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This paper discusses some issues and challenges which library information systems in developing countries have faced in planning, implementing and managing CD‐ROM services. It focuses on the measures taken to solve these challenges in terms of planning, funding, hardware, software, database selection, installation, staff and user training, publicity, use policies and procedures, document non‐availability and evaluation. The paper concludes that the implementation of CD‐ROM in developing countries will continue growing, and that users will increasingly become more sophisticated and will keep demanding better CD‐ROM resources and services. In order to cope with these demands, institutions involved in implementing CD‐ROM services will continue pursuing the current trend of adopting resourceful, creative and innovative approaches in tackling the challenges posed by the implementation of CD‐ROM. Finally the paper recommends, among other things, that it is crucial to develop a new vision based on a thorough needs assessment to guide library information systems in planning, implementing and developing user‐oriented CD‐ROM. It is also strongly recommended that a partnership approach between library information systems and relevant departments (like information technology departments), funding organisations, CD‐ROM publishers and vendors is crucial for developing sustainable CD‐ROM services.

This paper provides a brief report on a study of faculty and researchers' use patterns and perceptions of CDROM services at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) Library in Saudi Arabia, as background information to measures taken as a result of the study. The main objectives of the study were to ascertain use patterns and perceptions of CDROM services: another objective was to elicit comments which would be used in developing a planning strategy to expand and enhance CDROM services. Two main methods were used in the study: CDROM search forms and a questionnaire survey. The results of the study revealed that the majority of the faculty had used CDROM services; they felt satisfied with the service but also felt that there was a strong need for user training. Several problematic areas have been identified including need for new vision CDROM hardware and software systems, publicity, user training and document delivery. The report then considers measures that have been taken to address the problematic areas and discusses how effective those remedial actions have been. The paper concludes that the KFUPM Library planned and developed user‐oriented services in response to the findings of the study, but still faces further challenges in developing a CDROM service that is fully integrated with other electronic resources and services.