Digitization of University Libraries The Library of the Faculty of Arts at Omar Al-Mukhtar University as a Case Study

Abstract

The aim of this research is to explore the concept of digital libraries and the key requirements for their establishment in general, as well as to develop library procedures and practices in order to provide services that meet the needs of users. This is achieved by developing a phased plan for the transition to a digital library, along with a conceptual framework for the general features of the digitization project for the Library of the Faculty of Arts at Omar Mukhtar University in Libya. The research also aims to identify the main phases of this project, as well as to highlight the challenges that may be encountered in its implementation and the difficulties that may arise for those overseeing its development.

In preparing the research, I used the descriptive survey method and a questionnaire tool. I distributed 40 questionnaire forms to the administrative staff of the Library of the Faculty of Arts at Omar Mukhtar University during the period of 2021-2022, and 38 forms were retrieved.

At the end of the research, several results were obtained, including the following key findings:

1. The majority of administrators agree that the main obstacles facing the digitization of the Library of the Faculty of Arts at Omar Mukhtar University are:

• The lack of proper planning and feasibility studies for transitioning to the digitization of university libraries.


• The insufficient awareness of administrators regarding the importance of digitizing university libraries.


• The unclear understanding of the concept of implementing digitization projects in university libraries by the administration.


• The limited financial allocations for preparing the technological infrastructure of university libraries.


• The lack of funding for digitization-related equipment, management programs, and security measures due to their high costs.


• The absence of library activities that raise legal awareness about changes in the digital environment.

Furthermore, all administrators in the research sample agree that:

• There are no legal provisions in Libyan law to protect digital information.


• There are few governmental strategies and initiatives for the digitization of university libraries.


• There is a shortage of specialized staff in the field of digitization.

At the conclusion of the research, I recommend that the university administration:

• Form a committee to plan and conduct proper feasibility studies for the transition to the digitization of university libraries.


• Work on clarifying the concept of digitization projects in university libraries for all administrative staff working in university libraries.


• Raise the awareness of administrative officials about the importance of digitizing university libraries by organizing training courses for all administrative staff in university libraries, to ensure they understand the benefits that digitalization will bring to all library users.


• Strengthen the technological infrastructure by increasing financial allocations to prepare the technological infrastructure for university libraries, in order to address the lack of readiness of university libraries to adopt digitization projects.