دور المكتبات الأكاديمية العمانية في دعم اقتصاد المعرفة

Abstract EN

This study aims to identify the role of Omani academic libraries in supporting knowledge economy, through Bryson’s five indicators appeared in 2001: library infrastructure, information services and activities carried out by the libraries for creative ideas and for supporting innovation and building collections that are capable to keep up with the new requirements of knowledge management.

the study adopted the questionnaire as a tool of the descriptive method to collect and analyze data.

the results indicated that Omani academic libraries have a good infrastructure in communications and information technology that supports research and facilitates the use of electronic services.

moreover, the catalogues and databases of the libraries have been indicated by respondents as sufficient tools for exploring relevant information, especially in libraries which are continuously organizing training programs in new developments of knowledge economy.

on the other hand, the results showed a weakness of Omani academic libraries in supporting creative ideas, and in encouraging their employees to find out creative solutions for various problems facing them.

the study recommended that the need for Omani academic libraries to keep up with developments in the fields of knowledge management and economy, supporting the creative ideas through collaboration with local and international professional associations and to encourage creative thinking with collaboration with organizations concerned with innovation in the country.