Developing working LIS professionals in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries: a study of the perceptions of deans and directors of academic libraries

This paper reports the results of an investigation in current continuing professional development practices, perceptions of academic library employers about skills that need to be developed in their staff in the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries. A mailed questionnaire was used to collect data from 15 publicly funded academic institutions; 13 responded. Analysis shows that a systematic staff development program is generally lacking. Current continuing professional development activities focus on immediate institutional needs. Information and communication technology skills preferred relate to automated systems, electronic resources, networking, and multimedia applications. Writing and research skills related to measurement and evaluation, studying information needs, and report writing received higher ranks. The paper concludes with a number of recommendations which are made in order to improve the situation.