Public Libraries
Mahdi Deramnesari; Fahimeh Babalhavaeji; zahra abazari; Nadjla Hariri; fatemeh nooshnfard
Abstract
The main purpose of this study is to analyze the strategic role of the public libraries in the Iran Geopolitics of Information This is an applied research with a mixed method (qualitative-quantitative) approach. To collect qualitative information, a semi-structured interview has been used. In the quantitative ...
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The main purpose of this study is to analyze the strategic role of the public libraries in the Iran Geopolitics of Information This is an applied research with a mixed method (qualitative-quantitative) approach. To collect qualitative information, a semi-structured interview has been used. In the quantitative part, a researcher-made questionnaire Based on the result of the qualitative part, has been used. The statistical population of the research in the qualitative section includes 13 experts and university professors who were selected by a purposeful method based on criteria and has been analyzed using qualitative content analysis method. The findings of quantitative part has been analyzed using factor analysis. The population of the quantitative part, included the head managers and deputies of the general administrations of the Iran's public libraries (70 people) and the librarians of the provinces that have main and central public libraries from five clusters of north, south, east, west and center of Iran, including 10 provinces & 160 librarians. 201 complete questionnaires were received. Findings shows that, libraries have an implicitly role in strengthening cultural identity and increasing public awareness, especially in terms of strengthening Iranian-Islamic identity, as one of the three main components of geopolitics, but this role is not designed for a specific mission and It is also not clearly explained in upstream documents. Also, based on the findings, the centralized resources acquisition by the Iran Public Libraries Foundation for all public libraries in an integrated manner that there is not any clear role of users need in the selection process is inconsistent with the Free-Flow of Information approach. Other points of emphasis in the findings were: national policymakers should pay attention to the role of public libraries as a public discourse space in transmitting culture and information and a base for strengthening the power of soft defense, training and explaining the specific role for librarians, developing technological infrastructure of libraries, providing resources based on local needs and the audience needs, continuous and purposeful monitoring of activities and increasing the number of service recipients from public libraries.
Public Libraries
Rahim Shahbazi; Aziz Hedayati; Mostafa Sefidi
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Emotional Intelligence (EQ) has a significant effect on human behavior. It justifies the lack of success among people with high Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and unexpected success among people with an average IQ. The purpose of the present research was to study the relationship ...
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Background and Objectives: Emotional Intelligence (EQ) has a significant effect on human behavior. It justifies the lack of success among people with high Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and unexpected success among people with an average IQ. The purpose of the present research was to study the relationship between emotional intelligence and organizational commitment with the mediating role of job satisfaction among librarians of public libraries in East Azarbaijan province.
Methodology: The present research is practical in its purpose and utilizes a quantitative approach in a descriptive-correlational method based on structural equation modeling. The study's statistical population consisted of all librarians (421 people) at public libraries in the East Azarbaijan province in 2020. With regard to statistical society and based on Morgan’s size determination table, the sample size was determined (201 persons). Data were gathered with the help of questionnaires of Siberia Schering's emotional intelligence (1998), Smith, Kendall and Hollin's job satisfaction (1969) and Allen & Meyer’s organizational commitment (1990). Reliability of three questionnaires was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient to be 0.81, 0.79 and 0.83, respectively.
Findings: The results indicate that there is a positive and significant correlation between EQ and organizational commitment (r=0.317) and EQ and job satisfaction (r=0.348) among the librarians of public libraries. Moreover, there is a significant link between EQ and organizational commitment (β=0.29, t=5/42) in librarians. Furthermore, there is a significant relationship between EQ with job satisfaction (β=0.33, t=5.80) and job satisfaction with organizational commitment (β=0.38, t=7.07). Also, the results of structural equation modeling test showed that the proposed conceptual model regarding the relationship between EQ, job satisfaction and organizational commitment of librarians has a goodness of fit (RMSEA=0.001، CFI=932، GFI=0.938).
Discussion: In today’s world, the importance of human resources for growth, development and survival of organizations cannot be overemphasized. Qualified human resources are one of the most important requirements for realizing organizational goals. Appropriate levels of emotional intelligence among employees would result in paying proper attention to clients, lowering expenses, improving relations, reducing conflicts, and refining the teamwork performance.
Public Libraries
sedigheh raeisi; Fahimeh Babalhavaeji; fatemeh nooshnfard; zahra abazari
Abstract
Purpose: The growing trend of increasing information in today's world has doubled the need for public libraries to pay more attention to the process of collecting development resources. The annual increase in the price of books and publications, the lack of budget and space has made it impossible for ...
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Purpose: The growing trend of increasing information in today's world has doubled the need for public libraries to pay more attention to the process of collecting development resources. The annual increase in the price of books and publications, the lack of budget and space has made it impossible for any library, even a huge one, to provide all the library materials, so the aim of this study is to provide a model for collecting development resource's public libraries based on Grand theory. Method: The research is an applied type that has been done with a qualitative approach and as a grounded theory method. The study population consisted of the experts and professors in the field of Knowledge & information science. The data collection tool was a semi-structured interview. To analyze the interviews, Strauss & Corbin's analysis method was used, which included three stages of open source, central and selective coding. During the central coding, the main categories were identified and after selective coding and relationship determination, the model of resource collection in public libraries of the country was presented.Results: The research finding showed that 5 main categories and 15 sub-components were conceptualized as dimensions and components of collection development resource's model in public libraries. The five main categories include causal conditions (structural and managerial factors , culture and ethic factors and financial factors), intervening conditions (information needs of users, librarians and specialists), contextual conditions (space governing the mentality of policymakers, factor of uniformity and halo error of policymakers, cost management) were the strategies for collection development resource's modeling (reflecting the voice of users and justice in resource provision, training, and structural and financial decentralization). The consequences of using the model of collecting development resources in public libraries will lead to the satisfaction of users, official, librarians, increasing the productivity of the public libraries of the country, as well as the popularity and fame of this institution.
Public Libraries
Ali Akbar Khasseh; Yosra Rahmani; Faramarz Soheili
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the Copyright literacy of public librarians in Kermanshah province, Iran.
Research method: The current study is a descriptive-survey. The statistical population of this research is all librarians of Public Library in Kermanshah (N=170). Based ...
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Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the Copyright literacy of public librarians in Kermanshah province, Iran.
Research method: The current study is a descriptive-survey. The statistical population of this research is all librarians of Public Library in Kermanshah (N=170). Based on Cochran formula, 118 individuals were selected as sample. The sampling method used in this study was stratified random sampling. Four standard questionnaires to assess librarians' copyright literacy developed by Todorova et al. (2017) were used for data collection. Then to analyze the data and answer the research questions from descriptive indices (frequency distribution table, mean and standard deviation), chi-square test, one-sample t-test and independent sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance test in SPSS software was used.
Findings: The results of data analysis demonstrated that the level of familiarity of librarians with copyright issues in Kermanshah province is low. Moreover, the results showed that Kermanshah Public Librarians' awareness of copyright policies and procedures of the country and its libraries is at a low level. In their view, there is no one in their organization responsible for dealing with copyright issues. The results also indicated that the overwhelming majority of librarians in Kermanshah province agree with the inclusion of copyright issues in academic curricula and its teaching, especially at undergraduate level. Finally, results showed that there is no significant difference between librarians' familiarity with copyright issues in gender, fields of study (librarianship and non-librarianship) and level of education.
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it can be said that the absence of issues related to copyright and its rules in the curriculum of the students of librarianship and information science in the universities are extremely bold. Moreover, it seems that public libraries did not perform well on teaching copyright issues to their staff, especially librarians, as they could teach these workshops and courses. The managers of public libraries in Kermanshah province should have better planning for their organization's librarians. It is recommended that, in hiring librarians, library managers and policy makers should also be aware of the amount of copyright literacy of applicants.
Public Libraries
Golnessa Galyani-Moghaddm; Zohreh Riazi; Reza Maleki
Abstract
Objectives: The present study investigates the establishment of public libraries in Saveh city based on location criteria and subcriteria and suggests optimal areas for the construction of a new public library with the help of a geographic information system Geographic information systems (GIS) are up-to-date ...
