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Purpose: Information literacy involves a range of skills such as recognizing information needs, understanding information production and value, and using information to generate new knowledge ethically. It is essential for individuals to locate, evaluate, and utilize information effectively to become lifelong learners. This research aims to investigate how education influences the information literacy abilities of out-of-school children in accessing digital libraries and databases.Methodology: This study utilized a Semi-experimental research design and survey method. Initial theoretical studies were conducted, and five information literacy standards were compared to develop a new pattern. The population consisted of 195 dropouts from two schools - Moshtaq in Kerman and Arslan Boys in Rafsanjan. The sample size of 120 individuals was selected using a simple random method, with 100 students completing the questionnaire. Survey data was analyzed before and after information literacy training over one semester using a checklist with five components and 15 indicators. Reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha, which yielded a value of 0.851.Findings: The study revealed that digital libraries and databases were available to a favorable extent, with a 2.935 percent availability rate. Prior to training, students showed a 2.125 percent proficiency in locating information in digital resources, which improved to 2.45 percent post-training. Additionally, students demonstrated an average skill level of 2.38 in utilizing full-text databases within digital libraries. Conclusion: The research underscored the importance of education in enhancing information literacy skills, particularly in the areas of information retrieval and selection, database usage, and critical evaluation of online sources. Recommendations included teaching students how to identify reliable information sources, conduct effective information searches, and utilize various search operators for refining search results.Value: The novelty of the research lies in its examination of the Impact of Education on Information Literacy Skills of Dropout Students in Utilizing Digital Libraries and Databases through a Semi-experimental research design.

Purpose: The present study aimed to identify the level of user satisfaction with the digital library services of Allameh Tabatabai University during the Corona era.Methodology: The research utilized an applied purpose and descriptive survey method. The statistical population consisted of all students of the Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology at Allameh Tabatabai University. Data was collected using a researcher-made questionnaire distributed electronically, with 156 out of 450 respondents answering the questionnaire thoroughly. One-sample t-test was used to test hypotheses, supplemented by additional tests such as t-test for two independent samples, ANOVA, Friedman, Levin, and Tukey. The validity of the questionnaire was established through content validity method with a coefficient above 0.76, and reliability was confirmed through Cronbach's test with a coefficient of 0.726.Findings: Results revealed that user satisfaction with accessing online library services, service interface environment, information retrieval, visual effects, and personal library services of Allameh Tabatabai University's digital library were significantly higher than the standard score of 3. However, satisfaction with accessing domestic and international databases was found to be significantly lower than the standard score.Conclusion: Overall, user satisfaction with Allameh Tabatabai University's digital library services was deemed to be in a good state during the Corona era.Value: This study provides insights into user satisfaction with digital library services during a pandemic, offering valuable perspectives on delivering digital information services during crises.

Purpose: Risk assessment according to ISO 31000 standard is a systematic and logical process that includes identification, analysis and measurement. The risk identification process involves determining the type and source of potential risks. Risk analysis involves determining the estimated level of risks in terms of indices such as the probability and potential consequences of the risk. The measurement involves comparing the estimated levels of risks with respect to the analysis criteria and eventually the risk ranking. The present study aims to assess (identify, analyze and measure) the risks of professional expertise of human resources at digital libraries according to ISO 31000 standard.Methods: The present research is an applied nature and to implement it, survey and analytic methods have been applied with Shannon Entropy to weight risks and fuzzy TOPSIS to evaluate them. Primarily the most important risks were identified using the relevant resources and the results of previous researches, a process which led to the formulation of a questionnaire consisting of 38 items. First the demographic characteristics were described and the central statistical indices (mean and median) as well as the dispersion index (standard deviation) were examined. Next, using the weighted average index to the criteria defined by Shannon's entropy method and their application in TOPSIS software, positive and negative ideal options were determined. In the risk assessment stage, risks were prioritized by comparing the distance of each one from the positive and negative ideal options. The content validity and reliability equals 0.955 according to Cronbach's alpha test.Findings: 18 professional expertise risks were identified. Risk of having the necessary knowledge about semantic web languages and tools with the minimum distance from the positive ideal point by the value (0.0103) and the maximum distance from the negative ideal point by the value (0.104), and the maximum coefficient close to (0.9103) ranked first. It means that this risk has the closest distance to the ideal positive point and is the most important.Risk of employees' ability to provide digital reference services ranked 18th with the minimum distance from the negative ideal (0.0114) and the maximum distance from the positive ideal (0/1043), and the minimum proximity coefficient (0.0982). That is, it has the maximum distance from the positive ideal option and is the least important.Conclusions: Among the 18 risks of professional expertise of human resources at digital libraries identified, the risk of "having the necessary knowledge about semantic web languages ​​and tools" is the first priority. This reveals that the human resources of academic digital libraries are not in a good position in terms of up-to-date knowledge and modern information technologies and the semantic web that underlies ontologies and linked data, etc.

Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to briefly review the current status of the required spaces for the public libraries in Iran and identify and redefine the architectural needs of these spaces to achieve a new pattern for contemporary libraries. Method: The study approach is a qualitative study based on the grounded theory method. The data were collected by applying library and field methods, using an analytical review, interviews with users, librarians of four selected libraries, researchers, architecture and their users. By analyzing the interview and data, codes were identified and named. In the axial coding stage, the primary categories and phenomena, including “demographic composition of the audiences”, “form of resources, facilities, and facilities”, “quality of the collection and resources”, “conditions of the library to utilize the services”, “quality of services and facilities, and programs to achieve the establishment of social and spatial justice”, “level of social interactions by knowing the cultural context of the target society”, “relationship with sustainable development”, and “library space including four components of necessary standards, functional planning, customization and configuration, and physical planning” were identified. In the selective coding, given the study objectives, three categories of “standardization”, “socio-cultural dimension” and “physical-environmental model” were selected. Findings: Public libraries have changed rapidly due to technological developments and the communication revolution, and have overshadowed the service and mission, planning and functional design, physical, and even the perceptual and aesthetic aspects of libraries. Convincing and diverse perspectives have been presented on public libraries and their future, their goals, services, and space in the 21st century. They range from doubting their functional existence owing to the nature of new technologies and communications, to their becoming significant due to the nature of preserving the documents of human civilization and the interaction make possibe in society (unlike the new communication technologies that insist on isolation). The diversity of these views emphasizes that it is not possible to present a single form for design, but there is a possibility of some kind of design interaction. The analysis of the libraries under study showed that the architecture of the libraries makes certain functional/behavioral models possible. One of them is the “collection-oriented” model, which aims at emphasizing the traditional role of the library as a place for providing resources. The other is an “interaction-oriented” model, which stresses the socio-cultural role of the public library as a venue for interaction that emphasizes, on the one hand, the preservation, publication and development of knowledge and information, and on the other hand, the connection with society and the improvement of the level of cultural and social interactions. Originality/value: The findings of this study redefine the role of public libraries relying on the relevant components of the library architecture to create and develop a suitable platform for the social capital from this space. By changing the library strategies from the complex-oriented pattern to the interaction-oriented model, and redefinition of the spaces, in addition to preserving, publishing, and presenting various sources of knowledge, contemporary libraries should be the custodians and publishers of collective memory and participate in the relations between people and civil institutions. A good architectural design of library spaces should reflect their intentions and mission in our times. More importantly, the designed space should enable achievement of development goals.

