result of
the tremendous development in information technology, the role of the systems
librarian has changed in many different ways, one of which is the need to learn
about computer systems as well as to have a good knowledge of the cataloguing
network
As explained before, computers can
process vast amounts of data at great speed. Due to such capabilities as
capacity, speed, accuracy, and flexibility; it is reasonable to say that
automation of the cataloguing system could save time, staff, and money,
therefore lead to increased co-operation with other libraries.
Only two countries in the Arab world
have developed a union catalogue,
According to studies carried out by (Rehman,
1991) some progress has been made in the Gulf countries for compiling union
lists of periodical holdings. The most significant achievement is that of the
KACST (King Abdulaziz City of Science and Technology, known as SANCST) in
The issues involved in library
management systems, like other computer- based applications can be discussed
under three main areas: planning, implementation, and maintenance.
When the requirements of the new system have been costed and given authority to proceed, the systems librarian has to begin the task of preparing a detailed technical specification, taking into account the initial research and awareness of what is currently available from vendors. This is then balanced against the available financial resources. The implementation of the system must include arranging for data conversion and stock preparation, organizing all the practicalities of the installation project, testing hardware, modifying software, documenting the system and training people how to use it. Technical knowledge is essential in order to have an overview of the library operations and service requirements. These skills include the ability to communicate effectively with a range of individuals and groups at all levels and in a variety of contexts, e.g. academic staff, library staff, sales representatives, computer professionals, etc. (Muirhead, 1994)
In questionnaire no. 5 question 2
(see Appendix Section) the systems librarians in AUC in
" I am the main person who set-up the
library home page. I am from the automation department with other two
librarians from the same department; we gathered as library Web Community
Group. The community is responsible for structure, organization, fonts,
layouts, and by myself I do the home pages for other departments in AUC."
(One of the respondents)
The study questioned whether system
librarians require special skills or knowledge that other librarians do not. A
system librarian is someone who manages a library’s automation system,
therefore the knowledge required of a system librarian will fall into three
categories: (1) library operations, (2) information technology, and (3)
management.
Library operations are most
important in automated areas such as acquisition, cataloguing and circulation.
However, automation is increasingly seeping into library operations, while the
various aspects of automation are becoming increasingly integrated. Knowledge
of networking has in recent years become as important as knowledge of computer
configurations. Moreover, system librarians are expected to have at least a
working knowledge of general software packages used within the library. For
example, word processors, databases and spreadsheets. (Muirhead, 1994)
An outline of the duties of an
automation librarian in 1990 listed the main ones as: developing PC
applications, software evaluation, hardware/software monitoring, maintenance
and upgrading, general troubleshooting, data production, staff training, system
documentation, communications and negotiations. Questionnaire no. 5 questions
no. 3, 4, and 12 (see Appendix Section A), were asked to ascertain the degree
of maintenance of the library web site. One respondent stated that:
" The library web community continues
to meet on a regular basis to get prepared for any technical problems that
occur in the library home page. Also the library web community is charged with
maintaining the accuracy of existing material."
Another respondent stated that:
"
The library web community is responsible in general for updating areas, and for
looking at new initiatives to add to the web site.”
Monitoring the web site is one of the essential areas of knowledge
for the system librarian. One of the system librarians in the AUC stated:
"
There is no monitoring because the library web page is not a web page server –
it’s running through INNOPAC system, so there is no statistics or even any more
information - is just not professional server.”
Management deals with organizational or
personnel matters. The major managerial effect lies in the expected speed of
response. Automated systems dominate many libraries. Question no. 1 and 2 (see Appendix A), asked about
human resources. In the AUC library where there were only three librarians with
basics in computer science, the response was that they were doing the home page
besides their usual duties. Powell (1985:66) experienced the same problem in
her article. She said:
"Until now,
we have relied upon the goodwill and enthusiasm of a few members of staff and
the understanding of their line managers to achieve what we have managed so
far."
One of
the respondents responsible for the library home page pointed out that in the
AUC library, no one has the job title 'Webmaster Extraordinary' or 'Internet
Development Manager'. Thus the respondent puts forward a question and a
suggestion:
"Are we going to take this new medium seriously or just continue to play
about with it? If the former, we are either going to have to take on new staff,
or make significant changes to the roles of one or two current employees."