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Objectives: The present study investigates the establishment of public libraries in Saveh city based on location criteria and subcriteria and suggests optimal areas for the construction of a new public library with the help of a geographic information system Geographic information systems (GIS) are up-to-date and efficient tools for preparing maps and analyzing location data
Methodology: The research in this study employs meta-analysis for the valuation and weighting of criteria and subcriteria regarding a library's location. Forty studies on location were selected, and the criteria and subcriteria regarding library location were addressed. Based on the results obtained, four main criteria with the highest repetition rate in the studies were selected for analysis: compatibility, ease of access (convenience), desirability and efficiency. Using the scores given to each criterion in the research, together with a hierarchical weighting model (AHP), each of the main criteria was scored employing Expert Choice software.
Findings: From the pairwise comparison of the four criteria, the ease of access criterion has the most importance and weight among the main criteria with a weight of 0.358, followed by the compatibility criterion (weight 0.270), the efficiency criterion (weight 0.247) and the desirability criterion (weight 0.125), respectively. Access to population centers is the most important among the subcriteria of ease of access with a weight of 0.546.
Discussion: According to the results obtained for the city of Saveh, Hasheminejad Library is in an incompatible area, while the rest of the libraries are located in either relatively compatible or fully compatible areas. The locations of the existing libraries were then assessed regarding the ease of access criterion; the compliance status of each library was obtained, and proposed areas for the construction of new libraries in each area of the city were identified. At present, the libraries of Shahid Hasheminejad, Salman Savoji and Hazrat Valiasr (AS) of Saveh are located close to each other, while many parts of Saveh do not have libraries, especially Alavi town (Mehr housing), which does not have any libraries at all.
Public Libraries
Betul Zakinejad; Mohammad Reza Farhadpoor
Abstract
Purpose:The expansion of public libraries, policymakers and users' expectations and budget allocations, along with the rapid advancement of information technology, has increased the number of libraries that use IT. This also requires librarians to learn the necessary knowledge in the development of information ...
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Purpose:The expansion of public libraries, policymakers and users' expectations and budget allocations, along with the rapid advancement of information technology, has increased the number of libraries that use IT. This also requires librarians to learn the necessary knowledge in the development of information technology, the foundations of the computer and how to use it, as well as the basic principles of software and the way programs are run. Given the fact that the implementation and use of IT imposes a huge of the costs to the organization, there is no guarantee of its success. Therefore, it is necessary that the various aspects of organizational use from IT to be considered based on a variety of dimensions, such as organizational, human, environmental and technology; because the lack of attention to these factors can be affected, some factors such as the resistance to technological changes or dissatisfaction. So, This aimed to investigate the relationship between expected usefulness, organizational readiness, environmental pressures, accessibility features and information technology compatibility among librarians of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad province public libraries. Methodology: The research is an applied research method done using analytical survey method. The population of this study was 175 librarians and staff of public libraries in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad provinces. Using Krejcie and Morgan tables 120 librarians were selected randomly. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect data (based on the study by Iacovou & et al., 1995, Hsu & et al. 2006, and Oliviera and Martins, 2009). The validity of tools using content-formal method and reliability with Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.83) confirmed. Data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistical methods including one sample t test and Pearson correlation coefficient. Findings: Results showed that the expected usefulness were not significantly correlated with information technology compatibility (Sig. 0.061). However, the environmental stresses (r = 0.505), organizational readiness (r = 0.506), accessibility (r = 0.708) and IT compatibility have a positive correlation and significant relationship (Sig. 0.000).
Public Libraries
behrang safari; seyed Aliasghar Razavi; Mitra Ghiasi
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In the last two decades, the world of public and private organizations and institutions has undergone significant changes. Rapid changes in technology, globalization, increased service quality, and a shortage of skilled and expert human resources has created a very intense ...
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Background and Objectives: In the last two decades, the world of public and private organizations and institutions has undergone significant changes. Rapid changes in technology, globalization, increased service quality, and a shortage of skilled and expert human resources has created a very intense competitive environment among organizations. Succeeding in such a competitive environment requires the use of new resources and methods. For this reason, researchers have proposed new knowledge-based approaches in which knowledge is considered a critical resource and perhaps the only source of the organization in creating a sustainable competitive advantage. On the other hand, in today's complex and constantly changing world, traditional methods do not respond to the massive flood of information and knowledge, so if an organization is looking for good governance, managers and employees need to equip themselves with the latest skills that the principles of quantum physics have raised a set of the skills in this area. Quantum skills refer to a set of competencies that lead to increased effectiveness and organizational development, and the resolution of undesirable conflicts. The quantum skills are not intended to replace traditional skills but to improve them. A quantum perspective generally enhances capabilities, empowerments, and more profound effectiveness; these skills are the framework for new management skills. Due to the rapid and comprehensive changes in information technology and the creation of databases, the range of activities and services of libraries and information centers are affected continuously. These changes are effective in libraries and satisfy users, and meet their demands. Motivation in human resources for knowledge and knowledge engineering, acquisition of new approaches, and quantum skills is essential. It highlights the need to identify the dimensions of quantum skills and knowledge engineering. Therefore, the present study was conducted to design a model for the impact of quantum skills on knowledge engineering in the Iran public libraries Foundation.
Methodology: Regarding the purpose, the present study pursued a functional goal, and in terms of a mixed approach, it was a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. To analyze the data, the content analysis method was used. The qualitative part of the research was directed utilizing a semi-structured interview with 15 professors of information science and information technology departments and managers of public libraries. Purposeful sampling was used to select individuals, and also content validity was conducted to ensure the validity of the interviews. The researcher provided the interview questions and submitted them to the supervisor, the consultant, and three executive experts, and after considering their corrective opinions, the questions were finalized. In the quantitative part of the research, the survey method was used. The statistical population of this section was all librarians, officials of libraries, staff, and managers of Iran Public Libraries Foundation numbering 6171 people, which was determined by Cochran's formula 362 people as the total sample size. Due to an error of 0.05% and probability of non-return of all questionnaires, 375 were distributed, but all questionnaires were collected and analyzed. The sampling method was quantitative and proportionate stratified based on the total number of employees in the provinces. The output of the qualitative part was in the form of two questionnaires, including 22 items of quantum skills and 69 items of knowledge engineering, analyzed based on a 5-point Likert scale. The validity and reliability of the questionnaires were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis in PLS software.
Findings: Based on the texts analysis, exploratory interview, and research team refinements, for quantum skills, three dimensions of creative thinking, systems thinking, and contingency thinking and positioning were found. On the other hand, for knowledge engineering, five dimensions of knowledge or information quality and appropriateness of knowledge engineering output, knowledge engineering, experiments were identified to validate the rules of knowledge organization, knowledge documentation, and knowledge maintenance. Also, the findings of structural equation analysis show the significant effect of quantum skills on knowledge engineering in the Iran Public Libraries Foundation.
Discussion: Quantum skills seek to discover knowledge and creative solutions to the development of the organization. Employees with high quantum skills have made more efforts to identify opportunities and take advantage of them. They are always looking for new knowledge and ideas to achieve their organizational visions and are willing to accept change to find solutions and information tools to be effective. In the affairs of the organization, these factors will lead to the development of knowledge engineering.
Public Libraries
faraborz doroudi; adel soleimani nejad; Fatemeh Hamzeh riseh
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the status of feasibility implementation of information architecture in public libraries in Kerman (dependent on the institution of the public libraries of the country). Methodology: The present study uses descriptive studies in a statistical sample of ...
