Original Article
Masoomeh Moazami; Nadjla Hariri; Atefeh Zarei; Fahimeh Babalhavaeji
Abstract
Aim: The Aim of this study is to analyze the behavior of search and retrieve information by multilingual users in the web environment. Other research objectives are as follows. Methodology: This study is applied in terms of purpose and in terms of method it is a combination study. In the present study, ...
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Aim: The Aim of this study is to analyze the behavior of search and retrieve information by multilingual users in the web environment. Other research objectives are as follows. Methodology: This study is applied in terms of purpose and in terms of method it is a combination study. In the present study, the quantitative part of the research is semi-empirical and in the qualitative part, qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the interviews. In the present study, the researcher first performed three tasks and asked users to search for information in the WorldWideScience search engine and to provide search results. All user behaviors were recorded and evaluated using the software during testing. The study population consisted of Ph.D. students in six fields of sciences (humanities, basic sciences, medical sciences, agricultural sciences, engineering, and arts). In this study, 35 Ph.D. students in six sciences using the web were searched as a sample. The study sample was then divided into two groups: a bilingual user group that is fluent in English and Farsi and the second group of multilingual users fluent in three or more languages. Finally, an analysis was performed on the search and retrieval behavior of users. Then a comparison was made between the information behavior of bilingual users and multilingual users. Results: Qualitative analysis of the nature of information retrieval behavior by multilingual individuals consists of 5 dimensions (defining tasks, formulating retrieval strategies, using translation tools, facing retrieval challenges, and managing (retrieving) retrieval challenges) as well as components.
Original Article
Knowledge Management
Rez Rajabali Beglou; Fatemeh Tajdari; Faraz Sadegh Vaziri
Abstract
Research Aim: The aim of this study is to develop a strategy for the Iranian Library and Information Science Association (ILISA) based-on Blue Ocean Strategy. Blue Ocean Strategy as a new approach to strategy and innovation is one of the strategic management developments aims to sustainable growth and ...
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Research Aim: The aim of this study is to develop a strategy for the Iranian Library and Information Science Association (ILISA) based-on Blue Ocean Strategy. Blue Ocean Strategy as a new approach to strategy and innovation is one of the strategic management developments aims to sustainable growth and performance of the organization. In competitive advantage situation organizations strive to compete with other competitors using a product or service to gain competitive advantage to customers. The blue ocean strategy strives to present new solutions, and seeks to introduce a new field of business and service success. The question shaped here is what are the factors that need to be deleted, decreased, developed and increased in the ILISA.Research method: Content analysis was used to answer the research questions because of the being exploratory of the topic. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ten current and former ILISA executives. The thematic analysis method was used to analyze the data obtained from the interview process. Using this method, the data were analyzed in three stages, developing basic themes, constructive or organizing themes, and compilation of general themes. This coding process led to the emergence of ninety-six basic theme. Then these basic themes were combined and shaped twenty-four organizing themes. Finally, four general themes emerged from the combination of organizing themes.Findings: The findings indicate that the ILISA needs to revise its strategies, meaning that it reduces some of its current activities such as reducing focus on association ratings and reducing off-priority activities. It should increase some activities including increase structured collaborations with central libraries, more interaction with internal and external scientific communities, more scientific outputs. Moreover, ILISA should eliminate activities such as eliminating none strategic agreements, delete direct and guild activities, as well as creating new innovative activities such as professional engagement with all stakeholders, industry and community, service delivery platforms and attract more audiences.Conclusion: The framework developed in the present study is an appropriate tool for the future policy making of the IILISA. The Blue Ocean Strategy could used in four action framework in strategy development of ILISA as a routine in the planning and continuous improvement committee with others. Moreover, the research finding could be used in the Scientific Associations’ Commision to revise these assocations’ evaluations.
Original Article
Scientometrics
Shahnaz Khademizadeh; Abdolhossein Farajpahlou; zeinab mohammadi
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify and rank the factors affecting scientific productions in terms of faculty members of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. The type of research is applied and descriptive-survey method. The statistical population of the study is 500 members of the faculty of Shahid ...