The job training offered to system
librarians depends upon a number of factors including their academic background
and the previous work experience of the individual. A recent survey of
A number of respondents felt that
their lack of computing skills was a source of stress and placed them at a
disadvantage. Another interesting fact is that a few respondents had become
systems librarians immediately after graduation. Question no.8, on
questionnaire no.5, see Appendix Section, which asked for special comments
regarding management issues. One respondent stated that:
“We need more training…. unfortunately, there
was not enough training for the system librarians in library operation, and
maintenance…”
In the majority of large libraries,
all staff from library assistants to senior managers have some form of daily
contact with IT. Staff training has to be seen as an ongoing requirement as new
staffs are appointed and new developments in IT are integrated into library
services (Muirhead, 1994). In-house seminars and workshops incorporating
demonstrations and practical exercises provide the best learning environment.
It is clear that systems librarians are in increasing demand. Students should
be aware of all library services including the duties of the system librarians,
as well as an awareness of using the library cataloguing system.
Before talking about the users’
awareness of library services, this study examines what library services are
provided to the users, then discusses library service promotions, as well as
discussing the librarians’ educational background and how it affects the users’
awareness in using the library services.
In the librarians’ questionnaire no.
2, there was a question no.17 about the services that the library offers (see table
5-4). When students were asked the reason for their visit to the library, the
results showed that most of the users in the three institutions use the library
to browse for materials (books). This shows that those users are not aware of
all the different library services and demonstrates the library’s failure in
promoting its services. (See fig 5-3)
Fig 5-9 shows that most of the
librarians in the three institutions are not professionals, but they do have a
background in library science, usually achieved through long years working in
libraries such as the
The librarians should at least have
a proper education in library science or librarianship as this will help them
to promote all the services that the library offers and enable the library to
achieve its main goal. If the librarians are aware that users still are not
finding what they need, this might be due to the lack of the users’ education.
Earlier the writer discussed the importance of staff training, but user
education is as important as staff training.
Information literacy is the ability
to access and evaluate information effectively for problem-solving and decision
making (Tiefel, 1995). In academic libraries, the provision of information
literacy programs is an essential, and an indispensable, part of the library’s
goal. As Dewey (1916), the father of learning, said:
“The
aim of education is to enable individuals to continue their education’’. To find out what user training programs aim to achieve, Questions 13,
14, 17 &18 in questionnaire no.5 (see Appendix Section), asked about how
system librarians inform the users about the new services that the library
provides and how they make sure that users know how to use the library web
site. The results revealed that the AUC informs their users of the existing
services mainly through publications e.g. University newsletters, brochures and
library newsletters. When questioned on how the system librarian makes sure
users know how to use their home page, the respondents answered that they did
not. Questions 17 and 18 in the same questionnaire were about any comments or
suggestion from the users to the system librarian regarding the library web
site. The response was that they had received comments from non-AUC users
rather than AUC users, but no suggestions.
"The
majority of questions I receive are not about the web itself, but about access
to the library,"
When the users were asked the same question over and over again, most users were unaware of the quality and variety of the information available to them.
The quantity of scientific and technical data is doubling every five years, and this has led to an increased demand by users into know how to use these resources effectively and efficiently. In an academic library this is essential as the effective use of information could make a difference to people’s lives.
The
objective of any library instruction programme is to enable users to use the
various resources effectively and efficiently. Training aims to provide
guidance and instruction, rather than provide information itself. This prepares
the user for becoming independent in locating and retrieving information, and
teaches them information-seeking skills to help them to develop into life-long
learners. This is essential in a virtual library setting, where library staff
are not available to provide assistance in person.
At the present time, the AUC (see chapter 4.18.4) and
ARTS library in
The need to make libraries as useable as
possible has become even more pressing with increasing emphasis on project work
in higher education (the academic library). Questionnaire no. 1 and
questionnaire no. 4 (see appendix section) both asked questions about the
users’ awareness of the library services, especially the catalogue system.
Problems with the library catalogue were revealed and are examined below.
