Demands, challenges and solutions for Irandoc to improve and expand activities of academic and research libraries (ARLs)
ISSN: 0143-5124
Article publication date: 2 November 2021
Issue publication date: 20 January 2022
Abstract
Purpose
Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology (Irandoc) undertaken activities to improve and expand Academic and Research Libraries (ARLs). However, it is necessary to identify demands, challenges and solutions for Irandoc to improve and extend activities of these libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, documents of Science & Technology Information System (STIS) commission analyzed in order to investigate the most important steps taken by Irandoc. The results of this part of research used to conduct interviews with administrators and experts in four groups including thirteen ARL managers, four middle and upper level managers at Irandoc, two deputies in Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (MSRT), and four experts in this field. Therefore, the present study was qualitative with content analysis approach. The credibility of the research findings promoted by a peer debriefing and member checking methods.
Findings
The results showed that strengthening of STIS commission, reinforced Irandoc's authoritative duties in MSRT, establishing a network of ARLs, promoting Irandoc's relationship with ARLs, institutional mapping among organizations in the field of libraries and information, updating of Irandoc's policies and statutes regarding ARLs, completing library statistics and information, standardizing, monitoring and evaluating ARLs, developing Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs, and future study of ARLs were among the most important operational and executive strategies for improving and expanding ARLs' activities.
Originality/value
Organizational structure of the relationship among MSRT, Irandoc, ARLs and the types of services and resources ARLs provide in six levels, as well as conceptual model of Irandoc's position in this field presented.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author appreciates all of the help Zahra Rajabali Beglou given to me to do this research and to submit this paper.
Citation
Rajabali Beglou, R. (2022), "Demands, challenges and solutions for Irandoc to improve and expand activities of academic and research libraries (ARLs)", Library Management, Vol. 43 No. 1/2, pp. 35-49. https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-08-2020-0115
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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