The information-seeking behavior of Mosque Speechmakers (MSs) in the State of Kuwait

What is it about?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reveal the cover of research regarding Mosque Speechmakers (MSs) in the Arabic environment. The researcher tries to investigate the information-seeking behaviour of MSs in the State of Kuwait in terms of their thoughts, approaches, habits, preferences, tools and problems met when using of and accessing information. Design/methodology/approach – The author employed a questionnaire, with a response rate 70.6 per cent (561/795). Findings – The findings of the study revealed that most of MSs in Kuwait tend to be older (aged over 35 years), educated (mostly with BA degrees) and with an average monthly income over 300 KD ($1000 = 282 KD). The study showed that MSs were significantly seeking information to make a specific/general research, to collect necessary statistics, to make a speech/sermon and to present religious sermons/lectures. They preferred to use the home/personal library as well as the special library, specifically the Mosque library. The information-seeking behaviour of a large number of them indicated a preference for printed sources over electronic sources, and a good number preferred to access information through the audio-visual materials as well as the web. A very small number of them were looking for information for the purpose of making a speech (Friday speech/sermon). The study also showed that the most important sources of information MSs were seeking for were biographies, specialised books, particularly Islamic books, mass media (press, TV, videos, etc.). The study also showed that a large number of MSs were poor in the usage of foreign languages, and this in turn has negatively affected to take advantage of the vast information available in these languages. The unpretentious role of the library to deliver requested information, the use of foreign languages as well as the high cost of information were the most significant problems met by MSs when using of and accessing information. Research limitations/implications – This paper investigates the topic of MSs’ use of and access to information. This topic, unfortunately, has limited previous research, especially in the Arabic and Islamic environment. Practical implications – The paper provides valuable insight into the information behaviour of a very important client group, namely, MSs. Originality/value – Being the second one of its type throughout the Arab world, this study is characterised to be a distinguishing one among several studies conducted in the area of the information-seeking behaviour, especially with such a significant group of information users/seekers. Any findings resulted from this study may help in a better understanding of the MSs’ information-seeking behaviour, and may also help policy and decision-makers (Mosques and Islamic institutions) as well as religious information service providers to understand well the nature of these beneficiaries of information sources and to enrich the awareness of researchers and professionals on the topic of information-seeking behaviour of Mosque speechmakers. Keywords: Kuwait, Islam, Muslims, Information needs, Information-seeking behaviour, Mosque speechmakers

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Why is it important?

Being the second one of its type throughout the Arab world, this study is characterised to be a distinguishing one among several studies conducted in the area of the information-seeking behaviour, especially with such a significant group of information users/seekers. Any findings resulted from this study may help in a better understanding of the MSs’ information-seeking behaviour, and may also help policy and decision-makers (Mosques and Islamic institutions) as well as religious information service providers to understand well the nature of these beneficiaries of information sources and to enrich the awareness of researchers and professionals on the topic of information-seeking behaviour of Mosque speechmakers.

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