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Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the status of feasibility implementation of information architecture in public libraries in Kerman (dependent on the institution of the public libraries of the country). Methodology: The present study uses descriptive studies in a statistical sample of 62 people in nine public library staff in Kerman in the year 2015. Due to the limitation of the size of the community, do not store the samples and all the people were considered as statistical sample. collect information using validated researcher and validity (0.88 and 0.90).Findings: The test results showed Schapiro vilk research data of the normal distribution. Statistical data using spss software (EDI) 21 both description and analysis of case analysis. At the level of the frequency distribution tables using describe, average, standard deviation and deduce surface using a single sample t-test to verify assumptions and action. The results showed that none of the layers of information architecture in the general direction of the city of Kerman bookcases implement optimal information architecture in place. As well as for the implementation of information architecture using similarity to ideal option (topsis) among the public libraries of various attributes, including the city of Kerman (the skills of librarians, technical equipment and facilities available in the library, the library's budget situation and telecommunication infrastructure) were studied.Conclusion: The results obtained regarding the status of information architecture and all its layers showed: martyr motahhari library with a coefficient near 0.737 compared with other libraries in the first priority of the event, and can be used as it is the first library The public in Kerman for the implementation of information architecture, the central proposal of the national library, with the coefficient of the second position near 0.704 Shahid beheshti library with third place in 0.627 near coefficient. Finally, suggestions about the research hypothesis.
Public Libraries
Zeynab Saadatnia
Abstract
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine the role of cultural and social capitals on the study rate of public library users in Kermanshah.Methodology: The research was a correlational and structural equation modeling study. The research instrument was questionnaire. The statistical population ...
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Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine the role of cultural and social capitals on the study rate of public library users in Kermanshah.Methodology: The research was a correlational and structural equation modeling study. The research instrument was questionnaire. The statistical population of this study included included active members of the public libraries. Sampling method was Simple random. Using SPSS and LISREL software, the data were analyzed in two levels of descriptive and inferential statistics.Findings: The findings showed that cultural and social capitals and all of their variables had significant relationship with study rate of public library users in Kermanshah. In other words, the study of public library users can be predicted based on cultural and social capitals.Conclusion: The results of this study supported Bourdieu's theory. People with higher levels of cultural and social capitals, spend more time studying. So, considering the components of cultural and social capitals, it will increase the study rate. In this regard, Public libraries can have main roles as centers for the promotion of socio-cultural development. Holding meetings, workshops and conferences related to study, public libraries can contribute to that rolls in community. Keywords: cultural capital, social capital, study rate, Kermanshah public libraries.
Public Libraries
Mehdi Rrahmani; Fatemeh Fahim nia; Speide Fahimi Far
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to identify and prioritize the risks of Iranian public library services. Method: The present study was applied in terms of purpose and combined research in terms of method. In the present study, hyper-combined (qualitative) techniques, kappa coefficient calculation, and ...
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Aim: The aim of this study was to identify and prioritize the risks of Iranian public library services. Method: The present study was applied in terms of purpose and combined research in terms of method. In the present study, hyper-combined (qualitative) techniques, kappa coefficient calculation, and Delphi (quantitative) techniques were used. The scope of the research included all articles published in the period 1990 to 2020 in Persian and English. The statistical population is a meta-combination of all articles published between 1990 and 2020 that are indexed in various databases; Were examined. In the Delphi technique, the research community includes all specialists in the field of information science and knowledge, public libraries, management, and information technology who already have a history of cooperation with libraries; Was. To determine the exact number of people in the community, all researchers who have conducted research in the subject areas presented in the table above were identified. Then 24 subjects were selected by purposive sampling. Result: Based on published sources, 69 risks in 8 categories. According to experts, the most important challenge facing libraries that have received the highest score from Iranian experts is the loss of library content, inability to purchase new resources or disconnect library resources due to lack of funds, economic issues, censorship, virtualization, Sanctions, etc., which can be a major challenge for public libraries. Challenges of not promoting and encouraging cultural institutions to lead the community to public libraries and increase library competitors (search engines, databases, Internet cafes, etc.) in providing the information needed by customers (given that competitors can provide content in a more user-friendly way to customers Are also in second place and can pose a risk to public libraries. Discussion and Conclusion: Due to the rapid growth of information resources and the diversity of information resources, the library should choose several ways to retrieve the information needed by customers and using interlibrary loan methods, joint sharing of databases and the possibility of sending retrieved resources through Email responds to customers' information needs. Also, the method of selecting the resources of the public libraries of the country is centralized and the library does not have a direct influence on the selection of resources. Therefore, the way of selecting resources should be reviewed and the ways of choosing books by the target community should be expanded, that is, users should be able to choose the books they need through social networks, comments box and suggestions on the library website.
Public Libraries
Mohammad Zarei Mahmoudabadi
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In this paper, a decision-making model based on fuzzy approach for prioritizing the cities of Yazd province in terms of public libraries performance is presented. Since the purpose of this research was balanced and comprehensive evaluation of public library performance and ...
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Background and Objectives: In this paper, a decision-making model based on fuzzy approach for prioritizing the cities of Yazd province in terms of public libraries performance is presented. Since the purpose of this research was balanced and comprehensive evaluation of public library performance and to provide a comprehensive view for managers in this field in the future, the main criteria of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) model and an integrated Balanced Scorecard–Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchical Process (BSC-FAHP) model were presented. Despite the relatively large amount of research on the evaluation and ranking of libraries and related approaches, evaluation and ranking with the exact criteria of this important social institution has been less studied. To fill this gap, in this study, a new BSC framework for evaluating public libraries was analytically proposed and used. Methodology: This study was conducted using a descriptive analytical study design and quantitative techniques and followed a practical application.The research population is the public libraries of Yazd province which were evaluated based on four BSC perspectives (namely: financial, customer, internal processes, and growth & learning) and 14 sub-criteria for the purpose of balanced evaluation. The model was carried out in steps: problem definition, fuzzy computations and ranking of alternatives (Yazd province's cities) in terms of the performance of public libraries, and the hierarchy structure used for problem definition included 4 levels of: goal, criteria, factors and alternatives. At first, using a survey of experts and researchers and summarizing the results of a questionnaire and an extensive review of the research literature and with the aim of comprehensive and balanced evaluation, the criteria and important factors of public library performance were determined. Then the relative importance of criteria and factors were determined based on the experts' opinions and the literature results. Evaluation data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire, which by fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) method and with the help of some macro software such as Super-Decision and Excel were analyzed. Findings: The results of this research show that based on paired comparisons, the weights of financial, customer, internal processes and learning and growth criteria were 0.262, 0.192, 0.295 and 0.251, respectively. So, the main criterion of "internal processes" with a final weight of 0.295 and the factors of "reduction of additional costs" and "customer satisfaction" with a relative weights of 0.360 and 0.344, respectively, are the most important in evaluating the performance of public libraries. Based on the calculations, after reviewing the incompatibility paired comparison matrices and re-weighting, the maximum incompatibility rate (IR) of the paired comparison matrices of criteria and factors equal to 0.087 (less than 0.1) has been obtained; Therefore, the judgments made are consistent and their use in the continuation of the evaluation and selection process is appropriate. Finally, The results show that Yazd city with a final weight of 0.227 and then Meybod city with a final score of 0.169 are the best cities of Yazd province and Ashkezar and Bahabad cities with a final score of 0.054 are the worst cities of Yazd province in terms of public libraries performance. Yazd public libraries are ranked first in two factors: "reduction of additional costs" and "customer satisfaction", which has a relatively higher weight than other evaluation factors. Due to the high relative weight of these two factors, this city has been able to occupy the first rank among the public libraries of Yazd province in terms of comprehensive and balanced performance. Discussion: Unfortunately, today some librarians and public library administrators have a limited and traditional view of libraries evaluation; While today, in line with scientific growth and progress in the field of performance assessment, we should definitely see a change in attitudes and approaches in this area. Given the fact that in the real environment, the decision maker faces risks and uncertainties, and also for the purpose of balanced and sustainable performance evaluation, in order to provide a comprehensive view for library managers in the future, new, innovative, and multi dimensional approaches to performance evaluation should be used. This research has initiated a novel idea to integrate explicit criteria in the libraries evaluation process, especially when there are so many performance criteria that may confuse decision makers. Theoretically and methodologically, this study helps to provide new insights to administrators in this field to select top libraries based on accurate criteria, because very few studies have been done before. In addition to the advantage of this study, fuzzy analytical hierarchy process considers the metrics of balanced scorecard separately and their interactions are neglected. This could be a good direction for future research. In addition, the proposed balanced scorecard of this study can be integrated with other Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) tools such as Analytic Network Process (ANP) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA).