Introduction: The present study states that the success in implementing the knowledge management architecture in the field of electronic services for business in digital libraries requires the evaluation of knowledge management in the digital library. For this purpose, the researchers have studied the implementation of digital library research in the form of digital enterprises to set up a link for electronic business such as culture centers in digital and functional form in public libraries of Tehran. Basically, the application of this work is that by first setting up a link in the digital library at the level of public libraries, it is possible to open the door to electronic business, so that researchers can do research in this field and people seek work and creation in entrepreneurship, and in this way, electronic services can be launched in public libraries and these services can be guided through prioritization and knowledge management architecture, and a model and pattern that has been proposed in this research can be opened. and considered the initiator of this work. Methodology: This research is based on the purpose of an applied-developmental study and based on the method of data collection, it is a descriptive study of the cross-sectional survey type. Also, in this study, a mixed research method (qualitative-quantitative) was used. The data collection tool in the qualitative part was a semi-structured interview, and in the quantitative part, a questionnaire with face validity and with a Likert-type scale. The statistical population in the qualitative section includes 33 experts of digital library managers, who were selected by the purposeful sampling method, which was reached up with 12 interviews. To analyze the data in the qualitative part, the theme analysis method and MaxQDA software were used. Then, using gap analysis and performance analysis, the priority of knowledge management architecture in e-business services was discussed. The quantitative statistical population includes 150 digital users and 50 digital library user experts. The sample size was checked with Morgan's table, Cronbach's alpha and Likert's scale were also used for the questionnaire, and Friedman's test was also used for prioritization. Sampling in quantitative section was done randomly. In order to answer the research questions for the qualitative part, it was done through indirect observation, and after answering the interview questions, it was semi-structured. Basically, the user was allowed to do it alone and to some extent with an open hand without having any answer to the relevant questions in a restricted manner. Findings: The research findings show that knowledge management in the digital library is at the initial level of the productivity model in digital libraries. The gap between the performance level and the expected level is wide. But in general, they achieved a meaningful relationship. In the field of electronic services, expectations (importance) are close to perceptions (performance). But in the case of variables such as knowledge management results, knowledge processes, knowledge management architecture, e-business, gaps in requirements and priorities were observed. According to the research obtained in the background section, it needs more understanding and investigation which shows that variables such as electronic business service requirements of digital libraries, the communication chain of knowledge management architecture in digital libraries are needed in this library and should be investigated. It can also be said that the research findings show that knowledge management in the digital library is at the initial level. The gap between the performance level and the expected level is wide. Variables such as electronic business service requirements of digital libraries and communication chain of knowledge management architecture in digital libraries are needed. Basically, the findings of the research include the following: • Level of knowledge management in digital library: beginner • Gap between performance and expectations: large • The need for further investigation in the digital library system: the variables of electronic business service requirements of digital libraries and the communication chain of knowledge management architecture. Discussion and conclusion: The results of the research showed that the requirements of digital libraries have been raised in the form of a knowledge management architecture for electronic business, and in this context, the model of digital libraries to improve the performance of these services has been expressed in the suggestions section which can be used as a digital company to start a business in digital libraries. Basically, this company is the initiator of other businesses as well as research works in any organization and library, which is good enough to give hope for donation and this work. It is a way to advance the goals of this library and electronic business and entrepreneurship in the digital world. Also, in the section of suggestions for improving and promoting this work, the network method is also mentioned, which is the best way to do electronic work in the virtual world. Also, this method can open the way for ontology and information retrieval in the digital world, and in principle, this way can be suggested for better performance in both specialized and public libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A digital library is a collection of digital objects, such as books, magazines, audio recordings, video recordings, and other documents that are accessible electronically. Public libraries also use digital libraries in their activities to improve the quality of services. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of establishing the status of the digital library in Iran Public Libraries Foundation, based in Kerman city. Methods: The present survey research methods a descriptive-analytic, statistical population consisting of 62 members of managers and staff working in 9 the public libraries of Kerman city. Due to the limitation of the size of the community, Sampling has not been done and all the people were considered as statistical samples. Data was collected using a researcher-made checklist with confirmed structural and content validity. The checklist questions were prepared and organized according to the objectives of the research and by the basic questions. The validity of this checklist was confirmed through the opinion of the subject experts and the examination of the dimensions of the research components and compliance with similar texts and research. TOPSIS method has been used to check research hypotheses. As well as for the implementation of information architecture using similarity to ideal option (TOPSIS) among the public libraries of various attributes, including the city of Kerman (the skills of librarians, technical equipment and facilities available in the library, the library's budget situation and telecommunication infrastructure) were studied, so the weight of the rating criteria to the libraries on a five-step were explained. Findings: The results showed that the findings showed: Central National Library with a coefficient of 0.590 is close to the ideal coefficient in comparison with other libraries, and Yazdani Far Library is ranked ninth with a coefficient of 0.248. Strengthening digital technology, explaining the nature, function, advantages, and disadvantages of digital libraries, digital protection, and information security, user privacy protection, resource sharing methods, and educational programs are among the important issues in creating digital libraries. Conclusion: According to the results of the research, it was found that public libraries in kerman are not in a favorable situation in terms of telecommunication infrastructure, Therefore, it was suggested to provide the necessary infrastructure for the use of information technology. Teaching the use of related technologies, increasing the speed of the Internet, providing the necessary infrastructure, and providing the necessary equipment are among the suggestions of the research. Originality/value: Creating a digital library is very beneficial in the effective use of information resources. Paying attention to the essential infrastructures and basic components in the digitization of public libraries of Kerman for the use of information technology is one of the benefits of this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: With the development of technologies, things are done faster and in less time, as the reduction of time to do work and the speed of response has become an important competitive advantage among organizations. These features and advantages have led to the widespread use of Internet of Things technology among different societies, and at the same time, the field of acceptance and development of information and communication technologies in libraries and information centers has also emerged because libraries, as information service centers, should be able to play a role on par with other organizations. Due to the advancement of information and communication technology, libraries have problems in managing and providing services. The Internet of Things is one of the phenomena that helps librarians to better manage facilities, equipment, and applications. The purpose of the current research was to study the information security in digital libraries on the Internet of Things. Methods: This research was of applied type and library (documentary) and survey methods were used to carry it out. For this purpose, a 19-item checklist was used to identify and evaluate the dimensions of the research, and the state of information security in digital libraries was investigated and analyzed in 6 components access level, security and technology, service provision, infrastructure, information protection and information confidentiality. Binomial and one-sample t-tests were used for data analysis in SPSS software. Findings: In this research, the libraries that use the Internet of Things technology, the type of libraries, and the services provided by the Internet of Things technologies in the libraries were identified. The findings indicate that the components of the level of access, security, and technology, providing services and infrastructure are in a suitable condition, and the components of information protection and information confidentiality are in an inappropriate condition in terms of the security of the Internet of Things information. Conclusion: The use of the Internet of Things in libraries is increasing, and many libraries use or want to use this technology because it has many advantages for libraries. Also, the use of this technology accelerates and facilitates the transfer from one generation to another of libraries, especially the transfer from a traditional library to a digital library and a smart library with a smarter service. The use of the Internet of Things in digital libraries can lead to providing new and irreplaceable services to the users of these libraries. Meanwhile, security is one of the key challenges of information technology, and Issues related to the Information Security of Digital Library on the Internet of Things are very important, librarians can make decisions by using it carefully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research was to redesigning the user interface architecture of the digital library website of the National Library and Archives of Iran (NLAI( using card-sorting method in order to improve the structure and the desired retrieval. The present study is an applied research. To this end a multifaceted approach and various techniques such as interviewing, think-aloud protocol and card-sorting were used to redesign the user interface architecture of the digital library website of the NLAI. EXCEL and VISIO software were used to analyze the data, and Sort Optimal tool was used to analyze the data obtained from card-sorting. The results were read in the form of similarity matrix and dendrogram algorithm. The statistical population in this study included users of the digital library website of the NLAI, who were selected in two groups of novice users (clients) and advanced users (librarians). In order to validate the qualitative findings, the researcher triangulation method was used. Findings of the research, the model and the results obtained from Card Sorting test, were provided to 7 experts, researchers and professors of library and information science who had necessary experience, for evaluation to give their expert opinion in the field of data analysis. The similarity matrix findings showed that users grouped elements such as "Ask Us", "Legal Considerations", "Resource Registration", "Resource Donation", and "Technical Support" and so on. The findings of the Standardization Network also confirmed that users have included 10 times "Ask Us", 17 times "Resource Registration" and 6 times "Technical Support" in the menu of electronic services. Dendrogram findings also showed that a number of contributors expect to be able to select "source type" if necessary next to the search box, rather than independently reviewing individual digital resources. Cart sorting process analysis showed that in addition to predefined categories, some new categories were suggested. These included "links to other digital libraries", "shared databases" and the "FAQ" category. The data and performance of users in this study showed that the current user interface of the digital library website is not user-friendly and users cannot quickly get what they are looking for. The card-sorting process generally acknowledged inconsistencies in how users perceived the labeling and organization of digital library website content. Interviews and think-aloud protocols with users also confirmed that the language used to name menues and information elements is currently not simple and user-friendly. User categories in the card-sorting process for designing the user interface architecture also showed that there are elements in the website that users do not need, and conversely, there are important elements that are not included in the website. In the simulated information architecture, based on the findings of the interview and the participation of users in the Card Sorting process, an attempt was made to design the proposed user interface somewhat similar to other user interfaces (OPAC and Rasa software). In the proposed model, while paying attention to the demands and expectations of users, the simplicity of the pages, the most important point has been observed.

