English abstract
The current study aimed to identify the reality of using of artificial
intelligence techniques in Omani libraries, identify the relationship between
artificial intelligence technologies and their ability to develop technical and
administrative processes in Omani libraries, and to identify the challenges
facing Omani libraries to use artificial intelligence applications. The study
adopted the qualitative approach by using semi-standardized interview to
collect data from the libraries of the study sample. The number of Omani
libraries conducted by the study was about (9) Omani libraries, Academic
libraries (Oman College of Management and Technology Library, Pharmacy
Library of the National University of Science and Technology), For culture and
innovation, Children's Public Library, Sheikh Muhammad bin Omair Al Hinai
Library), public libraries (Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Library), and the
specialized libraries (Central Bank of Oman Library, Supreme Court Library,
Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs Library).
The study reached a number of results, the most important of which are:
the multiplicity of library systems used by Omani libraries; Each library has a
specific system in managing the library and the services it provides. There is
also a disparity in the use of artificial intelligence techniques in Omani libraries
due to the nature of the library and the category it serves. Its use is limited to
certain functions, as is unique to the library of the Creativity Center for Culture
and Innovation with the presence of the Afaq Almareefa robot.The results of
the study confirmed that decision makers and library management consider
libraries a suitable and fertile environment for activating various technological
techniques, including artificial intelligence techniques, such as answering
inquiries and using smart robots, and based on what has been mentioned that
most of the participants have shortcomings in activating and using artificial
intelligence techniques, on the other hand, it turned out that there is a simple
application and limited use of some services in the robot, Alexa program, and
smart gate services in most Omani libraries. In addition to the use of RFID
security chip technologies that maintain the protection of sources, information
and privacy, and the presence of IBEACON technology, The results of the
study confirmed that there is a future trend towards employing artificial
intelligence techniques in the various technical operations carried out by
libraries, and that artificial intelligence techniques establish new jobs in the
work environment in libraries. On the other hand, the study revealed a number
of challenges faced by Omani libraries in activating and applying them.
Artificial intelligence techniques, which hinder libraries to apply artificial
intelligence techniques, the most important of which are the technical
challenges that the study sample confirmed as one of the main challenges facing
libraries, administrative challenges and the inability to make appropriate
decisions, and the financial cost is one of the main challenges facing libraries
due to their price The very high level, and the necessity for the presence of
specialists, just as the legal challenges pose a challenge related to violations of
privacy and decision-making. The lack of skills and highly qualified employees
in the use and activation of artificial intelligence techniques is a major
impediment to human challenges.
The study concluded with a number of recommendations, the most
important of which are: the need to spread the culture of robots and the
techniques of the fourth industrial revolution in libraries; Because of its great
impact and rapid progress in the services it provides, with a focus on developing
laws and legislation to use it, developing the skills of information specialists;
By holding workshops and participating in training courses to develop their
technical skills, introducing artificial intelligence and the fourth industrial
revolution among the topics of the decisions of the Department of Information
Studies, the necessity of establishing a local institution or participating with
other international institutions in adopting and financing artificial intelligence
projects and related technologies, and strengthening cooperation And
partnership at the international level to encourage the use of artificial
intelligence in libraries through concluding scientific research exchange
agreements and joint workshops between institutions and uniting efforts
through unions and associations.
