Collaboration in library and information science education in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC): Current status, challenges and future trends

Despite the growing popularity of Library and Information Science (LIS) education in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) states, there is evidence of significant shortcomings in resources, expertise and facilities which may seriously threaten the future sustainability of the field. In other parts of the world, trends in regional and international collaboration and co-operation among LIS specialists are contributing to the growth and sustainability of this area of education, and generating innovative ways of addressing resource limitations and other weaknesses. This paper draws on existing literature to examine the current state of LIS education in the GCC states and to provide examples of the types of collaborative models and strategies that might be adopted from other parts of the world in order to improve LIS education in this region. The potential challenges to this process are discussed and some recommendations for consideration by LIS specialists in the GCC are put forward.