The purpose of this research was to redesigning the user interface architecture of the digital library website of the National Library and Archives of Iran (NLAI) using card-sorting method in order to improve the structure and the desired retrieval. The present study is an applied research. To this end a multifaceted approach and various techniques such as interviewing, think-aloud protocol and card-sorting were used to redesign the user interface architecture of the digital library website of the NLAI. EXCEL and VISIO software were used to analyze the data, and Sort Optimal tool was used to analyze the data obtained from card-sorting. The results were read in the form of similarity matrix and dendrogram algorithm. The statistical population in this study included users of the digital library website of the NLAI, who were selected in two groups of novice users (clients) and advanced users (librarians). In order to validate the qualitative findings, the researcher triangulation method was used. Findings of the research, the model and the results obtained from Card Sorting test, were provided to 7 experts, researchers and professors of library and information science who had necessary experience, for evaluation to give their expert opinion in the field of data analysis. The similarity matrix findings showed that users grouped elements such as “Ask Us”, “Legal Considerations”, “Resource Registration”, “Resource Donation”, and “Technical Support” and so on together. The findings of the Standardization Network also confirmed that users have included 10 times “Ask Us”, 17 times “Resource Registration” and 6 times “Technical Support” in the menu of electronic services. Dendrogram findings also showed that a number of contributors expect to be able to select “source type” if necessary next to the search box, rather than independently reviewing individual digital resources. Cart sorting process analysis showed that in addition to predefined categories, some new categories were suggested. These included “links to other digital libraries”, “shared databases” and the “FAQ” category. The data and performance of users in this study showed that the current user interface of the digital library website is not user-friendly and users cannot quickly get what they are looking for. The card-sorting process generally acknowledged inconsistencies in how users perceived the labeling and organization of digital library website content. Interviews and think-aloud protocols with users also confirmed that the language used to name menues and information elements is currently not simple and user-friendly. User categories in the card-sorting process for designing the user interface architecture also showed that there are elements in the website that users do not need, and conversely, there are important elements that are not included in the website. In the simulated information architecture, based on the findings of the interview and the participation of users in the Card Sorting process, an attempt was made to design the proposed user interface somewhat similar to other user interfaces (OPAC and Rasa software). In the proposed model, while paying attention to the demands and expectations of users, the simplicity of the pages, the most important point has been observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Awareness of users' perceptions and interpretations of the information labels of the user interface of digital library of the NLAI. The present study was an applied research with a mixed method. Data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire, interview, and observation. Through a exploratory method, participants were asked to spend considerable time and in-depth to examine the categories, elements, and labels used in the digital library website and to determine their understanding of the website labels in the online questionnaire in the form of a Likert scale. Then, the semi-structured interview technique was used to study users' perceptions and interpretations of the labels assigned to the elements on the website. The study population included users of the digital library of the NLAI, which was selected in two groups of novice users (clients) and advanced users (librarians) of 20 people (10 novice users and 10 advanced users). In order to validate the research results, Methodological angulation was used to increase the reliability of the research data. During this method, the researcher used several methods to collect data (using interviews with observation, exploratory study, and questionnaire), as well as all research strategies and steps with the necessary documentation at the time of data collection were recorded. Finally, after collecting the data, the researcher used the Member checking method. During this quality control process, the researcher asked the 7 participants to read the notes and the results of the data and express their opinion on the accuracy of the findings. Cronbach's alpha test (0.85) was used to ensure the reliability of the data collection tool and the possible problems of the questionnaire. SPSS software was used to analyze the research data. Content analysis and Excel software were used to analyze the interview data. The results showed that the final average of comprehensibility of labels and terms used in the website is over 50% and indicates a good understanding of the terms and labels used in the website to represent information categories, but some labels need to be changed and updated. Some terms are not very understandable from the users' point of view and need to be revised, such as: "review", "quick look", "typical classification", "source registration", "legal considerations", "main site", "texts", "Periodical" and "Collection". The friendliness and user-friendliness of the words on the website, and the ban on the use of specialized, complex, and ambiguous words were among the demands of the users. New terms and labels were suggested by users. The use of specialized library terminology on the website, intangible and abstract words and lack of sufficient explanations about labels, lack of a comprehensive guide, going into more detail, complications on the website, and inconsistency in the use of words for similar concepts are some of the problems that cause the user does not have a good browsing experience.