Public Libraries
Neda PourKhalil; Mariam Keshvari
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to analyze the situation of Iran’s public libraries in the face of closure of library services due to the outbreak of Covid-19 virus. The present study is an applied research in terms of purpose and a descriptive-survey research in terms of data collection and a quantitative ...
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The purpose of this study is to analyze the situation of Iran’s public libraries in the face of closure of library services due to the outbreak of Covid-19 virus. The present study is an applied research in terms of purpose and a descriptive-survey research in terms of data collection and a quantitative research in terms of the nature of the data. The population of this study included all librarians of public libraries in Iran. Considering that the total number of public library librarians at the time of this research was 5245; According to Krejcie and Morgan (1970), 382 samples are sufficient, however, due to the diversity and differences in conditions such as the level of facilities and services of public libraries in the provinces, was tried to collected more data. For sampling, the quota method has been used separately by provinces, and finally 625 questionnaires (12% of the total population) have been returned. Ability to search for books through the integrated public library management system, not providing free internet to users during the closure of face-to-face services, more opportunities to study due to home quarantine, and considering the book as a carrier of the virus, respectively, the most important points Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats of Library Services Closing. Also, after preparing the internal and external matrix, based on the internal factors evaluation matrix (2.21) and the external factors evaluation matrix score (2.379), it was determined that the strategic position of the country's public libraries are in the strategic area of "defensive strategy". And based on that, strategies were presented. It seems that the new conditions of public libraries can be a driving force for the movement of public libraries in the country from the "automatic" to the "digital" stage. As Tammaro (2020) showed, Covid-19 has forced libraries to transform and provide new services based on new relationships with their communities. The importance of this issue is such that the texts (including Jones, 2020) refer to the post-Covoid-19 era as a paradigm shift in the role of the world's public libraries.
Public Libraries
zahra khajeali jahantighi; maryam omidkhoda
Abstract
Objective: The identify the health-based services of Iranian public libraries in the post-Corona era.Methodology: The present research method is qualitative and applied type. data collection tools is a questionnaire. The study population included specialists and librarians, as well as health professionals ...
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Objective: The identify the health-based services of Iranian public libraries in the post-Corona era.Methodology: The present research method is qualitative and applied type. data collection tools is a questionnaire. The study population included specialists and librarians, as well as health professionals and nurses who were active members and readers, consisting of 15 library officials, 10 experts and experienced librarians, and 7 active members who were health book readers, physicians, and nurses. The analysis was performed based on the Delphi technique. The research method is qualitative and using Delphi technique. In this study, with the aim of identifying services based on public library health services in the post-corona period, the qualitative approach and Delphi technique were used in four periods. Finding: Findings from Delphi technique showed that among 25 items related to identifying services based on health of Iranian public libraries in the post-Corona era, the cumulative frequency of fourteen items in terms of experts studied in Delphi panel was more than 70%. Conclusion: Considering the 14 health-based library services, providing these services in the post-corona era can lead the Planners and health officials and the country's medical information system to promote health literacy. It will also help to deal with coronavirus and prevent the risk of its possible return to society.Comparing the results of this study with other studies shows that in recent years the need to provide health services has caused these services as a new paradigm to attract the attention of many health experts. If librarians have a sense of providing health information-based services in public libraries, They will have several organizational and individual benefits such as: prevention of high-risk diseases and increasing public awareness in order to be safe from diseases . In general, it can be said that considering the functions of public libraries and the quality of their role in providing health information services, it can have beneficial effects in the Corona era.
Public Libraries
Mehrdad Bavarsad-Omidiyan; fatemeh nooshnfard; Mohammad Reza Farhadpoor
Abstract
AbstractBackground and Objectives: The process of teaching and research in universities is dynamic, complex and requires extensive change and transformation. As a result of advances in information and communication technology, the world of academia also entered the age of the information society. Its ...
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AbstractBackground and Objectives: The process of teaching and research in universities is dynamic, complex and requires extensive change and transformation. As a result of advances in information and communication technology, the world of academia also entered the age of the information society. Its manifestation is the use of academic management information systems, test and evaluation information systems, online education systems, student information systems, faculty member information systems, etc. in universities. The main idea behind the use of all these systems is to collect relevant data, represent it and illustrate it based on the needs of different academic users. The management information system with the aim of providing the required information, helps managers in issues such as planning, control and decision making and provides the necessary support to make strategic and optimal decisions for managers of the educational system. Provides. This paper has studied interoperability factors of information system among Iranian universities. The lack of interoperability among Iranian universities has verified the importance of this article.Methodology: This paper is an exploratory qualitative study which base on its objectives classifies under applied researches. Several key factors of interoperability have been extracted precisely, and results have been analyzed by experts along using Delphi technique (Zeinali et al. 2017 & Namli et al, 2009). The population of this study has concluded all information system experts and managers at different branches of Islamic Azad University (IAU) which had qualified to interview with their corresponding experiences. The sample population has been made of both faculty members and manger level participants that participate in Delphi roundsFindings: Increasing the volume of data has been one of the major concerns of organizations. They are trying to facilitate its by using information management mechanism. Lack of a comprehensive and systematic approach over time leads to the implementation of a variety of information systems in an organization with different data structures and programming that complicate their usage. Over the years, the issue of information systems interoperability under these conditions has been considered.Results have proven that the key factors of technical interoperability in information system of IAU are:· Ability to interact with information systems and Data exchangeability· Link-ability to decision support system (DSS)· Standard format of saved Data· Centralized security· Centralized Data monitoring· Integrated processing and Synchronization· Easy communication with other systems· Ability to use virtually, online and distance education· And so on.Similarly, this study had claimed the below listed items as the critical organizational interoperability factors of information system in Iranian university case study:· Its mechanism regarding information delivery and updating · Flexibility and ability to Change and update· Dynamic and flexible setting· Changeable task manager· Efficiency measurement and feedback· Expandable architecture· Ability to develop regarding new demands· Service-oriented architectureAnd finally, the most significant semantic interoperability factors of information system in Iranian university case study had highlighted as below:· Ability to code the learning symbols and identifiers · Ability to communicating with independent clients not considering languages. · Using standard coding and identifiers· XML interpreter service· Map service· Preparing a standard format of texting between clients· Content Based Routing· Being user friendly considering user’s knowledge and vocabulary Discussion: At the end, this paper significantly had determined that the architecture of university information system should guaranty the integration of information process while eases the flowing data between the departments or clients smoothly. In the other word, establishing an interoperable information system which covers all technical, Organizational and Semantic aspects and share demanded information with clients on time is the most crucial characteristic of modern organizations. Furthermore, lack of these aspects (technical, Organizational and Semantic) obstructs systems achieving efficiency, development and interoperability, and it may affect their decisions at current competitive market. On the other hand, improving these factors significantly simplifies the communication between clients and increases the effectiveness, efficiency, and customer satisfaction as well.
Public Libraries
Golnessa Galyani-Moghaddm; Farideh Osareh; Rahmat Fattahi
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Utilizing the experience of leading countries in the field of public libraries can create beneficial developments in the field of public libraries in Iran. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of implementing European Union programs related to public libraries ...
