2187 Copyright © 2016, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. Chapter 100 DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-9814-7.ch100 The Changing Nature of Information Behavior and the Information Environment: Challenges for LIS in the Arab Gulf States ABSTRACT This chapter examines the changing nature of the information environment and its implications for Library and Information Science (LIS), with a focus on developing countries in general and the Arab Gulf states in particular. Drawing on key fndings from previous LIS literature, it explores what is needed to ensure the future viability of the profession in the GCC region so that it can help underpin social and economic development in these states. Examples of successful practice in LIS innovation from other parts of the developing world are included to demonstrate some possible approaches and the chapter concludes by summarizing some key points for consideration by LIS education specialists, library managers, and policymakers in the Gulf States. INTRODUCTION It might be said that Library and Information Science in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries has arrived at a crossroads. From this time forward, the profession could either play an increasingly important and central role in the ongoing development of these states, or find itself unable to adapt sufficiently to the changing infor- mation environment and have its roles gradually appropriated by other specialist groups. The demand for information in the GCC states has been rapidly expanding in recent decades as their economies develop and diversify, present- ing LIS specialists with an opportunity to play a key role in economic and social development by delivering the information services and products required by all categories of users in the personal, academic, business, and government sectors. To date, the field of LIS has been growing steadily within these countries along with an expansion in educational participation and literacy rates; Mohammed Nasser Al-Suqri Sultan Qaboos University, Oman