Challenges to Building Effective Digital Libraries in the Arabian Gulf

Abstract

In response to user needs and demands, as well as changing technologies, libraries are moving beyond the traditional or conventional setups towards digital libraries where substantial amounts of primary source material are directly accessible for the user community. These digital materials range from electronic versions of books and journals to manuscripts, photographs, maps, and sound recordings. There is a growing national and international recognition that digital libraries will be a key research and development area for the next decade and will form an essential part of the broad information infrastructure supporting the research and education community. Currently, there are many ongoing digital library research projects to develop new electronic forms and new means of access through digital and networking technologies. This paper defines the confusing concept of digital libraries and related terms, and identifies challenges that must be met to create effective digital libraries in the Gulf region, including technical architecture, building digital resources, copyright, preservation, and cost.