English abstract
The aim of this study is to identify the different types of crises faced by Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) libraries and the use of crisis management strategies, including signal detection, preparation and prevention, containment and damage control, recovery and learning. The study also looks at the factors affecting SQU libraries under investigation.
This study is based on the qualitative approach, in that it uses open interview as a tool for data collection. The study covers 3 SQU academic libraries and interviewed 16 administrators, including directors and heads of departments. To achieve its objectives, the interviews were coded and analyzed and divided to main themes and sub- themes. Then, the topics were defined and linked to the objectives of the study.
The study concludes that SQU libraries under investigation face a number of potential crises: financial crises, human crises, technological crises, building related crises, silent crises, health crises and environmental crises. The study shows that the ability of SQU libraries under investigation to respond to signal detection and to preparation and prevention are relatively moderate, while it is shown that their ability is high in containment and damage control, and in learning from previous lessons.
The findings of the study further show that there are a numbers factors that affect the absence of crisis management strategies in the libraries investigated. These factors include administrative support, training, technological factors, geographical spacing between the libraries and SQU administration, qualified staff, organizational culture, and financial aspects.
The study suggests a set of recommendations, the most important of which is that SQU libraries should develop an integrated crisis management system and a clear vision to deal with potential crises, prepare a master plan for crisis management, and train staff to deal with arising emergency situations.
