Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
Abstract
This study attempted to evaluate hospital libraries in Khuzestan province against the standards issued by Medical Library Association (MLA 2007) of America. The data was collected through a checklist.The results showed that none of the 17 hospitals studied could be considered "standard" with the MLA Standards. Libraries suffered non-librarian managers and almost all were in need of specialist librarians or professional staff, and consulting librarians. Approximately 71% of the libraries are connected to the Internet, however, only 41.9% of the libraries have access to electronic journals. None of the libraries works 24 hours a day, and mostly work 6-8 hours daily. The results also showed that the most frequent services were publishing "Library News" and "What's New in the Library"; on the other hand, publishing "subject bibliographies" and holding "conferences, seminars, etc." were the least library/information services offered. 29.4 % of hospital libraries have buildings exclusively pre-planned for library, and 76.5% of them did not have enough space and facilities for work stations and other new information technology equipment. None of the libraries enjoys having online public-access catalog (OPAC). Most of the libraries are subscribed to MEDLINE (47%), whereas subscription to EXCERPTA MEDICA database with 11.8% stands on the lowest step of the ladder.
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