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The aim of this study was to identify and rank the factors affecting scientific productions in terms of faculty members of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. The type of research is applied and descriptive-survey method. The statistical population of the study is 500 members of the faculty of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. Using Morgan table, 217 people were selected as a sample by stratified and simple random sampling. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. The research data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22 and lisrel software. The results of confirmatory factor analysis showed that the "social attitude and mentality about research" discourse is the strongest component of the socio-cultural factor; The "Effective Control and Evaluation of University Research Activities" item "The strongest component of organizational-managerial factors", "Confidence and self-confidence" items; "Introduction to Research Skills" The strongest components of individual and speech factors "Credits, budget and sufficient financial support for research" The strongest component of infrastructural factors were identified. The average rank indicates that the "individual factor" with an average rank of 3.13 is in the first priority and has been considered more than other components. Also, the component of "infrastructure factors" with an average rating of 2.70; The components of "organizational-managerial factors" with an average rank of 2.10 and "cultural-social factors" with an average rating of 2.07, respectively, have an impact on the scientific production of faculty members of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. In general, according to the results of the research, each of the mentioned factors can somehow accelerate or disrupt the research process. These factors are not in fact specific to Iran and more or less appear in the world. According to the results of the research, strengthening the indicators affecting the process of scientific production by higher education officials and managers can provide a more suitable field for conducting applied research of faculty members and scientific promotion of the university.
Original Article
Knowledge Management
hamid faramarzi; Gholam Hossein maktabi; morteza omideyan; ali reza hajiyakhchali
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study's primary objective was to employ canonical analysis to examine the relationship between behavioral, normative, and control beliefs and their influence on the propensity to share knowledge with attitudes, subjective norms, behavioral intentions, and perceived behavioral ...
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Background and Objectives: This study's primary objective was to employ canonical analysis to examine the relationship between behavioral, normative, and control beliefs and their influence on the propensity to share knowledge with attitudes, subjective norms, behavioral intentions, and perceived behavioral control among middle school teachers in the city of Karaj.Methodology: This study adopted a descriptive correlational design. The statistical population for this research comprised all secondary school teachers in the city of Karaj. To this end, a sample of 350 individuals was randomly selected from this population using a simple random sampling technique. The Knowledge Sharing Questionnaire developed by Chennamaneni and Raja (2012) and the Reasoned Action Questionnaire by Fishbein and Ajzen (2002) were used to evaluate the variables. Canonical correlation analysis served as the primary statistical technique for the data analysis.Findings: Following the collection of research data and subsequent analysis using canonical correlation analysis, a significant linear relationship, with a 5% significance level, was observed between all variables examined. These findings supported the research hypothesis by demonstrating the predictability and significance of the relationship between behavioral, normative, and control beliefs and the propensity to share knowledge with attitudes, subjective norms, behavioral intentions, and perceived behavioral control. Among the criterion variables, behavioral intention (0.67) emerged as the most influential, whereas normative beliefs (0.41) indicated the highest significance among the predictor variables. The analysis of Wilks' lambda value (p < 0.001, F = 18.868, λ = 0.461) revealed a significant canonical correlation between the two sets of variables, with a 99% probability. However, it should be noted that Wilks' lambda represented the unexplained variance in the model. In this analysis, the effect size of the two canonical functions was 0.539, representing the shared variance between the two sets of variables the model could explain. With an effect size of 0.539, the obtained model suggested the existence of a common source of variance that explains the overlap between the two variable sets. Furthermore, the results of the F-test indicated that only one of the canonical functions was statistically significant (F = 18.868, p < 0.001, λ = 0.461). The second function (F = 0.503, p > 0.873, λ = 0.987), third (F = 0.456, p > 0.768, λ = 0.955), and fourth function (F = 0.072, p > 0.789, λ = 0.999) were not statistically significant. This study considered and calculated four canonical dimensions, but only one demonstrated statistical significance.Discussion: This study found a significant canonical correlation and a substantial overlap (53%) between behavioral, normative, and control beliefs and the propensity to share knowledge with attitudes, subjective norms, behavioral intentions, and perceived behavioral control. These findings indicated that attitudes, subjective norms, behavioral intentions, and perceived behavioral control could be predicted and have a significant relationship based on behavioral, normative, and control beliefs and the propensity to share knowledge. Specifically, In the first canonical function, all four predictor variables (behavioral, normative, and control beliefs, as well as the propensity to share knowledge) were identified as significant contributors to the relationship. These variables were more predictive of attitudes, subjective norms, behavioral intentions, and perceived behavioral control than those in the second function. The study's findings suggested that teachers' knowledge-sharing behavior was influenced by their propensity to share knowledge. This propensity was influenced more by teachers' normative and control beliefs than by their behavioral beliefs and attitudes. Drawing upon the results of this study, several key individual motivations for teachers to engage in knowledge-sharing with their colleagues can be identified. These motivations include the enjoyment of helping others, group participation and collaboration, personal responsibilities, encouragement, and rewards. Considering the influence of individual factors on the formation of behavioral beliefs, it can be inferred that the positive or negative perception of knowledge sharing (behavioral beliefs) among teachers is influenced by several key factors. These variables include their enjoyment of helping others, their understanding of the benefits associated with knowledge sharing, and their perception of the difficulty or ease associated with knowledge sharing. When considering the role of behavioral, normative, and control beliefs in determining the propensity to share knowledge, it can be concluded that teachers who hold positive behavioral beliefs about knowledge-sharing are more likely to engage in knowledge-sharing activities. Furthermore, teachers who demonstrated significant self-control were more likely to share their knowledge. Moreover, the research findings indicated a positive correlation between teacher attitudes and knowledge sharing.
