Researcher Abdullah Mahrous Mashourah was awarded a PhD degree in Knowledge Technologies for his dissertation titled: Open-Source Systems and Their Application in Creating a Unified Catalog Using Koha System at Sana'a University Libraries, which was submitted to the Department of Libraries and Information Science, Faculty of Arts and Humanities –Sana’a University. The dissertation defense was held on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
The PhD Viva-Voce Committee, which was formed based on a resolution issued by the Graduate Studies and Scientific Research Council, consisted of the following:
• Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Attab – Sana’a University – Internal Examiner and Chair.
• Prof. Abdo Mohammed Al-Mekhlafi – Sana’a University –Supervisor and Committee Member.
• Dr. Abdullah Saleh Al-Bukhaiti – Ibb University – External Examiner and Committee Member.
The study aimed to analyze the feasibility of implementing Koha, an open-source integrated library system, to develop a union catalog for Sana’a University libraries. It examined the technical and human resources required for implementation, assessed staff members’ skills and experience, analyzed the current technological infrastructure of the libraries, and evaluated the suitability of Koha for the existing technical and human-resource environment, including the necessary configuration and training requirements.
The study also sought to identify staff attitudes toward establishing a union catalog and achieving integration among libraries, explore the benefits of implementing Koha and the potential challenges and obstacles, and propose a preliminary model for developing a union catalog for Sana’a University libraries, outlining the steps required to establish it.
The study yielded several key findings summarized as follows:
1. The feasibility of establishing a union catalog for Sana’a University libraries using the open-source Koha system was assessed at 65.80%.
2. Three key dimensions related to the feasibility of implementing Koha to establish a union catalog recorded relatively low levels: human-resource skills (63.20%), the current state of the libraries (63.00%), and implementation requirements (62.60%).
3. The availability of the technical and human-resource requirements for implementing Koha stood at 62.60%. The availability of basic administrative support ranked first at 66.20%, while the system’s compatibility and integration with other university systems ranked last at 58.60%.
4. The proportion of staff members in Sana’a University libraries possessing the skills and capabilities needed to implement Koha was 63.20%. Understanding computer concepts, networks, and how they operate ranked first at 67.60%, while familiarity with the concept of open-source integrated library systems ranked last at 60.60%.
5. The findings showed that 70.20% of staff members in Sana’a University libraries held positive attitudes toward the union catalog and integration among libraries. Recognizing the importance of standardizing information access points ranked first at 74.40%, while practical readiness for active cooperation among libraries scored 66.80%.
In light of these findings, the study proposes the following recommendations:
1. Upgrade technological infrastructure at Sana’a University libraries by prioritizing network connectivity among libraries, improving server specifications, and updating existing databases and systems before proceeding with Koha implementation.
2. Allocate a dedicated budget for infrastructure development, covering regular maintenance of equipment and networks and the provision of high performance servers that meet operational requirements.
3. Implement intensive training programs for library staff prior to Koha introduction, focusing on integrated library systems, software management and updates, and advanced internet skills for information retrieval and management.
4. Develop a sustainable training plan that incorporates regular workshops, a comprehensive user guide, and an online training platform enabling staff to learn independently according to their needs.
5. Launch the union catalog project using Koha, capitalizing on staff members’ relatively high awareness and positive attitudes. Before implementation, however, trust among libraries should be strengthened and appropriate incentives for cooperation provided.
The dissertation defense was attended by a number of academics, postgraduate students, researchers, as well as the researcher's colleagues and family members.
الملخص:
Researcher Abdullah Mahrous Mashourah was awarded a PhD degree in Knowledge Technologies for his dissertation titled: Open-Source Integrated Library Systems and Their Application in Developing a Union Catalog Using the Koha System in Sana’a University Libraries.
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