The “Ialam” journal

Abstracts

editorial — 2025-07-01

Abstract

Information Retrieval Methods in the Saudi Digital Library and Ways to Develop Them

ريهام السحيباني — 2025-09-17

The study aimed to identify the methods of retrieving information available on the Saudi Digital Library by faculty members in the Library and Information Departments in two Saudi universities, to reveal the difficulties facing faculty members in obtaining information, and to present their proposals for developing the Saudi Digital Library in the service of scientific research. The study sample included 48 faculty members from the two universities. The study relied on the descriptive survey approach, and data were collected using a questionnaire. The study reached several results, the most important of which are: that the most used electronic sources by the study sample are university theses and periodicals, and that all study sample use the Saudi Digital Library, and that there are difficulties and obstacles represented in the lack of sufficient experience in searching the databases available in it, as well as the difficulty in reading and translating the electronic sources available in it, with the scarcity of Arabic electronic sources. The study recommended the necessity of adding a direct communication service with beneficiaries in the Saudi Digital Library, keeping pace with some artificial intelligence programs, and employing them in the Saudi Digital Library, and employing training courses and initiatives related to data, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

Information Professionals between Personal Branding, Mental Image, and Digital Footprint

سهام محمد حافظ — 2025-09-17

The field of Library and Information Science (LIS) is evolving rapidly under the influence of technology and digital change. In this shifting landscape, LIS professionals are increasingly expected to develop and refine their personal brand, mental image, and digital footprint. A strong personal brand helps individuals highlight their unique strengths—both visible skills and subtle qualities—making them stand out and improving their chances in a competitive job market. The mental image, on the other hand, reflects how others perceive the professional based on their interactions and presence, which plays a key role in shaping reputation. Meanwhile, the digital footprint—the traces left online through professional activity—has become an essential part of one’s identity, directly impacting credibility and visibility in the digital space. This study takes a Literature Review approach to examine existing literature on how these three dimensions affect LIS professionals. The findings show that cultivating a strong personal brand can open doors to better job opportunities, enhance career growth, and boost both confidence and personal satisfaction. Similarly, maintaining a positive mental image fosters trust among peers and employers, paving the way for meaningful collaborations. Finally, managing one’s digital footprint with awareness and strategy can significantly improve online presence and engagement, helping professionals connect with wider audiences and share their expertise more effectively.

The Status of Open Science Principles Implementation in Omani Universities

سحر الخضوري — 2025-09-17

This study aimed to investigate the current state of implementing open science principles in Omani universities, including identifying existing initiatives within these universities. The research employed a qualitative descriptive methodology, utilizing semi-structured interviews to gather and analyze data. A total of 15 interviews were conducted with representatives from four universities: Sultan Qaboos University, Dhofar University of Applied Science, Nizwa University, and Al Sharqiyah University, selected from a total of 11 universities. The findings revealed several key insights, particularly highlighting the pivotal role of university libraries in promoting open science principles through partnerships with the local community and collaborative lending services. Additionally, universities allow direct access to their digital portals, especially for researchers. Moreover, they contribute to the National Digital Research Repository by providing their theses and articles through it. In conclusion, the study offers several recommendations, including organizing scientific workshops to raise awareness of open science and promote its adoption. It suggests conducting training sessions for university faculty and staff focused on research methodologies and technologies, expanding partnerships in the information sector with local, regional, and international entities, and advocating for establishing a dedicated scientific center to provide research resources that serve all researchers in the Sultanate.

The role of public libraries in strengthening the mechanisms of Action for climate empowerment (ACE)

هبة حسنين — 2025-09-17

Climate change represents a significant and escalating threat to governments worldwide, particularly in light of its increasing and wide-reaching effects. Public libraries are among the most influential and active institutions in this context, given their vital role in community engagement and education. As such, they are key stakeholders in the global response to climate change and in the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study investigates the contributions of public libraries to advancing Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) in the United Arab Emirates and the Arab Republic of Egypt. The findings highlight the crucial role libraries play in delivering educational and training programs, raising public awareness about climate-related issues, and participating in climate discourse. However, the study also identifies challenges, including limited involvement in national climate initiatives, a scarcity of climate change-related printed resources, and restricted engagement in COP-related activities held in both countries. Based on these findings, the study recommends formally integrating public libraries into national climate strategies, enhancing coordination with national ACE focal points, and fostering greater institutional support to expand their role in climate empowerment efforts.

Knowledge management and social innovation

شهد المطرفي — 2025-09-17

The current review aims to explore the topic of knowledge management and social innovation. This is achieved by defining the terms in the review, identifying their earliest appearances and associated concepts, identifying the beginnings of studies, developments, and research trends in the review topic, and identifying conferences, workshops, and associations that have addressed the topic. It also tracks the review terms using a digital indicator that describes the volume of scientific production in databases and digital search engines. Finally, it highlights the most important research trends in the topic, relying on a search and retrieval methodology to achieve the review's objectives. The review concluded that the two topics first became linked at the Seventh Knowledge Management Conference in 2006. It also concluded that the concept of social innovation is not limited to a specific sector but rather focuses on societal needs in any sector. It is also related to achieving the goals of sustainable development and improving the quality of human life. Furthermore, there are no published studies or scientific papers in Arabic-language academic literature that link knowledge management and social innovation. While this review is not the first of its kind, it distinguishes itself from others in that it addresses knowledge management as a general, comprehensive concept and its connection to social innovation, not as a process or practice.

Smart Phone Applications in Public Libraries

أمينة مصطفى عبد العزيز — 2025-09-17

Smartphones have become an essential part of our daily lives. So, this study aimed to identify literature about Smartphone applications in libraries at local and international levels. The study used the literature review method to represent literature in libraries generally and in public libraries specifically. The study revealed that studies about Smartphone applications in public libraries are rare, and many of them focus on the theoretical side not the practical one. In addition to the existence of several studies dealing with smartphone applications in academic libraries.

IFLA Report on Leadership Training Programs.. Lessons Learned

عماد صالح — 2025-09-17

The editorial discusses the lessons learned from the field survey published in the IFLA Report on Library and Information Leadership Training Programmes Worldwide.