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Background and Objectives: Utilizing the experience of leading countries in the field of public libraries can create beneficial developments in the field of public libraries in Iran. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of implementing European Union programs related to public libraries in Iran from the perspective of Iranian public library professionals. This research is part of the commitments related to the Jean Monnet International Joint Project conducted by Allameh Tabataba'i University. The project titled “European Union Plans and Experiences for Public Libraries: Applicability for Iran." The proposal of the project was submitted by Allameh Tabataba’i University to the European Union’s Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency in the form of a Jean Monnet Programmed grant proposal. In September 2019 it was judged and announced as the sole grant winner from Iran. This project was the first joint project with the European Union in the Knowledge and Information Science disciplines in Iran. The topics studied in this research, which are based on the review of specialized texts that were identified and compiled, include changes in public library structure, organization, policies and management, library collections and selection of resources, as well as clientele and needs assessment and training.Methodology: In this survey study, 378 librarians in public libraries across the country were selected through stratified random sampling and were asked to respond to a researcher-designed questionnaire after confirming the content validity and reliability. The dimensions of the questionnaire, which was identified and compiled based on a review of specialized texts, include five areas: 1. Structure, organization, policies and management, 2. Collection and selection of resources, 3. Clientel and needs assessment, 4. Services and dissemination of information, and 5. was training. First, the questionnaire was distributed among 25 librarians and professors of Knowledge and Information Science and who were familiar with the issues of public libraries in Iran and amendments were made to it.In order to identify the main factors or structures of the questionnaire, the components related to the use of EU programs were identified using exploratory factor analysis methods. The Varimax rotation method has also been used to ensure the independence of the agents. To confirm the adequacy of the sample, KMO index (Kaiser-Mir-Olkin test) and Bartlett test were used to identify the correlation between items. In order to evaluate the fitness of the measurement model, three criteria of Cronbach's alpha coefficients, combined reliability and explained mean variance were used. In this study, the Fornell-Locker index was used to evaluate the divergent validity.Findings: In this study, 60.7% of the respondents were women and 39.3% were men. Up to (.96 %) of the respondents had a postgraduate education and were at least 31 years old. The distribution of participants in terms of work experience was in the categories of 5-10 years and 25-16 years. Iranian librarians believed that to a large extent it was possible to implement programs similar to those of the EU public libraries. Findings showed that the greatest possibility of implementing new programs related to services and information dissemination, and training. Multiple analysis of variance test showed that there was no significant difference in the scores of different domains according to age, sex and education.Discussion: It can be concluded that changes to such matters as public library collection and selection of resources, as well as clientele and needs assessment and training, services and dissemination of information are applicable in Iran. In this study, services and information dissemination obtained the highest average scores related to public libraries, which shows the growing importance of information and the need to save cost and time for users.
Public Libraries
asghar zamani; mahtab pouratashi; zohreh Cheraghi; Homa Fazli Yazd
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The present study aimed to analyze the recruitment process and employment challenges of Information Science and Knowledge Studies students in order to provide policy solutions to meet the needs of the higher education system.
Methodology: This research is an applied ...
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Background and Objectives: The present study aimed to analyze the recruitment process and employment challenges of Information Science and Knowledge Studies students in order to provide policy solutions to meet the needs of the higher education system.
Methodology: This research is an applied research and its method is a qualitative method in the interviews section and descriptive-analytical in the documents and statistics section. In order to study the process of attracting students of Information Science and Knowledge Studies, statistical data of the Institute of Research and Planning of Higher Education during the years 2011-12 to 2017-18 were used. In order to collect information from the qualitative department, a purposeful semi-structured interview was conducted with 14 graduate and doctoral students in the field of Information Science and Knowledge Studies. Descriptive analysis method has been used to analyze the data of the statistics section and thematic analysis has been used as a research strategy to analyze the semi-structured interviews section.
Findings: The findings of the research in the statistical review section showed that the highest number of enrollees in the field of Information Science and Knowledge Studies in the doctoral program in the academic year 2016-2017, in the master's degree program in the academic year 2016-2017, and in the undergraduate program in 2011-2012. In terms of gender, in all the years studied, the total number of female enrollees was more than the number of male enrollees. Findings indicated that the highest number of enrollments in the field of Information Science and Knowledge Studies was related to the academic year 2011-2012. Then the enrollment has taken a downward trend in the academic year 2014-2015 with a slight, there has been an increase.
Discussion: To address the employment challenges of graduates in the field of Information Science and Knowledge Studies, three steps should be considered before the student and during the student recruitment process, during the student and post-student. Before attracting and admitting students, it is necessary to pay attention to their basic practical skills and competencies and their motivation and interest in this field. During their student time, it is necessary to find employment courses for students in this field to get acquainted with various jobs related to their expertise should be held and while identifying the needs and skills required by jobs, society and industry by the university and policy-making institutions and their application in university content and topics, carding skills, communication skills, scientific research skills, knowledge and practical skills of students. This field should be strengthened in the university. Also, the titles of dissertations and doctoral dissertations in this field should be selected based on the needs assessment of the labor market and society and the demand-oriented approach.
Public Libraries
Ali Akbar Khasseh; Shahla Yosefpoor; Faramarz soheili; Mehri Shahbazi
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in librarians based on the work conditions and its relationship with burnout, job stress and job motivation among public libraries in Kermanshah province. In order to achieve this goal, the ...
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Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in librarians based on the work conditions and its relationship with burnout, job stress and job motivation among public libraries in Kermanshah province. In order to achieve this goal, the research focused on the following three hypotheses: (1) Librarians of public libraries in Kermanshah province have a high rate of musculoskeletal disorders; (2) There is a significant relationship between musculoskeletal disorders based on heavy workstation conditions and burnout in librarians of public libraries in Kermanshah province; There is a significant relationship between musculoskeletal disorders based on heavy workstation conditions and job stress in librarians of public libraries in Kermanshah province.
Methodology: This research is of survey-descriptive type. The statistical population of this study included all librarians working in 51 public libraries of Kermanshah province, whose total number was reported to be 170 people. Using Cochran's formula, 118 people were selected as a sample by proportional stratified random sampling. Four standard questionnaires were used to collect data. The first research instrument was the standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire, which examines nine anatomical areas of the body, including the neck, shoulders, elbows, hands and wrists, back, waist, thighs, knees, feet, and ankles. It also emphasizes whether these discomforts have caused the person to quit or be unable to work. The second instrument was the Maslach burnout inventory, which measures the three dimensions of emotional fatigue, depersonalization, and feelings of inefficiency. The third instrument was HSE (The Health and Safety Executive) work stress questionnaire, which measures the 7 components of role, communication, support of officials, support of colleagues, control, demand and changes in employees. Finally, the fourth tool was Maslow's job motivation questionnaire, which includes 5 subscales of feeling safe, social belonging, feeling respect, feeling independent, and feeling self-fulfilling. Data were analyzed using logistic regression correlation coefficient and chi-square test.
Findings: The results showed that the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was in the lumbar region, back area, neck area, hip or thigh area, respectively, and the lowest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was reported in the knee, shoulder, wrist area, and elbow area. The study of the relationship between burnout and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the neck, back, buttocks, shoulders, elbows and wrists showed that there is a significant and negative correlation between job stress and the prevalence of these disorders in the buttocks. Moreover, there is also a significant and negative correlation between job motivation and the prevalence of these disorders in the neck, back and shoulders. The value of odds ratio in these areas also shows that for each unit of increase in job motivation score, the probability of neck disorders (47%) and back and shoulders (53%) decreases.
Discussion: According to the results of the present study, musculoskeletal disorders have a high frequency among employees of public libraries in Kermanshah province. In this regard, ergonomic intervention programs in the workplace seem to be essential. According to the results of this study, it is suggested that employees be provided with training on ergonomic principles of work in the workplace. In addition, due to the direct relationship between the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and burnout and job stress, it is suggested that public library administrators take appropriate measures to reduce the pressure on the individual and create positive entertainment, work safety training and programs. Increase retraining, increase individual and organizational productivity. In addition, it is recommended to prevent musculoskeletal disorders by examining appropriate work tools and how they are adapted to individual characteristics and designing a suitable workstation for librarians. According to the results of the present study, this measure will eventually lead to a reduction in occupational depression. Also, public library managers, if they have enough information about risk factors in job stress and musculoskeletal disorders related to work, will be able to establish proper communication with staff and create a suitable work environment for them to continue their stress-free activities. As a result, the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders is somewhat reduced. Also, due to the inverse relationship between job motivation and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, it is suggested that managers in order to increase job motivation, pay enough attention to improving the salary situation, rewards and job promotion. Library administrators are also encouraged to relocate librarians working in the overcrowded sections of the library. The use of occupational health consultants in the field of providing work equipment (especially computer equipment) and the use of software that appears on the computer screen at a specific time and reminds to perform soft movements are other effective suggestions in preventing musculoskeletal disorders.