There were a large number of
instances of problems with the library catalogue. Users in AUC were using both
their library catalogue system and the library web site INNOPAC cataloguing
system. Fig 5.5A shows that 66% of AUC library users, 66% of
Some problems were found which
related to the use of the catalogue. For instance, some students did not fully
understand its operation, and therefore lacked control over what they were
searching. Fig 5-7 shows 68% ranked the services as satisfactory, and one
stated "but sometimes very poor".
However, there are other members whose needs were not being taken care of. That
might be related to the fact that 20% of the librarians in the AUC library did
not have the opportunity for training. Users sometimes cannot find what they
are looking for when the information is placed incorrectly.
“I
know that this book is available in stock, but it is not in the catalogue and
when the librarian checks out in most cases it is there but the user did not
find it because s/he did not enter the details correctly” (Respondent (Arts
Library).
The implications of this finding are that much
staff time is being used for trivial questions, which library users could
answer for themselves if they knew how to use the catalogue more efficiently.
If staff time was freed from answering basic queries about availability of
books in stock, they could devote their time to more ‘professional’ work, or
undertaking the much needed weeding.
The figure of 66% of
Fig 5-16 shows that all the
respondents from the three institutions did not have experience in using other
automated cataloguing systems other than the one that their library offers.
This shows the ignorance of the users about other technologies in the library
field. This might be caused by two factors. Firstly, see (figs 5-9, 10) the
librarians were not professionals in librarianship and not enough training was
given to the librarians in those institutions. Secondly, these three
institutions are located in Third World Countries. A lack of funds is one of the
problems facing these countries. For example, the effect of the Iraqi
aggression in
The main problem that the writer
found during her work in Middle Eastern countries was the lack of an Arabised
cataloguing system in the libraries. This led to the users’ dissatisfaction and
this problem might relate to the lack of Arabic standardization.
The developments in computer and communication technology offer greater opportunities for people to gain access to remote information resources. Evidence of this can be seen in the developed world as most professionals spend some of their time surfing and retrieving information from the WWW and other commercial on-line information resources. The main purpose of searching for information is in order to improve their performance through updating their previous management knowledge. The outcome of this could be in creating various tools to retrieve information and creating possibilities for sharing. This phenomenon was observed by (Farmer, 1997).
Despite this, most library providers
have not yet benefited from these developments within the
For any system to become successful
in the
The AUC library in
On the other hand, the staff’s main
complaint is about the lack of co-operation between the cataloguing department
and the automation department, which creates many duplications when entering
the records into the system. There was no complaint about the system itself,
however. Using cataloguing support to retrieve information in the Arabic script
is all about Arabised authority control. There has been a little written
about this issue, but the writer hopes she will
be able to suggest which of the two systems is more convenient to use in the
Arabic language at the end of the discussion.
Historically, each Arab library in
the
However, some academic libraries in
the
With this in mind, it is important
to review the differences in concept and purpose between the four categories of
bibliographic database available to library professionals and users in a region
such as the
(1) Mono-script
catalogues are apparently still the dominant set-up in the GCC states. Like the
card catalogues which preceded them, these have Arabic-script records held in a
separate file from those in Latin script, using either Arabic or English as
relevant for any notes, etc.
(2) Multi-script
bibliographic catalogues such as the
(3) Bilingual,
bi-script catalogues, comprising for our region, Arabic-script/Arabic-language
records and Latin-script/English-language records merged into a single file.
The UAEU's OPAC (http://maktaba.uaeu.ac.ae) and the
Published information relating
specifically to implementing authority control in automated multi-script
environments is scarce, even though the specific problems of Arabic-Islamic
names themselves are recognized (Vassie, 1998).
It is useful, therefore, to say that
with the refinements to USMARC and the existence of a Library of Congress
policy on multi-script authority control, there is now nothing technically to
prevent both RLG and OCLC creating controlled authority headings in non-Latin
scripts. The RLG and OCLC customers in the
Compared to a manual cataloguing system,
automated cataloguing is much quicker as records are already there and can be
used straight away, whereas in the manual system every record has to be created
from scratch which is obviously time consuming. Moreover, in the automated
system, fields do not have to be entered in a numerical order because it will
automatically sort them out, which again makes the automated system much faster
and more convenient to use. It is much quicker to add or delete information
using the automated system and, in general, libraries are able to hold a lot
more data under the present system than under the old regime. Also, there are a
lot of checks under the automated system and there are many things that the
system will not allow you to do. If you forget part of a sub-field, for
instance, then the system will stop you. From the point of view of users, it is
much easier under the present system to know when a book is on order, when it
is received, and when it is on loan and so on. In general, the whole system is
much better.
