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.
