Training for information technology at King Abdulaziz University Library

Describes the training issues and concerns raised by the rapidly growing pr ovision of online library services, including: online public access catalog ues (OPACs); CD-ROM databases; full-text databases; online document deliver y and access to the Internet and World Wide Web (in the near future), at Ki ng Abdulaziz University Library (KAUL), Saudi Arabia. Outlines the training programmes developed by the Central Library to meet the needs of users of these online services. Training priorities included: the provision of libra rians with the necessary confidence and competence in using information tec hnology (IT); and the training of library users (academic staff and student s) to help them cope with the ever changing environment of the library. The Arabian Advance Systems company (agents for SilverPlatter, UMI, DIALOG and Bowker-Saur in Saudi Arabia) arranged a one week in-house training course, in CD-ROM and online searching, for the staff working in the CD-ROM inform ation network department. Similar courses were run for branch librarians in various associated colleges. Other courses involved self-study, telephone and video based training. Concludes with notes on the campus user training programme, which is limited to academic staff, demonstrators, assistant lec turers and postgraduate students, and the evening advanced training program mes. The Library was satisfied with the success of their efforts to help us ers to find their way through the Library's IT facilities.