The obvious disadvantage of the automated system is that if any thing goes down, as computers sometimes do, users cannot have access to it. Another disadvantage according to one of the AUC cataloguers:
“ I once did a set of multi-volume works in a
particular way and then someone in another section came along and they only
bought one of these books and they decided to put their records in a different
way. So they edited one of the records, which meant that five of the
multi-volume works were consistent with one another and one was not. So it is a
problem of lack of communication amongst the different libraries."
(Response from one of the cataloguers)
Another cataloguer stated a more
serious problem that the cataloguers face of multi-interfaces between IBIS and
GuiCat where they are not integrated. In this regard, the cataloguer stated:
"The
cataloguing department is located on the third floor and the automation
department is on the forth floor. We both do cataloguing for all the library
materials, the automation department can access IBIS, INNOPAC and GuiCAt
systems, for us we can access only IBIS and INNOPAC but not full access. There
is no co-operation between the two departments. So when the electricity goes
down the last record will disappear and when the electricity comes back I can't
re-enter this last record again because I don't have the ability in the
computer to re-enter the record. Then we have to call the automation department
to enter it for us. This is a waste of time, beside in normal working days, we
the cataloguers don't know what records the automation department entered of
library materials and that of course causes duplication. It is better if we
[the cataloguing department] are the only department responsible for
cataloguing all the library materials, and to be able to fully access to
INNOPAC, GuiCat systems."
This is perhaps a problem in an
automated system that would not normally be encountered in the manual system.
For instance, if people type something in and spell it slightly wrong, then the
system will come up with something like “no references”. In a manual system if
one gets the spelling wrong one can work ones way through the card catalogue
and access the information. In this respect, the manual system can perhaps have
its advantages.
In the
"The major problem in destroying the card catalogue is the students
them selves; the students always writing on the cards, sometimes drawing, and
we can't do anything other than talking to those students, but it’s useless.
The other problem is the cards themselves; the library faces a shortage of the
cards, and it takes a long time for the routine procedures between the library
and the Ministry of Education. When we complain about the delay and the
shortage of the cards "they" respond that they are very busy and they
are responsible not only for the
The users complain mainly about the fact that
the system is very slow and that it is not clever behind the scenes like other
systems that can deal with near matches or misspellings that sometimes occur in
an intelligent way.
“When you are
actually in the library using one of the terminals there with IBIS on it and
you are doing a search and you get one of the details wrong, it would say to
you ‘you came up with nothing on this particular search’ and it would not give
you any other options where you can find it. It is not clearly sign posted and
you have to press the essential button to make it start all over again. It is
annoying; it is frustrating. It should not do that. You should be able to press
the back button/ key to go back but if you press this key it is not highlighted
which means it is not activated so you cannot do it. I find that quite
frustrating” (Student
Respondent).
Another librarian stated that:
“When
we receive the new cataloguing cards, we find duplication which causes more
filling in of forms, sending them to the Ministry of Education, and waiting to
get the cards back.”
Whereas, the users complain mainly
about the decrepitude of the cards and their liability to further damage,
missing cards and the librarians’ failure to alleviate the consequences and the
lack of clarity of the print on the cards.
The writer talked with users about information
technology and its impact on cataloguing systems, and the ability to retrieve
information in different languages. This led to discussions on the most widely
known current cataloguing system which supports Arabic language in the
The developments in computer and
communication technology offer greater opportunities for people to gain access
to remote information resources. Evidence of this can be seen in the developed
world as most professionals spend some of their time surfing and retrieving
information from the web. The availability of an appropriate cataloguing system
is the most important element in allowing users to benefit from these enormous
opportunities.
