English abstract
The Study aimed at investigating the information services provided by public libraries in Oman. The study targeted all libraries in the country as they are counted 52 public libraries. Of which, only 4 libraries are managed and supported by Governmental entities, but the majority are considered as people's libraries, which are privately owned and supported. The overall study sample consisted of 15 libraries that represent all regions in Oman. Data were collected through a questionnaire which was distributed to the managers of the chosen libraries. The questionnaire consisted of three parts of which part one sought general information about the libraries while part two of the questionnaire dealt with information about the personnel and their qualifications and part three dealt with information services and the way they are provided. A number of 21 services were indicated. Data were processed and analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The most important results were described as follows:
1. Reading inside libraries is the most frequently used service (84%) while borrowing materials comes next with (68%).
2. Almost (73%) of libraries depend on voluntary efforts to continue working and these efforts are weak and very insufficient.
3. Users of these libraries are very literate about their needs of information and existing services.
The study concluded with the following recommendations:
1. Organize a National conference about public libraries in Oman, obstacles they are facing, suggest solutions, and set up a national strategy to improve public libraries performance and services all-over the country.
2. Establish a comprehensive documentation about public libraries including definitions, purposes, philosophy and general principles.
3. Create an inclusive plan to establish a network of public libraries that covers all regions in Oman based on international standards and principles.
4. Establish a national library as a mother of all library setting to support the foundation of public libraries in terms of standardization and regulations.