Introduction: Digital libraries are trying to increase services to their users by removing the obstacles to and limitations of traditional libraries, such as the mass volume of publications, followed by the increase in the cost of providing printed resources, the lack of library space and the exhaustion of resources by providing resources in electronic formats. Digital library of Astan-e Quds-e Razavi is the biggest and most important digital library in Iran. This library tries to use advanced technology in order to change accessibility of users to the information resources and attract their attention. On the other hand, evaluating user's satisfaction is a good measure of a library's performance. Hence the main purpose of this study was to evaluate the usability of Astan-e Quds-e Razavi digital library through assessing its users' satisfaction. Methodology: This study was an applied research and its methodology was evaluative. Research population consisted of all users of Astan-e Quds-e Razavi digital library (40,000 people) which used the digital library in the year 2021. The sample was selected based on Krejcie and Morgan’s sample size table through simple random sampling (380 people). The required data was collected by a questionnaire. It included two parts: first part includes demographic information (such as sex, age, education and job experience in digital library of Astan-e Quds-e Razavi) and the second part of questionnaire includes 42 items evaluating usability of the digital library. In order to confirm the validity of the research tool, the comments and viewpoints of some instructors teaching at Imam Reza International University of Mashhad, Iran, were applied. In order to confirm the reliability, Cronbach’s alpha was used. The total alpha coefficient was 96. Also from 380 people which received questionnaires online, 365 people (near 96%) returned them. The gathered data was analyzed through the SPSS using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: Four criteria were found including "available digital resources", "usage capability", "performance status" and "search and retrieval status" to evaluate the usability of Astan-e Quds-e Razavi digital library. The findings showed that the highest rate of users' satisfaction regarding to the usability of Astan-e Quds-e Razavi digital library is related to search and retrieval functions. Among retrieval attributes understandable keywords, accessibility process, attractiveness, browsing by subject, and tutorial guide achieved the highest level of satisfaction. Also the lowest level of satisfaction related to recall and precision, speed and the level of information distribution. while the lowest satisfaction rate obtained for functionality. The findings revealed that users' satisfaction of usability of Astane Quds-e Razavi digital library was more than average level. By the way, showing strengths and weakness point of Astan-e Quds-e Razavi digital library was another result in this research. Among the strengths points, we can refer to different search strategies and feasible user interface provided by digital library that surely facilitates accessibility to the library different sections and various sources of information. In addition, using various colors for attractiveness makes it possible for the users to be able to easily separate various services provided in digital libraries. In addition, using different mobile applications aside with related guide showed that managers and experts of digital library pay more attention to their users and their needs. Conclusion: By identifying the factors influencing the usability of Astan-e Quds-e Razavi digital library as the results of this research, managers can promote the quality of the library and therefore increase the user’s satisfaction. Also considering the results of this research by librarians may leads to supplying information with various formats, regarding usable strategy to distribute information based on users’ information needs and finally motivating digital library users to reuse the library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Risk assessment according to ISO 31000 standard is a systematic and logical process that includes identification, analysis and measurement. The risk identification process involves determining the type and source of potential risks. Risk analysis involves determining the estimated level of risks in terms of indices such as the probability and potential consequences of the risk. The measurement involves comparing the estimated levels of risks with respect to the analysis criteria and eventually the risk ranking. The present study aims to assess (identify, analyze and measure) the risks of professional expertise of human resources at digital libraries according to ISO 31000 standard. Methods: The present research is an applied nature and to implement it, survey and analytic methods have been applied with Shannon Entropy to weight risks and fuzzy TOPSIS to evaluate them. Primarily the most important risks were identified using the relevant resources and the results of previous researches, a process which led to the formulation of a questionnaire consisting of 38 items. First the demographic characteristics were described and the central statistical indices (mean and median) as well as the dispersion index (standard deviation) were examined. Next, using the weighted average index to the criteria defined by Shannon's entropy method and their application in TOPSIS software, positive and negative ideal options were determined. In the risk assessment stage, risks were prioritized by comparing the distance of each one from the positive and negative ideal options. The content validity and reliability equals 0.955 according to Cronbach's alpha test. Findings: 18 professional expertise risks were identified. Risk of having the necessary knowledge about semantic web languages and tools with the minimum distance from the positive ideal point by the value (0.0103) and the maximum distance from the negative ideal point by the value (0.104), and the maximum coefficient close to (0.9103) ranked first. It means that this risk has the closest distance to the ideal positive point and is the most important. Risk of employees' ability to provide digital reference services ranked 18th with the minimum distance from the negative ideal (0.0114) and the maximum distance from the positive ideal (0/1043), and the minimum proximity coefficient (0.0982). That is, it has the maximum distance from the positive ideal option and is the least important. Conclusions: Among the 18 risks of professional expertise of human resources at digital libraries identified, the risk of "having the necessary knowledge about semantic web languages and tools" is the first priority. This reveals that the human resources of academic digital libraries are not in a good position in terms of up-to-date knowledge and modern information technologies and the semantic web that underlies ontologies and linked data, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Identifying the status of Iranian digital library software in terms of the use of various content management and user portlets.Methodology: This is an applied research done as a heuristic survey. The research was conducted to evaluate the capabilities of various portlets in the field of digital library management in two general areas of content management (collection process management, content production management, classification management, documentation management, loading management, content indexing management, link management and news management) and user management (user management, staff management and user security management) are used in digital library software. Statistical population of the study consists of five Digital Library Softwares Pars Azarsa, Simorgh, Tebyan, and Parwan Farakavash produced by five major library software companies in Iran (Pars Azarakhsh, Nosa, Tebyan, kavash, and Parvanpajooh). Their software products and know-how have matured over time in tandem with technological advancements in their field, with critical inputs from field experts, associated companies, organizations and institutions. They, in the recent ten years, have undertaken many landmark projects that include database and archive automation for their clients. Their knowledge base and software products are unsurpassed in the field of digital data management for libraries and document centers, and this includes the full spectrum of related requirements. All their software products are web based, integrated and user friendly Some of their major clients include the governmental institutions, private companies, national libraries and universities. The needed data was collected using a researcher-made check-list. Different types of descriptive statistical techniques in collaboration with Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Shapiro-Wilk test and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used for analyzing the data.Findings: In terms of content management, Simorgh had the best performance. The statistical population had the best performance in the "category management" section of the content management field and the weakest performance in the "link management" section. In the field of user management, "Azarsa" had the best performance. The statistical community had the weakest performance in this area in the "forum management" section. Test of research hypotheses showed that there is no significant difference between the digital library software in the use of content management portals and user management.Conclusion: The performance of the statistical population was evaluated for 114 management portlets. The statistical population in the field of content management according to the check-list had an average performance of 80 percent and the average performance of the statistical population in the field of user management was below 63 percent, among which even "Farakavash" and "Parvan" had a performance below 50 percent. Therefore, in general comparison, it was concluded that the statistical community in the field of content management has performed better than user management.

