Notes on document supply in the Middle East

This overview of document supply in the Middle East divides the countries of the region into four groups: GCC states; Iran and Iraq; Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey; and finally, Israel. This grouping is based on the varying economic conditions amongst the members of each, both historically and in terms of their diversification. The conclusion reached is that, whilst economic conditions are important in influencing the ability to pay for document supply services, they are more importantly a deciding factor in determining the perception of their usefulness. This perception in turn influences a society’s willingness to incorporate document supply within its policies and plans on research information access and infrastructure.