Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Abstract
Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to investigate historical trends of user education in libraries. It also attempted to ask librarians to assess their readiness to train their users.
Method: This research was conducted in two phases, following a descriptive-analytical approach. In the first part the relevant materials were examined. For the second part, a questionnaire was developed which consisted of 23 questions and proved to be valid and reliable with a Cronbach’s Alpha calculated as 0.90. The research population consisted of all 80 librarians of both universities; however, 56 questionnaires were used in data analyses.
Findings/Results: The results showed that librarians at both universities found their capabilities in training users as “to some extent” and the only item with high competency was “enjoying teaching”.
Conclusion: Due to the widespread and increasing presence of new information and communication technologies, and because of absolute necessity of teaching library users, it is essential for academic libraries to offer theoretical education and training to librarians to familiarize them with topics and with teaching principles. This will pave the path to more productivity of the library resources and services, as well as to promote librarians social status.
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