Public Libraries
mina rezaei dinani; sara sohrabzadeh
Abstract
Investigating the status of Cybernetic model components in public libraries of Isfahan province from the perspective of managersAbstractObjective: This study aimed to identify the attitudes of managers towards the status of Cybernetic model components in public libraries of Isfahan province.Method: The ...
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Investigating the status of Cybernetic model components in public libraries of Isfahan province from the perspective of managersAbstractObjective: This study aimed to identify the attitudes of managers towards the status of Cybernetic model components in public libraries of Isfahan province.Method: The research is conducted by the analytical survey method. The statistical population of the study includes the officials of Isfahan public libraries who completed the questionnaire out of 176 people, 126 people. The required data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire based on Byrne Baum's view. This questionnaire includes 7 components of Interactions, Balance, Hierarchy, Leadership, Supervision and Control, Decision making, and Weak and Hard links. To evaluate the reliability, Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the questionnaire is calculated to be 0.753, which indicated that the questionnaire was reliable. Data analysis is performed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS 21 software.Results: The results showed that the components of the Cybernetic model in the management of Isfahan public libraries are considered. The findings also showed that the components of Control and Supervision, Interaction, Leadership, Weak and Hard links, Balance in management, Decision making, and Hierarchy are in the first to seventh ranks, respectively.Results: The attention of public library managers in Isfahan province to the components of the Cybernetic model indicates that managers are well aware of the functions, structure, goals, tasks, and services of their libraries. According to the research results, it might be better to provide more effective interaction between employees and manager. It is necessary to improve the organizational performance of the library by dividing tasks, rule of law, and observance of hierarchy, the level of employee satisfaction and performance, and evolve the organization step by step.Keywords: Isfahan Public Libraries, Cybernetics Model, Public Libraries, Library Management, Control, and Feedback. Isfahan province. leadership. relationship
Public Libraries
Mohsen Jafari; Amin Zare; mahmood moradi
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In the nature of all people, there is a desire for beauty and order and discipline. People are tired of being unconsciously tired of bedbugs, as well as confused. Tidy and orderly as well as beautifying the environment can make the environment happier and therefore more pleasant ...
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Background and Objectives: In the nature of all people, there is a desire for beauty and order and discipline. People are tired of being unconsciously tired of bedbugs, as well as confused. Tidy and orderly as well as beautifying the environment can make the environment happier and therefore more pleasant for the staff and clients, and this makes the mobility, learning and passion for work and service and service more and more. Ultimately, it will satisfy both parties. Libraries are no exception. The library should be so attractive that it will attract people. In the meantime, there appear to be a number of factors that have prevented this attraction and, as a result, the appeal to public libraries. The exterior and interior of the library appear to be very effective in this appeal, though the primary responsibility for designing and implementing decent and convenient buildings for public libraries is not borne by librarians, but the chief authority is delegated to civil engineers but staff and librarians. Public libraries can also make use of the criteria and parameters obtained in this applied research to make the most of the limited opportunities available to them and to the extent possible to make the public library environment happier. In this regard, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of juvenile public libraries on attracting users among public librarians in Kermanshah.
Methodology: This research is a kind of applied research that has been done in descriptive-survey method. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the juxtaposition of public library environments on user attraction. The study population consisted of the public libraries of Kermanshah which according to the statistics of the Kermanshah Public Libraries Office by the end of September 1977 consisted of 24087 people including 9884 men and 14203 women. A stratified random sampling method was used to select the samples (each library was considered as one class). The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. The required sample size was 378 based on Cochran's formula with 5% error rate. The questionnaires were then distributed to the public libraries of Kermanshah. It was collected directly by the researcher on site and finally 378 questionnaires were collected. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive statistics (frequency distribution table, minimum and maximum score, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (simple and multiple regression).
Findings: The results of this research in the field of testing hypotheses are as follows:
The adjusted coefficient of determination for environmental sourcing is 0.103, which can account for 10.3% of the variation in the amount of users' absorption rate using the environmental sourcing variable. As a result, the first sub-hypothesis of the research is confirmed.
The adjusted coefficient of determination for environmental makeup is 0.144, which can account for 14.4% of the variation in the amount of user absorption using the environmental makeup variable. As a result, the second sub-hypothesis of the research is confirmed.
The adjusted coefficient of determination for the environmental space is 0.087, which can account for 8.7% of the variation in the amount of user absorption by using the environmental variable. As a result, the third sub-hypothesis of the research is confirmed.
The adjusted coefficient of determination for the welfare dimension is 0.224, which can be predicted by 24.7% of the variation in the amount of user absorption using the welfare sector variable. As a result, the fourth sub-hypothesis of the research is confirmed.
The adjusted coefficient of determination for environmental elements is 0.099, which can account for 9.9% of the variation in the amount of users' absorption by using environmental variables. As a result, the fifth sub-hypothesis of the research is confirmed.
Discussion: From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the factors affecting the attractiveness of public libraries among the public librarians of Kermanshah affect the attractiveness of public libraries. Therefore, public librarians should aim to enhance the vibrancy of library environments. Some of the operational recommendations derived from the results of this study are:
Managing book volumes on shelves, reducing congestion on the desk, increasing the number of desks and chairs, removing unused equipment and more.
Proper layout of shelves, convenient access to the library repository, placing pots and decorative objects in the library, arranging sofas and chairs in the right place, signboard readability and more.
Consider a convenient location for users to relax, appropriate library access conditions and the green space around the library.
Public Libraries
Mozafar Cheshmeh Sohrsbo
Abstract
Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate the architectural status of public libraries with the nature and function of the library from the perspective of librarians as those who have the most relationship with the library building.Methodology: The approach chosen for this research is qualitative, ...
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Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate the architectural status of public libraries with the nature and function of the library from the perspective of librarians as those who have the most relationship with the library building.Methodology: The approach chosen for this research is qualitative, because the nature and problem of the research is a description of a situation that due to the lack of research background in this field, cannot be examined in the form of quantitative research. In the present study, researchers are trying to explore librarians' attitudes about library architecture, so the Grounded theory method was used and unstructured interviews were used to collect data. For analyzing data collected. The data are collected through unstructured interviews, run on 13 librarians working at Rafsanjan Public Libraries, sections. Interviews were conducted in the library of each interviewee and each interview lasted between 20 and 30 minutes.Findings: After analyzing the data from interviews, a selected code named the architectural principles of public libraries, the two axes factors of standardization, environmental signage and symbolization and 15 other factors Such as adapting before allocating existing buildings to the library, consulting librarians to build a new library, separating the lounge and reading room, lagging behind standards in newly established libraries, allocating space for children, not being suitable for the disabled, located Being in a remote environment in the dimension of standardization and coordination with the environment, the importance of aesthetics in attracting the audience, symbolizing, marking, refreshing, ordinary and simple view, building new libraries with unique architecture and putting a box back The book was at the entrance of the library was identified.Originality: Every building is built to serve its purpose and certainly some have been successful in providing the services, because their elements and components are best combined as to somehow reflecting the needs of their members. understanding librarians as the most Interact with building libraries can be very instructive.
Public Libraries
Alireza Aghighi; Hanieeh Manteghi
Abstract
Abstract ...