The INNOPAC and HORIZON are among the best available
cataloguing systems that deal with Arabic scripts and allow Online Public
Access Cataloguing (OPAC); and provide
for the retrieval and sharing of materials in Arabic as well as in other
languages. Although, the two systems share most of their key characteristics
such as providing easy search, instant retrieval and sharing of resource, allow
circulations and acquisition, support multi-lingual
processing including Arabic, are user friendly and provide interactive
training; each of the two systems seems to have particular distinctive
characteristics that makes it superior in undertaken certain tasks and meeting
particular user needs. For example, our
overall assessment of the two systems reveals that INNOPAC
system seems to be particularly excellent in OPAC services and in circulation
and periodical control work and has excellent documentation available[1];
while HORIZON is generally superior for cataloguing, acquisition, public access
cataloguing, and dealing with Arabic data. Although the tow systems are
still developing and are actively improving their capabilities to handle Arabic
scripts, given the current nature of the Arabic library and the specific needs
of its users, HORIZON seems to better serve the needs of library users and Librarians
in the
1.
As a client/server
application, Horizon operates on any server supporting either Sybase SQL Server
or Microsoft SQL 2000. Epixtech is a reseller of Sun, HP, IBM, and Dell
servers. Horizon client software resides on PC workstations running Windows
NT/2000 or XP.
2. It supports a variety of standards, which
facilitate communication with other systems, including MARC 21, Z39.50, Dublin
Core, SIP, NCIP, TCP/IP, SQL, X12, EDIFACT, BISAC, and SISAC.
3. The Horizon system is efficient in staff time
and easy to use. With the Horizon Launcher, all library applications are
instantly and continuously accessible from one Windows desktop. You can open
e-mail, word processing programs and bibliographic utilities without ever
leaving Horizon.
4. The Horizon circulation module is powerful
and flexible. User records can be customized to suit the institution and
individual records can be retrieved by first or last name, barcode number,
alias (network username).
5. The HORIZON acquisition modules manage all
ordering, receiving, invoicing and fund accounting activities performed in the
system. This includes the creation and maintenance of all accounts, vendors,
and purchase orders.
6. Horizon is a flexible application that is able to evolve as needed, adding new
features, revising workflow, while ensuring the long-term value and
functionality of a library's technology investment plus the ability to embrace
new languages.
7. Horizon’s computer-based training (CBT) and
iLearn, the web-based training solution, aims to provide the benefits of
personalized, interactive training without leaving the library. According to Ruth
(Dynix, 2002) a librarian from
The aspect of library services and library cataloguing systems covered in this study had been guided by the research hypothesis. Therefore, the main findings of the research are drawn based on the degree to which the initial hypothesis were proved or disproved by the study.
In general, the research reveals that the inadequacy of libraries in the Middle East are stemming form a combination of factors that are related to the Arabic language, the available automated cataloguing, the library services and support systems, the training and motivation of both library staff and library users. Although, it is difficult to apportion or quantify the findings that were based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, the following points represent the main findings of the research:
1.
LIBRARY SERVICES AND STANDARDISATION
·
Library services in the Arabic speaking Middle Eastern countries are in
general inadequate and are lagging behind compared to other parts of the world
(e.g. the British Library in
·
Sign-posting facilities customers care and users’ support services poorly
provided and mismanaged. Despite the fact that the services themselves are
inappropriate, the available service -poor as they are- would have provided
better users satisfaction if they were better managed. For example, most library users are not aware
of most of the services available have not been brought to the attention of
library user.
·
Libraries in the
·
There is very little sharing of library resources or experiences and
knowledge within or between libraries at both the national and regional levels.
The lack of normalisation and standardisation are among the factors that impede
the abilities of library to co-operate with each other and share their
available resources, their varied experiences and knowledge.
·
Libraries in the
2.
THE AUTOMATED
CATALOGUING SYSTEMS AND ARABIC
LANGUAGE
3. LIBRARY STAFF AND SYSTEM
ADMINISTRATORS
4. LIBRARY USERS
5. LANGUAGE AND SYSTEM
STANDARDISATION PROBLEMS
Having summarised the main findings
of the research above, one must stress that among all the difficulties facing
libraries in the
[1] For
example, the AUC library in