Services at Jabatan Kehakiman Syariah Malaysia Library: An Analysis of Arabic Cataloguing Procedures

This case study explores the Arabic cataloguing procedures at the Jabatan Kehakiman Syariah Malaysia Library (JKSM) and the challenges faced in organising Islamic legal resources. The study addresses key issues such as the adaptation of international cataloguing standards, inconsistencies in transliteration practices, and the lack of standardised subject headings for Arabic legal materials. Using a qualitative approach, the research gathers insights from library staff through a group interview, focusing on their experience with cataloguing procedures and the complexities of managing Arabic resources. The findings highlight significant obstacles, including transliteration inconsistencies, difficulties in Arabic input, and challenges in information retrieval. Moreover, the study underscores the need for localised classification systems like the IIUM Library Classification System for Knowledge Resources on Islam (ICSI) to better represent Islamic legal texts. The research concludes with recommendations for a phased integration of ICSI, staff training, pilot reclassification projects, and collaboration with other Islamic law libraries. These strategies aim to improve accessibility, standardisation, and the overall efficiency of cataloguing Arabic legal resources, contributing to the advancement of Islamic librarianship and supporting the broader goal of equitable access to legal information in Arabic.