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Abstract Background and Objectives: As a bottom-up leadership style, leader humility has received considerable attention from researchers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between humble leadership and employee innovation behavior with the emphasis on the mediating role of positive psychological capital among the employees of public libraries in Hamadan province, Iran.Methodology: The present study was descriptive and correlational. The total statistical population of this research involved 187 employees of public libraries in Hamadan province, from which a sample size of 123 people was selected using the simple random sampling based on the Morgan table. For collecting data, three standard questionnaires of innovation behavior, positive psychological capital and humble leadership were used. Besides, the proposed model was analyzed using structural equation modeling with Smart PLS2 software.Findings: The results showed that our theoretical model can properly be used in the process of employee innovation behavior formation, and all the direct relations between variables in the model are significant. Furthermore, the results of modeling the structural equations showed that, in a humble leadership explaining 83 percent of positive psychological capital, humble leadership accounts for 78 percent of the employee innovation behavior; positive psychological capital clarifies 17 percent of employee innovation behavior; and humble leadership explains 15 percent of employee innovation behavior through positive psychological capital.Discussion: This study provided some insights for organizations in implementing humble leadership and motivating employee innovation behavior. Humility has been understood as the core trait of servant leadership, level-five leadership and participative leadership. However, humble leadership as a new type of independent leadership style has yet to be thoroughly investigated. By confirming the mediating role of PsyCap, the research further uncovers why followers under humble leader behaviors are more likely to engage in employee innovation behavior. Moreover, this study offers additional insight into the fact that followers may differ in the degree to which they are receptive to leader’s effect.
Public Libraries
parvin najafpour moghadam; zeinab mohammadi; afsaneh Raisifar
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The present study aims to investigate the causal relationship between information literacy and motivation for academic achievement through academic self-efficacy in undergraduate nursing students of Ilam University of Medical Sciences.
Methodology:The present study is applied ...
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Background and Objectives: The present study aims to investigate the causal relationship between information literacy and motivation for academic achievement through academic self-efficacy in undergraduate nursing students of Ilam University of Medical Sciences.
Methodology:The present study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive and survey in terms of method. The statistical population is all of the undergraduate students of Ilam School of Nursing in the academic year of 2018-2019, which equals 300 people. According to the Krejcie-Morgan table, 170 people were selected by random sampling. After removing the incomplete questionnaires, 147 questionnaires were approved and analyzed. The data collection tools in this study were three questionnaires which were given to the subjects.
Information Literacy Questionnaire: In this study, Khalildezfuli's (2018) information literacy questionnaire was used to measure students' information literacy. The reason for using this questionnaire was its objectiveness as well as the appropriate number of questions to be answered by undergraduate students. The formal validity of this questionnaire was confirmed by professors of the Department of Information Science and Knowledge of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, as well as professors of the Department of Medical Librarianship of Ahvaz Jundishapur University. The questionnaire consists of 25 questions evaluating the five standards of information literacy, including the need for information (5 questions), access to information (8 questions), information evaluation (6 questions), use of information (2 questions), and intellectual property rights (4 questions) among students. For the scoring of the information literacy questionnaire each correct answer equals one point. Correct answers are marked with the number 1 and wrong answers are marked with the number zero. Thus, the minimum score obtained in this questionnaire is zero and the maximum score is 25.
Academic Self-Efficacy Questionnaire: In this study, the Owen and Froman's (1988) academic self-efficacy questionnaire was used to measure students' academic self-efficacy. The test has 33 items and is based on a 5-point Likert scale (very high = 5, high = 4, medium = 3, low = 2 and very low = 1), and each item has a value between 1 to 5. Item 28 of this questionnaire is related to the laboratory course, which in the Persian version, this item has been deleted due to the fact that not all courses have a laboratory course (not being used in all courses). Since this questionnaire is a single component questionnaire, all 32 items must be added together to get the final score. The minimum possible score is 32 and the maximum score is 160.
Progress Motivation Scale: This study used the Hermans's (1977) Motivation Scale (A.M.T) tool. This scale has 29 items. To optimize the value of the questions, 4 options were written for each of the 29 questions in the questionnaire. These options are graded based on whether the motivation for progress is from high to low or low to high. The scores for this scale range from 29 to 116.
To investigate the research hypotheses, in this study, the descriptive and inferential statistics section was done using the SPSS software version 23, and the Amos software version 23 was used for structural equation model.
Findings: The results of model analysis based on structural equations showed that the values of fitness indicators related to the proposed pattern are chi square on the degree of freedom (1.984); goodness of fit index (GFI) (0.98); Normed Fit Index (NFI) (0.93); Increasing Fitness Index (IFI) (0.99); Comparative Fitness Index (CFI) (0.99) and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation index (RMSEA) (0.001) which show a Proper fit of the proposed model and that the proposed model has the desired fit. The findings also showed that all direct relationships between information literacy and motivation for academic achievement, between information literacy and academic self-efficacy and between academic self-efficacy and academic achievement motivation are significant and positive. In addition, the results of the indirect hypothesis test also showed that information literacy through academic self-efficacy affects the motivation of students' academic achievement.
Discussion: Information literacy is an important skill that has been mentioned in the information society as a tool for people's empowerment. This skill affects other skills, such as academic self-efficacy and, consequently, students' academic achievement motivation. Due to the nature of the job that nurses will acquire in the future, nursing students need to acquire information literacy skills to strengthen their self-confidence and increase their motivation so we can have successful nurses in society in the future.
Public Libraries
Alireza Aghighi; Narges Zamani
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Mental disorders associated with insomnia, depression and anxiety are common in the community and the workplace. Many studies have found a close link between mental health and job satisfaction. Many organizations emphasize importance of personnel as their most important ...
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Abstract
Background and Objectives: Mental disorders associated with insomnia, depression and anxiety are common in the community and the workplace. Many studies have found a close link between mental health and job satisfaction. Many organizations emphasize importance of personnel as their most important asset. Advances and development of psychology science in recent decades, especially in health and job satisfaction among personnel of organizations, have had an important and effective contribution. of course, the satisfaction of the organization's stakeholders is of particular importance. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between job satisfaction and mental health of female employees of public libraries in Hamadan province.
Methodology:The present study was descriptive-survey, in which the researcher tried to identify predictors related to mental health in employees of public libraries of Hamadan province by correlation method. This study was performed on 187 employees of public libraries in Hamadan province by census method. Data collection tools included Job Satisfaction Questionnaire by War et al. (1979) and Goldberg et al. (1979) Psychological Health Questionnaire. Their validity was tested through convergent validity testing, while their reliability was confirmed by calculating Cronbach’s alpha. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21, and research hypotheses were examined step by step using Pearson correlation matrix and regression tests.
Findings: The results showed that all relationships were significant. Based on the results, between the two variables of job satisfaction and mental health (r = -0.44) at the level of 0.01 is significant, it can be concluded that there is a relationship between these two variables in employees of public libraries in Hamadan province. There is a significant inverse, and this inverse relationship is significant between its subscales (payroll system, job type, development opportunities, organizational climate, leadership style, and physical condition) and employee mental health. In other words, the higher these variables in the staff of public libraries in Hamadan province, the less their psychological problems (physical symptoms, anxiety, social dysfunction and depression) will be, and vice versa. Therefore, the hypothesis is confirmed. Among the six subscales of job satisfaction (payroll system, job type, career opportunities, organizational climate, leadership style and physical condition), two variables of payroll system and leadership style were more able to predict employee mental health changes, i.e., with more power. Based on these variables, the mental health of employees of public libraries in Hamadan province can be predicted. Therefore, by emphasizing job satisfaction and individual differences in the work environment, employees can improve their mental health and help the growth and development of society.
Discussion: Based on the findings, the level of job satisfaction of employees from their work environment can be related to their mental health. Job satisfaction refers to a person's overall attitude toward his or her job, whether it is a situation in which people are satisfied with their job or other related circumstances, or a level of positive feelings and attitudes that people have about their job. Job satisfaction is a set of feelings and beliefs that people have about their current jobs. In this study, it was found that variables such as payment system and leadership style of managers in departments and organizations can greatly predict the mental health of employees. It seems that material problems and concerns and managers' attention to meeting these needs in their employees can reduce their psychological damage and create the ground for the growth and development of the organization and increase productivity. Also, leadership style based on respect, acceptance and value can greatly improve the mental health of employees in the workplace. Therefore, considering that job satisfaction has an important role in employees 'mental health, and without a doubt, employees' satisfaction with their job will increase their efficiency, customer satisfaction with the organization and increase production and productivity of the organization, which will undoubtedly result in organizational success. And the satisfaction of the employees of this department has an important role in attracting people to libraries and promoting the culture of reading and promoting the literacy of individuals. The prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in the workplace is high. The severity of psychological distress is negatively associated with job satisfaction. Early detection of psychiatric morbidity through self-administered screening questionnaires, as well as implementation of organizational mental-health promotion programs, is recommended to improve employees’ mental health and job satisfaction.