Original Article
Mohammad Reza Farhadpoor; Maryam Derakhshan
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of ITC self-efficacy with students' use of information technology and their success in information literacy and computer literacy tests.Methodology: The applied study conducted using an analytical survey method. The statistical population ...
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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of ITC self-efficacy with students' use of information technology and their success in information literacy and computer literacy tests.Methodology: The applied study conducted using an analytical survey method. The statistical population were of all students of Ahvaz Islamic Azad University in 1397 that 377 students were selected by random sampling method based on with Cochran formula. Data collected by using a researcher-made questionnaire based on previous study tools and containing 53 items and using SPSS software. 23 was analyzed.Methodology: The applied study conducted using an analytical survey method. The statistical population were of all students of Ahvaz Islamic Azad University in 1397 that 377 students were selected by random sampling method based on with Cochran formula. Data collected by using a researcher-made questionnaire based on previous study tools and containing 53 items and using SPSS software. 23 was analyzed.Findings: The overall results showed that the status of ICT self-efficacy variables (mean = 4.24); use of information technology (mean = 3.97); information literacy (mean = 3.97) and computer literacy (mean = 4.06) is desirable. Meanwhile, ICT self-efficacy has a positive and significant effect on student's use of information technology (β=0.421), information literacy (β=0.557) and computer literacy (β=706).Conclusion: Students' belief in their abilities and their knowledge in using information technology can use their information technology, skills in information and computer literacy.
Original Article
Digital library
Mohsen Haji Zeinolabedini; Sayyedeh Kobra Pashazadeh; Sayyed Mahdi Taheri
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Metadata represents the culmination of an information and knowledge organization process, aiming to describe and structure content objects. The expansion of metadata standards (Schema) originates from specific information environment requirements while supporting distinct functions. ...
