Cooperative Cataloging: Prospects and Problems for Libraries in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Despite witnessing the enormous success of cooperative cataloging programs in Europe and North America, the libraries in Saudi Arabia and other Arabian Gulf states have made no concerted efforts in initiating similar programs. The author emphasizes the need for cooperation in cataloging—especially of local materials. Due to unavailability of cataloging copy from the Library of Congress and other sources for a high percentage of imprints from Arab countries, and in the absence of bibliographic cooperation, libraries are doing redundant cataloging and thus wasting both time and money. The author reviews the current state of bibliographic cooperation, discusses prospects for further cooperation, and highlights difficulties in cooperation. The author concludes with recommendations that King Fahd National Library develop a national cooperative cataloging program with specific goals, set guidelines, and prepare rules and procedures for participating libraries to contribute in various cooperative cataloging programs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.