| Abstract: | This study reviews the higher education movement, and the development of Universities in Jordan. Academic libraries use of Arabized software packages (MINISIS and CDS/ISIS), rationale for selection, applications, services, problems, solutions, and future plans are surveyed. Types of hardware, staff, and material entries are discussed. The study samples included 20 libraries. All of 17 (85%) respondent libraries are computerized. Six (35·3%) use MINISIS, nine (52·9%) use CDS/ISIS, and two (11·8%) use customized packages. Systems are mostly employed in technical processing, reference services, bibliographies, and acquisitions. Adaptability to Arab libraries functions, handling of bi-lingual documents, and networking ability are the prime priority, inter alia , reasons for packages selection. Insufficient funds and equipment, and unskilled staff are the major hindrances which obstruct the full use of packages. This study stresses the need to develop packages conducive to meet particular Arab libraries demands, plans for manpower academic training, and the necessity for libraries linkage to networks. |
