المكتبات العامة في سلطنة عمان ودورها في تنمية الوعي المعرفي في ضوء أهداف التنمية المستدامة

Abstract EN

This study aims to find out the role of the public libraries in the sultanate of Oman in achieving knowledge awareness as one of Oman’s sustainable development goals.

to achieve the study's main objective, several questions regarding the public libraries' role were proposed.

to answer these questions, the study adopted a descriptive analytical-qualitative method.

twelve public libraries were covered in this study.

moreover, two qualitative tools were used: interviews with representatives from the public libraries and analyzing the contents of these libraries' programs.

the study found that public libraries' awareness about sustainable development is medium, as some have no idea about the topic.

the study also revealed that the public library focuses on sustainable development as educational aspects by providing databases and facilitating access.

moreover, besides the technical aspects, most public libraries provide the services of public computers and the internet.

in addition, some of these public libraries had played a role in disseminating health awareness for society through providing first aid training courses.

however, the public libraries" role in enhancing society's awareness of the available job opportunities was very week.

in addition, public libraries in Oman have a critical role in preserving Oman’s documentary heritage and provide its accessibility as most of the public libraries have a huge number of these documents.

the most important recommendation of the study is that the Omani libraries' authority should focus on developing the awareness of the specialists of the public library about sustainable development and the role of public libraries in achieving it.