Objective: Information and communication technology has led to the emergence of a new generation of libraries called digital libraries. These libraries need specialized and trained staff to provide services to users. In developed countries, independent curricula have been designed and implemented to train librarians. In Iran, medical librarians do not have the appropriate training to provide services in digital libraries.Method: This research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive type. In this article, in order to meet the needs of medical librarians with a qualitative approach (comparative method and Delphi technique), the digital medical library program was designed.Results: The content of the digital library master's degree curriculum was first searched in Spain, Sweden, the United States and the joint international curriculum of Italy, Norway and Estonia. The content of the curriculum was studied. . The credits of each program and the amount of subscriptions and differences in each curriculum were determined. Then, the selected courses from these programs as well as the opinions of experts in this field were reached and ranked by the faculty members of the Iranian Library and Medical Information Departments by Delphi Durandeh.Originality of the work: Finally, inspired by the elements of the curriculum in the mentioned countries and the opinions of the faculty members of the curriculum, the digital medical library was designed. The results of this article can be a guide for curriculum designers in the Ministry of Health and Medical Education Be.Keywords: Digital Library, Curriculum , digital library

The purpose of this research is to develop and evaluate a scientific information exchange model at digital library on Internet of things. In order to attain the objective, the model’s components are extracted first. This study is a developmental study using mixed method consisting of documentary, focus group, data modeling, and quantitative evaluation methods. The study population in the documentary section includes the study of information resources retrieved in related subjects. The study population in the focus group section consists of 9 experts in “Internet of things” and “digital library”. Data gathering procedure was done by applying a checklist, and Edraw Max, Protégé, evaluation tab of Protégé software is applied for the analysis. Based on the findings of the documentary method (examining 10 core models and ontologies in the field of Internet of Things, physical and virtual objects), 44 key concepts, 108 sub-concepts, and 62 attributes constitute the primary core elements of scientific information exchange model at digital library in the context of internet of things. The findings showed that the 9 main classes, namely “end-user”, “librarian”, “microcomputer”, “digital library server”, “automated information services”, “physical resources”, “virtual resources”, “information resources on the digital library server”, and “security” in general model of scientific information exchange are very contributive. In general, 27 sub-classes and 38 attributes are identified for the main classes for this purpose. In this model, the way the classes communicate and interact with one another is illustrated to justify this theme. The evaluation of the model showed that the hierarchical structure of the concepts is not dense and some types of property and property restriction have not been considered. To make use of Internet of Things in libraries, the modeling of all the essential elements and properties of the internet of things in libraries must be incorporated into a model that constitutes the logical structure of the digital library scientific information exchange database system. This model can serve as a database map for database professionals and designers.

