Challenges and Vital Role of Supply Chain and Procurement Management in Supplying Library-Related Materials and Services in Academic and Public Libraries in Qatar

This dissertation investigates procurement techniques and Supply Chain Management's impact on the operations and the set strategies at academic and public libraries in Qatar. This research intends to examine the role of proper procurement methods in supplying library-related materials and services, reducing costs and meeting customers' satisfaction.

The significance of the research is the limitation of the theory and academic studies that examine and evaluate the procurement strategies' role in supplying and offering library-related materials and services in the middle east and Qatar.

The literature review critically discussed the theories of the SCM models, frameworks and innovations about procurement and purchasing practices elements in general and at academic libraries in detail as the collaboration, effective coordination and information sharing, strategic planning, vendor pre-qualification management, supplier business relationship, negotiation, and cost reduction.

This research followed a pragmatism philosophy and implemented a deductive approach with a simple mixed method as a methodological choice. Qualitative and quantitative data were used to interpret the web questionnaire answers.

The web survey targeted the procurement team's expertise and librarians involved in the purchasing process at academic and public libraries.

Thirty-two participants responded and were part of the data collection study. They shared a holistic insight into the current procurement practices, challenges, essential procurement strategies, and supply chain processes supporting the library's objective and customers' satisfaction and expectations.

The conclusion shows the main SCM challenges that libraries face and the followed procurement techniques and experience at academic and public libraries. The recommendations address the proper procurement techniques that can be applied to solve the current difficulties and enhance the process to achieve library objectives and operations enhancement.

The researcher identified the scope for further research to profoundly explore and evaluate the current procurement practices by following a case study method and applying it to the Qatar National Library.