English abstract
The study aimed to identify the role of academic libraries in promoting the awareness of the concept of citizenship, identity, heritage and national culture according to Oman Vision 2040, and to identify the role of academic libraries in enhancement of the information awareness skills and adapting to technology changes in the context of conservation of identity. It addressed also the role of academic libraries in enhancement of community awareness and social responsibility and, finally, to explore the key challenges that encounter academic libraries in promoting the dimensions of citizenship according to Oman Vision.
The study relied on qualitative methodology and used semi-structured interviews as a data collection tool. Population of the study included all academic libraries of public and private universities in the Sultanate of Oman (n=32). Deliberate sample has been chosen. Sample of the study was limited to 15 academic libraries with average of 16 interviews with directors of academic libraries or their representatives.
The study drew set of conclusions, mainly: That academic libraries provide Omani intellectual production through the special groups and participate in implementation of cultural events in official events to enhance the concept of citizenship, identity, heritage and national culture in the beneficiaries. Results showed that in spite of importance of utilizing digital media in the library activities and events, only 6 libraries of the study sample utilize digital media in promoting the citizenship and identity. Results indicated that academic libraries undertake training lectures and workshops for students in development of research and retrieval skills and documentation methods to enhance their information awareness skills. Results showed that most academic libraries don't provide training courses in adaptation to technology developments, and don't utilize modern technologies in provision of their services. Results showed that academic libraries organize various awareness workshops for external society to enhance the culture of its members and propagate awareness among them.
Results showed that poor financial provisions for the library activities and events and low number of qualified human resources in the library as well as centralization of the decisions related to community service obstruct academic libraries to carry out various events that enhance citizenship and identity of the beneficiaries.
The study concluded set of recommendations, mainly: Oman universities must direct their academic libraries to apply modern technologies and adapt to technical developments in line with the new directives of strategic plans. Oman universities must simplify the administrative procedures related to the various decisions and events that serve the academic libraries and their beneficiaries of students, employees and external society, and to provide budgets allocated to the library activities and events to ensure that they pursue their rule in achieving the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