Objective: , the present study examines the current status of the use of ontologies in the digital library area through the analysis of studies in this field.Methodology: The present research is a qualitative study using the meta-synthesis method. In order to collect data in this study, the library method, and to analyze data the seventh-step process of Sandelowski & Barroso for meta-synthesis was used. The research population of the study includes related studies (articles and dissertations) in the area of ontology applications in digital libraries retrieved from scientific databases. CASP evaluation checklist was used to ensure the quality of the studies. Finally, out of 267 retrieved studies, 43 titles were selected and analyzed.Findings: Analysis of studies in the area of ontology application in the digital library led to the identification of 4 categories, 8 components, and 48 dimensions in this field. The main categories include the application of ontology in digital library services, the application of ontology in digital library structures, the basis of ontology application in digital libraries, and the application of ontologies in covering the subject domain of digital libraries. Originality: In this study, which seems to have never been done before, a comprehensive analysis of the field of ontology application in digital libraries, the current situation and its dimensions were presented. Also, by clarifying the topics that have been less addressed, new research subjects were provided for researchers in this field.

Objective: Identifying the status of Iranian digital library software in terms of the use of various content management and user portlets. Methodology: This is an applied research done as a heuristic survey. The research was conducted to evaluate the capabilities of various portlets in the field of digital library management in two general areas of content management (collection process management, content production management, classification management, documentation management, loading management, content indexing management, link management and news management) and user management (user management, staff management and user security management) are used in digital library software. Statistical population of the study consists of five Digital Library Softwares Pars Azarsa, Simorgh, Tebyan, and Parwan Farakavash produced by five major library software companies in Iran (Pars Azarakhsh, Nosa, Tebyan, kavash, and Parvanpajooh). Their software products and know-how have matured over time in tandem with technological advancements in their field, with critical inputs from field experts, associated companies, organizations and institutions. They, in the recent ten years, have undertaken many landmark projects that include database and archive automation for their clients. Their knowledge base and software products are unsurpassed in the field of digital data management for libraries and document centers, and this includes the full spectrum of related requirements. All their software products are web based, integrated and user friendly. Some of their major clients include the governmental institutions, private companies, national libraries and universities. The needed data was collected using a researcher-made check-list. Different types of descriptive statistical techniques in collaboration with Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Shapiro-Wilk test and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used for analyzing the data. Findings: hl terms of content management, Simorgh had the best performance. The statistical population had the best performance in the "category management" section of the content management field and the weakest performance in the "link management" section. In the field of user management, "Azarsa" had the best performance. The statistical community had the weakest performance in this area in the "forum management" section. Test of research hypotheses showed that there is no significant difference between the digital library software in the use of content management portals and user management. Conclusion: The performance of the statistical population was evaluated for 114 management portlets. The statistical population in the field of content management according to the check-list had an average performance of 80 percent and the average performance of the statistical population in the field of user management was below 63 percent, among which even "Farakavash" and "Parvan" had a performance below 50 percent. Therefore, in general comparison, it was concluded that the statistical community in the field of content management has performed better than user management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This descriptive survey evaluates the digital libraries of Allameh Tabataba’i University and Tebyan Cultural Institute based on the Xie and Joo (2013) digital library evaluation criteria. A checklist was made based on information from 10 structural dimensions of digital library evaluation criteria. It was then set up as a researcher-made questionnaire based on the Xie and Joo digital library evaluation criteria. To collect data, questionnaires were distributed among librarians and users of the two digital libraries. Sixty-three valid responses were collected and analysed with SPSS software .Findings showed that the two digital libraries were in a moderate condition in two dimensions (user engagement and context); and in good condition in the others. The findings of the inferential statistics show that there is no significant difference between users’ and employees’ viewpoints on the dimensions of the digital collection, interface design, context, preservation and administration (sustainability). However, regarding the information organization and services (level 0.01), the dimensions of technology and the effects on the user (level 0.02), there is a significant difference between the two systems in terms of the user engagement dimension with the relative superiority of Allameh Tabataba’i digital library.The results show that despite the differences in the type of these two libraries, there is not much difference between the studied dimensions (other than those mentioned in the findings), but in some dimensions, there is a slight difference between the respondents' opinions. It is seen with the relative and partial superiority of Allameh Tabataba’i digital library.

The purpose of this study is systematic reviewing of organizing metadata standards to find the status of researches in digital libraries. The research attempted to categorize them in terms of the functional area and role that they play in digital libraries. By identifying the statue studded standards, it is possible to determine the functional place of other standards that expanded in the digital library area and are functionally similar to covered standards in this research. In this way, systematic review was used for study. By searching the databases, finally 42 research sources were selected for final review. Findings showed that the organizing standards, based on they role in digital library, could be categorized in seven sections (include Resource description, Resource structure determination, Resource management, Resource content organization, Local format definition in digital library database management system, Semantic context and interoperability). Then, a set of standards in each area were identified (50 standards in total). The results finally showed that MARC with 60.5%, DC with 44.7% and OAI and MODS with 42.1% were the most known standards. Audio-MD, VIDEO-MD with 5.3% also were the most unknown.

