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This paper provides a brief report on a study of faculty and researchers' use patterns and perceptions of CDROM services at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) Library in Saudi Arabia, as background information to measures taken as a result of the study. The main objectives of the study were to ascertain use patterns and perceptions of CDROM services: another objective was to elicit comments which would be used in developing a planning strategy to expand and enhance CDROM services. Two main methods were used in the study: CDROM search forms and a questionnaire survey. The results of the study revealed that the majority of the faculty had used CDROM services; they felt satisfied with the service but also felt that there was a strong need for user training. Several problematic areas have been identified including need for new vision CDROM hardware and software systems, publicity, user training and document delivery. The report then considers measures that have been taken to address the problematic areas and discusses how effective those remedial actions have been. The paper concludes that the KFUPM Library planned and developed user‐oriented services in response to the findings of the study, but still faces further challenges in developing a CDROM service that is fully integrated with other electronic resources and services.

This paper reviews the preparation, planning and implementation of the Continuing Education (CE) program aimed at upgrading the skills and the competencies of the library staff at the King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) Library, Saudi Arabia. The process of assessing the needs and strategies used for program development and implementation as well as problems faced in coordinating the various components of CE program is discussed. The CE program consisting of (1) short courses, (2) W9rkshops, (3) symposia, (4) pre- and post-conference tutori­ a1s, and (5) 10ca1 seminars - proved to be an effective means of staff development. Perhaps the key to the success of the CE program was the involvement of the library staff in assessing the needs and the struc­ ture of the program. A total of six short courses, nine workshops and 1610ca1 seminars were conducted over a three year period as part of the CE program. An iriterim eva1uation, follow-up to assure the utiliza­ tion of training imparted, and an appropriate mechanism for continued motivation of staff have been con­ sidered necessary for future success of the program.

This paper reports the results of a comparative study of the suitability of DOBIS/LIBIS and MINISIS for library applications. Evaluation of the systems against locally developed criteria have indicated great potential for handling all major library functions including Arabisation. The study has shown that DOBIS/LIBIS scored higher in circulation and periodical control, while MINISIS scored higher in cataloguing and OPAC functions. Further, DOBIS/LIBIS' support services and MINISIS' documentation require considerable enhancements. The authors conclude that DOBIS/LIBIS seems to be more suitable for large academic libraries, with access to the mainframe computer and adequate data processing staff. MINISIS in the meantime, may be a better choice for special libraries and information centres interested in SDI, indexing services, etc. which want to use mini or microcomputers.

Depuis quelques annees de nombreuses universites, institutions et centres de recherches du monde arabe mettent en place des systemes automatises dans leurs bibliotheques. Les programmes d'arabisation se sont heurtes a de nombreux problemes dont les deux principaux etaient: l'absence d'un systeme normalise de codification des caracteres arabes et l'impossibilite d'obtenir un terminal totalement bilingue. Ces deux problemes ont ete resolus respectivement en 1982 et 1984: grâce a ces progres des versions arabisees de DUBIS/LIBIS, de MINISIS et de STAIRS existent maintenant et une cooperation inter-bibliotheque peut etre envisagee. Les principaux projets du monde arabe sont presentes ainsi que les problemes de coordination et de cooperation qui les ralentissent actuellement. (INTO)