Feasibility of establishing a National Information Network System for Saudi Arabia: An analysis

This study attempts to investigate the current situation of cooperative programs and activities which exist among Saudi University and special libraries. In addition it identifies the problems and barriers encountered in developing a National Information Network System (NINS) for Saudi Arabia. The study focuses on the attitudinal factors including resistance to technology, personal ego, lack of motivation and willingness to act, and negative feelings toward sharing library resources which may exist among librarians and library administrators. Opinions of these groups in addition to library users concerning the desirability and feasibility of establishing such a network were obtained.;The findings of this study present the need for a formal and scientific plan for a cooperative interlibrary system in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the findings support the existence of several problems including fear of losing materials, competition in purchasing materials, fear of changing familiar processes and procedures as a result of using new technologies in libraries. Data, on the other hand, do not support the existence of some attitudinal problems including: fear of losing job, fear of losing information privacy, fear of using computers, dehumanizing relationships, and potential harmfulness to society.;Establishing a national network was strongly requested by all the respondent groups. They perceive that it is time for Saudi Arabia to have its national information network system to improve library and information services provided by university and special libraries in Saudi Arabia.