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Background and Objectives: Metadata represents the culmination of an information and knowledge organization process, aiming to describe and structure content objects. The expansion of metadata standards (Schema) originates from specific information environment requirements while supporting distinct functions. The resulting diversity and multiplicity of metadata standards stem from this origin. In today's information landscape, cultural institutions seek to disseminate information resources derived from their distinct repositories, where content objects are referenced. The organization of these content objects must align with the local and technical characteristics inherent to the cultural centers' existing context. Despite this, many centers and institutions either utilize a particular metadata standard disregarding these features or operate without any metadata standard altogether. Consequently, most database fields and elements often fail to align with the institution's context. This organizational structure ultimately falls short in transforming information into usable knowledge for researchers. To address this issue, the development of a metadata application profile aims to rectify these shortcomings and is seen as a solution for enhancing metadata systems. Essentially, the functional profile facilitates the extraction of necessary and contextually fitting elements from diverse metadata standards, tailoring metadata elements to suit the unique characteristics of a cultural institution. It aims to deliver metadata elements akin to a birth certificate. Given that the Malek Institute houses library content objects, it becomes imperative to create a functional profile specifically for this institution. Consequently, the current research endeavors to design a metadata application profile for the description and organization of library content objects housed within the Malek National Museum and Library Institute.Methodology: The current research is categorized as applied research owing to its goal-oriented pursuit of solutions to practical issues arising from real-world needs. It specifically addresses the absence of a metadata application profile required to describe content objects housed within the Malek Digital Library and Museum. This research is qualitatively classified due to its focus on qualitative aspects rather than quantitative measurements. The analysis of the collected data adopts a system analysis approach aligned with the research topic. Data collection employed qualitative research tools such as semi-structured interviews and close observation. The research population comprises two distinct segments. The first segment encompasses all content objects housed in the library at the Malek Institute, focusing on their native appearance and semantic characteristics. The second segment comprises employees from the library's cataloging department, selected using the snowball sampling method, a cost-effective approach aimed at saving research time and resources. In pursuit of designing a Metadata Application Profile (MAP) through a systematic methodology, various checklists associated with metadata standards were utilized. These standards include the Dublin Core Metadata Schema, Metadata Object Description Schema (MODS), Metadata Encoding and Transmission (METS), and MarcXML. The library objects under examination in this study encompass a range of materials, including Persian and Arabic printed books, lithographic books, French and English printed books, and Persian publications.Findings: The study's findings reveal that the functional profile developed comprises a total of 44 elements, categorized into 12 primary elements, 28 secondary elements, and four refined elements. Notably, the MODS contributes the most to the application profile, featuring 24 elements. The Dublin Core Metadata Standards and METS contribute 18 and 2 elements, respectively, to the metadata application profile of the library content objects housed within the Malek National Museum and Library Institute. The elements encompassed within this profile encompass various facets, including title information, such as title, translated title, uniform title, alternate title, subtitle, and non sort. Additionally, elements related to creator information, such as creator, creator role, and affiliation, are included. Other significant elements involve description, subject, Dewey Decimal classification system (DDC) number, Library of Congress classification system (LCC) number, origin information, publisher, frequency, publication date, creation date, valid date, place, type, identifier, International Standard Book Number (ISBN), International Standard Serial Number (ISSN), local number, language, accrual method, notes (comprising language note, physical description note, marks note, scripts note), record information (record creation date, record change date), agent name role, agent name role (Controller), part, extent, start, end, and contributor.Discussion: The Malek National Museum and Library Institute, utilizing functional profile IDs comprising name, label, defined by, property institution definition, description, type, refinements, refined by, coding scheme, requirement, data type, event, equivalent to, can effectively manage its metadata. Implementing the suggestions from this research facilitates the efficient organization of the library's content objects. Similarly, other libraries with similar features can adopt these profile IDs to develop their metadata application profiles, enhancing the management of their content objects in line with established practices.
Review
Scientometrics
Mahmood Amintoosi
Abstract
Abstract: Recent researches showed the inaccurate citations' situation in Iran. Researchers' unawareness of reference management software (citation management software, or bibliographic management software) was one of the main reasons for this situation. However, the current software does not have proper ...
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Abstract: Recent researches showed the inaccurate citations' situation in Iran. Researchers' unawareness of reference management software (citation management software, or bibliographic management software) was one of the main reasons for this situation. However, the current software does not have proper support for the Persian language; one reason is the lack of necessary requirements for software implementation and development. A similar problem can also be seen in the bilingual citations to articles on many scientific Iranian journal websites. The purpose of this study is to investigate the problems of localization of reference management software in Persian and to provide operational solutions. Methods: The research method was narrative review and included reviewing several international and domestic citation management software and investigation of their requirements to support other languages. Ability for right to left typesetting of references, using synonyms of specific words, having Persian and English references at the same time, and the precedence of Persian references when sorting the references are among the requirements that a citation management software must have to support Persian. Results: In order to adapt the conventional international citation programs for use in Persian, new information fields -including language, langid, origlanguage and doclanguage - that are compatible with modern software should be considered. Some other challenges such as Persian labels, transliteration, romanization and bilingual citation reports for Persian articles are also investigated which are mentioned in the text of the article. Also, according to the proposed fields, it is recommended to export bilingual bibliographic information in scientific websites separately for each language. Conclusion: Without agreement and development of the necessary requirements, it is not possible to program and use Persian citation styles in a universal way. These requirements can be pursued and enacted nationally and internationally to be included in reference management software, journal websites, and scientific databases.