Public Libraries
Mohammad-Taghi Nazarpour; Saied Norouzian-Maleki; Ghanbar Ahmadi
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Libraries are vital academic facilities. Academic libraries store and provide access to physical books and other sources of information. Though satisfaction and well-being of users is increasingly being considered in relation to academic library, there is little information ...
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Background and Objectives: Libraries are vital academic facilities. Academic libraries store and provide access to physical books and other sources of information. Though satisfaction and well-being of users is increasingly being considered in relation to academic library, there is little information regarding the productivity and well-being of students within the context of the library building. The libraries’ resources and indoor environment are intended to promote learning. The central library is known for being a source of information, offering services to disseminate that information and provide reference materials to the users. With the advent of the digital age, storing and retrieving reference materials has extended from the physical to the digital realm, reducing the need for visiting the facility in person to retrieve information. However, despite remote access to library services and collections, the physical space occupied by users remains important. The present research was conducted to compare the effective criteria to improve the usersʼ satisfaction of central libraries of comprehensive universities affiliated to the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology in the cities of Tehran and Ahvaz. It also aims to answer the research question, “what indoor environmental factors affect users’ abilities to study in libraries?” These questions demand further examination of the relationship between academic libraries and their users. In summation, the research focuses primarily on design principles in libraries and their interior environments, and how the design of indoor spaces could be improved to enhance users’ satisfaction.
Methodology:The methodology employed in the present research covers both qualitative and quantitative approaches. As a methodology, it involves philosophical assumptions that guide the direction of the collection and analysis of data. The use of quantitative and qualitative approaches in combination provides a better understanding of research problem. According to the research purpose, it is an applied research. Additionally, this study is evidence-based, and so relies on information gathered from previously conducted research, case studies, and observations. Some gathered sources report findings on those indoor environmental factors and architectural characteristics of the library that have significant effects on users’ preferences. From the gathered sources, priorities are given to architectural characteristics on a case-by-case basis. In this stage, once all the sources are identified, or as the number of sources continues to increase, classifications, as well as subsequent divisions, are established. These classifications are based on the indoor environmental factors that affect users.
The research population has consisted of all users of central libraries of University of Tehran, Shahid Beheshti University and Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz in 2019-2020. Using cluster sampling method, about 370 questionnaires were distributed among the users and 255 completely filled questionnaires were collected and analyzed using SPSS v.22.0 for windows. The required data was collected using the users’ satisfaction on academic library questionnaire. The test results indicated that the reliability and validity of the questionnaire surveys were satisfactory. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to evaluate significant differences in the influential factors among the three-study group.
Findings: The result of data analysis showed that students tend to visit academic libraries at a greater frequency if the spaces meet their preferences and needs. The physical components have the highest proportional number of sources that offer how a space can be improved. The majority of the participants indicate that lighting is another important factor in the indoor environment and serves as a visually appealing design and function. Additionally, the flexible furniture can be designed to be easily movable, so that groups of students can create their own designated spot for socializing, studying, and collaborating from the greater space. Also, the brightness and shades of colours are more significant than the choice of colours. It is believed that a colourful environment is more effective in conducing productivity than a colourless one. Mute and cool colour re best because of the control over both colours and brightness. Furthermore, mean and standard deviation of overall score of users’ satisfactions in University of Tehran, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, and Shahid Beheshti University’s Central Libraries were 3.93±1.03, 3.85±0.88, and 3.15±1.18, respectively. Also, the results indicated that there was a statistically significant difference among the overall scores of satisfactions in the three groups of library users (p<0.001).
Discussion: The current study suggests a means by which the different factors of a library’s physical space could be compared and ranked. Based on the research findings, user-centric design of the academic library’s interior environment can be considered as a means to enhance the environment within which learning takes place. In addition, library design would provide educational spaces, media spaces, group and individual study settings in order to increase access to educational activities, social events, group meetings, and book clubs to enhance the library’s attractiveness and satisfaction. New library building projects, as well as extensions to existing libraries, can use this research to evaluate design principles to determine the benefits with regard to occupancy and use.
Public Libraries
faraj allah rahimi; javad pour karimi; seyedeh zahra salari; reza salehi
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Nowadays, public libraries by providing cultural, educational and scientific services to all groups of society, at urban and rural levels are considered as a main criteria for evaluating social welfare of nations. In analyzing social welfare criteria, the existence and extent ...
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Background and Objectives: Nowadays, public libraries by providing cultural, educational and scientific services to all groups of society, at urban and rural levels are considered as a main criteria for evaluating social welfare of nations. In analyzing social welfare criteria, the existence and extent of development of public libraries are in the range of housing, education, employment and health are considered as one of the indicators of the countries' development. Reaching more users and readers and increasing their willingness to re-visit the library lead to increases the efficiency of public resources. Every library needs to provide good, efficient and effective services, given the growing competition between information systems and the diverse needs of libraries, libraries need to place special emphasis on quality of service to attract more users. And improve productivity. However, the productivity of libraries is influenced by users' perceptions and experiences of evaluating the library environment, available facilities, collection size, staff attitudes, and reading activities in the library. Parasuraman (1988) proposed a comprehensive model to evaluate service quality that recognized as an important tools, to identification the difference in perceptions of service provided and expectations of the public libraries. A review of past studies in this area indicates that researchers have also used the SERVQUAL model to provide a framework for library service quality assessment. Given that quality of service is examined through several indicators and sub-indicators, it is very appropriate to apply multi-criteria decision-making techniques to evaluate service quality through SERVQUAL model. Among the multi-criteria decision-making techniques, the DEMATEL method successfully illustrates the internal relationships between variables. This study aimed to identify the indicators of service quality assessment among public and university libraries in Ahvaz based on the SERVQUAL model and then examine the internal relationships between indicators and sub-indicators.
Methodology: This research is applied in terms of purpose and in terms data collection it's considered as a descriptive-exploratory. The statistical population of this study consisted of all supervisors and senior managers of public and university libraries in Ahwaz city with at least 10 years of experience and sufficient research experience. Using purposive sampling method, 45 people were selected and 31 of them were returned to correctly questionnaires, So that 13 people were from public libraries and 18 people were from libraries in universities. In this study, a questionnaire was used to measure the quality of librarian services. The questionnaire consists of 5 main indicators of the SERVQUAL model including tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, Assurance and empathy. Multi-criteria decision making techniques were used to analyze the data. All calculations for the DEMATEL method are performed using Microsoft Excel software features
Findings: The results showed that the indicators of empathy, tangibility and reliability are among the influential indicators, and the indicators of Assurance and Responsiveness are among the effectual indicators. All of the research indicators have impact on the responsiveness criteria, which indicates the importance of this criteria. Likewise, for each cluster all the calculations of the Casual and effectiveness of the components have been examined and the importance of each component has been calculated. In the indicator group, tangible sub-criteria (a4) " Materials associated with the services (such as pamphlets or statements) are visually ", In the Reliability subgroup (b3), "Library Suitable Services" and in the responsiveness index sub-criteria (c4) "Librarians are never too busy to respond to your requests" are considered the most influential indicators.
Discussion: Based on the results, the following research suggestions are offered to senior managers of public and university libraries in Ahvaz. Given the importance of the Assurance criteria, it is suggested that readers be provided with a sense of security when conducting exchanges with librarians so that librarians' behavior will improve a sense of trust in users and readers. Also, when librarians have sufficient knowledge to respond to readers and users, it improves the effectiveness of the Assurance components and ensures that readers will ultimately have a better assessment of the quality of service provided by the library. Responsiveness criteria is also very important. It is recommended that librarians provide services at a higher rate, giving users a sense that librarians are always looking to help them. Likewise, when responding to librarians without delay, it impacts and reinforces other components of responsiveness to ultimately give users and readers a better assessment of the quality of libraries.
