The document assesses the effectiveness of searching Arabic resources through the OPAC at the USIM library, revealing user dissatisfaction and the need for improved information retrieval techniques. Surveys highlighted that many users lack basic knowledge of the OPAC, while cataloguers face challenges due to insufficient training and knowledge in Islamic studies and Arabic. It concludes with a call for enhanced collaboration and competence among library staff to better manage and retrieve Islamic and Arabic information.

1. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SEARCHING ARABIC RESOURCES THROUGH OPAC : A CASE STUDY IN USIM LIBRARY
PUTRI SANIAH MEGAT ABD. RAHMAN
&
NOR AZZAH MOMIN
UNIVERSITI SAINS ISLAM MALAYSIA (USIM)

2. CONTENTS
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Issues to be addressed -the technical problems in Arabic information retrieval system & information skills of the users.
Methodology -survey on the effectiveness of searching through USIM OPAC & survey on the problems faced by cataloguers in the organization and management of Arabic collection.
Issues and opportunities.

3. OBJECTIVES
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To evaluate the effectiveness of searching Arabic resources through the OPAC of the USIMLibrary.
General observation -Arabic users are not really satisfied with the information retrieved from the OPACs and prefer browsing on the shelves.
Not only issues in Malaysia

4. Survey 1
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Effectiveness of searching Arabic resources through USIM Library OPAC
In 2010 by NurulHafiza–Student –Degree in SunnahStudies & Information Management.
115 undergraduate students from the Faculty of Quranicand SunnahStudies.

5. Survey 1 -Results
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34.78% -chose USIM Library as their source of reference for Arabic information (lecturers, internet).
93.1% -Purpose –Assignments.
58.8% -Use OPAC to search for Arabic resources at USIM Library.

6. Survey 1 –Results…cont.
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63% -no basic knowledge.
53.3% -browsing the OPAC. Others -use Keyword Search.
Search terms -79.3% -Title. 16.7%-Author. 3.4%-Subject.

7. Survey 1 –Results…cont.
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Looking level of information -in term of searching Arabic information.
53.45% -Correct –keyword for searching ‘Ism Kana wa-akhawatuha’ (Nahu/Saraf) and Treaty (Sulh) of Hudaibiyah.

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Tests -Searching Arabic information.
42% -right answer –Using subject –eg. Ahmad Deedat.
27.9% -correct -Transliteration scheme.
Survey 1 –Results…cont.

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StudentsshouldlearnmoreoftheOPACsearchingfunctionsthroughtheUserEducationClass.
Learnmoreonsubjectsearching.
Survey 1 –Conclusion

10. Survey 2
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2008 -The need -Islamic cataloguers & Islamic cataloguing system.
Study the organization and management of Arabic resources -cataloguing and classification tools, transliteration techniques, and also the competencies of librarians.
20 librarians.

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40% -no Islamic Studies background at all.
5% -High School,
10% -Diploma in Islamic Studies
45% -First Degree level.
Other problem -Cannot read Arabic Calligraphy & cannot understand the language itself (which may affect the transliteration process too).
Survey 2 –Results…cont.

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60% -need for training on cataloguing the Islamic resources.
65% of them faced problems in giving subjects.
Survey 2 –Results…cont.

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The study concludes -the importance in developing competent & knowledgeable (in Islamic Studies and Arabic languages).
Should also be the subject specialist for the Islamic collections and libraries.
Survey 2 –Conclusion

14. Issues and Opportunities
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Arabic information retrieval
Organization of Arabic and Islamic resources
Competencies of LIS professionals
Packaging of Islamic information

15. Conclusion
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Cooperation & collaboration to:
Ensure more effective management & retrieval of Islamic & Arabic information & resources;
Improve standard rules, cataloguing tools & techniques;
Establish union catalogues & authority files;
Share & exchange resources & expertise creatively.

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