Collection development in public libraries of Tehran

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the adequacy of the public library system with respect to the total population as well as the viable population of different regions of Tehran city, the capital of Iran, especially pertaining to book collections in accordance with the IFLA/UNESCO Guidelines.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted through a questionnaire distributed to librarians of the public libraries under study. The other resources of data used for this study are annual reports and official records of the libraries at the provincial and national level.

Findings

The findings reveal the ratio of book collections with respect to the viable population of different regions of Tehran. Only one of 22 regions has a book collection as per IFLA/UNESCO Guidelines.

Originality/value

This paper highlights how public libraries in Tehran are providing access to information resources and whether the book collections of the libraries are adequate as per international standards. It also suggests certain improvements for the existing system.

Citation

Walia, P.K. and Momeni, E. (2011), "Collection development in public libraries of Tehran", Collection Building, Vol. 30 No. 4, pp. 160-166. https://doi.org/10.1108/01604951111181128