Exploring the critical success factors that might influence the use of Integrated Library Systems (ILS) in KSA: Case study of Taibah University

Abstract

Integrated Library Systems (ILS) have become the global standard requirements. Developing nations however face technological, social, and financial challenges in the face of undertaking a project as large as ILS implementation. This research project analyses user perspective of ILS interaction and management perspective of ILS implementation and determines the crucial success factors that can influence the use of the ILS. This research takes mixed methodology approach. Quantitative primary data is collected through a survey of users at Taibah University in Saudi Arabia. Qualitative primary data is collected by semi-structured interviews of team members of the ILS implementation project at Taibah University in Saudi Arabia. The findings reveal that for users, the critical success factors that determine ILS usage are ILS user-friendliness, functionality, security, the academic value added by ILS, user cooperation and feedback, skillset of the workforce, and vendor support. A framework for readiness assessment for ILS implementation is presented. Research limitations are discussed. The findings of this research are significant to education institutions in developing nations and will help them implement ILS using the framework suggested for readiness assessment.