Managing change to enhance Web-based services in the Arabian Gulf libraries

An e-mail survey of seven Arabian Gulf university libraries was conducted in order to ascertain which types of Web-based services they offer to users. The study specifically looked at the provision of access to Web-based services such as catalogues, search engines, forms, etc. through the respective library Web sites. Findings showed that almost all libraries are offering Web-based services to users in one way or the other. This paper also discusses ways to improve and reinforce provision of such Web-based services, including effective methods of creating awareness and delivering the orientation and training necessary to create a positive environment for change. Finally, the results of the study may be helpful especially to librarians of the Arabian Gulf libraries in enhancing or developing quality web-based services.