This study investigates the factors affecting users' understanding of digital libraries with emphasis on Allameh Tabataba'i University Digital Library.The method of this study is descriptive-analytical and it is a purposeful one. All students of Allameh Tabatabai University were the statistical population of this study(18000 students) out of which 378 students were selected using simple random sampling method. Due to the lack of a standard questionnaire, a researcher-made questionnaire was used. The questionnaire used for data collection consisted of three demographic questions (gender, digital library experience and educational level) and eight components with 25 closed questions including system quality, information quality, service quality, usefulness, ease of use, digital library Affinity, user satisfaction and user loyalty. Data were analyzed using t-test, independent t-test and ANOVA, at significance level α = 0.05.: The findings showed that considering the calculated significance level, all factors affected students' perception of digital library of Allameh Tabatabai University including system quality (-39.88), information quality (-57.425), service quality (571.721) -), usefulness (-66.320), ease of use (-49.558), digital library Affinity (-60.944), user satisfaction (-61.497), and user loyalty (-60.488). Also, there was no significant difference between students' perception of digital library of Allameh Tabatabai University in terms of gender (0.554) and educational level (0.064). But there was a significant difference between students' perception of digital library of Allameh Tabatabai University and digital library experience (0.000) according to the level of significance calculated.The results of the study show the overall effect of the students' perceptions of the digital library of Allameh Tabataba'i University, and each of these components of understanding can be defined according to different models in different environments.

Background and aim: Digital libraries have been attracted by many countries around the world in recent years, and many scientific outputs regarding to digital libraries have been published. The aim of this study was to analyze the scientific papers of the world in the field of digital libraries based on quantitative and qualitative indicators with focus on Iran's rank. Material and methods: This descriptive-analytical study with a scientometric approach was evaluated 5637 papers indexed in Web of Science (WoS) by the end of 2016. The HistCite software was used for data analysis and VOSviewer software was applied for drawing the maps related to thematic and co-authorship analysis. Findings: The result indicates that the scientific papers of the world have had an increasing trend in this field. H-index of articles was 93 and 18 in the world and Middle East countries, respectively. The United States of America (USA) had the highest number of articles (2221) with h-index 81. Iran had h-index 7. It was found that single-authored paper had the highest frequency among global papers. Scientific collaborative coefficient was 0.44 and 0.54 for global and Iranian researchers during 35 years, respectively. Conclusion: The research results suggest that most scientific articles of digital libraries have been published by several countries, with the USA topping the list. In the Middle East, Iran has the largest share in science production with 41 articles.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze and visualize co-authorship network of research institutions in the field of Iranian digital libraries (DLs). Methodology: This scientometric research was done using social network analysis at the micro and macro-level metrics. Study population consisted of 554 research items such as books, national and international journal papers, conference papers, and MA and PhD theses in Iran up to 2013. Collected data were analyzed using the Excel, SPSS, NodeXL, UCINet and VOSviewer softwares. Also tools such as “Open heat map” and “Google trends” were utilized for map design and indentifying DLs study trends. Results: Findings showed that the highest positive growth was related to the scientific productions and researches with intra-institutional collaboration and in return the lowest was related to international collaboration. The research institutions of Tehran province had the major share in scientific productions and co-authorships. Results revealed that institutions like Islamic Azad University (IAU), Science and Research Branch of Tehran; Tehran University; IAU, Hamadan Branch; Alzahra University; and IAU, North-Tehran Branch played the most effective and key roles in the DLs collaboration network in Iran based on productivity, centrality, and collaboration measures. Also, macro-level SNA metrics for this study showed lower cohesion of the co-authorship networks, although it seemed to exhibit “scale-free” and “small world” network properties. Conclusion: Generally, it can be concluded that the researchers' willingness to form clusters and research communities is in increasing mood. Thus poor communication among groups is one of the obstacles in scientific development, more learning and innovation in the DLs domain in Iran.

Introduction: Today, library services are heavily influenced by information technology, in a way that has changed the manner services are provided. The purpose of study was to assess the quality of digital library services in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, from the users' perspectives. Methods: In this survey, the statistical population consisted of 331 postgraduate students and faculty members of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences who were selected using random sampling method based on Morgan sampling table. The research tool was DigiQUAL questionnaire. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and t tests via SPSS software. Results: The mean service quality was less than the average level of 4 in all the dimensions of DigiQUAL. The highest and the lowest means of service quality from the faculty members’ perspectives were related to the coverage (4.56) and usefulness (3.07), respectively. From the graduate students’ perspectives, the highest and the lowest means of service quality were related to the accuracy and validity (4.56) and usefulness (2.96), respectively. There was also a significant relationship between the quality of digital library service and age, sex, and educational level. Conclusion: According to the low average of the quality of digital library services, librarians and library officials need to pay more attention to improve the quality of services, and educating the users.

This study aimed to knowledge mapping of Digital Libraries (DLs) field in Iran. This is a scientometrics study. In this regard, Social Network and co-word analysis methods were used. 554 research resources such as books, national and international journal papers, conferences articles, and MA and Ph.D. Theses in Iran up to 2013 were studied. Researcher made checklist was used to collext data. Also Gephi and VOSviewer softwares were used to visualize and analyze the subject networks. Researches in the field of DLs were classified into 10 research topics and 59 Subtopics. Findings showed that "Evaluation", "Digital content and collections", "Architecture, systems, tools and technologies" and etc. are higher frequency research topics. Also "Evaluation", "Metadata", "Content preservation and security" and etc. most central and core subtopics in subject networks; Moreover subtopics such as "Electronic publishing standards", "Use of taxonomies to provide unified and organized access to various digital repositories", "Digital preservation systems", "Resource sharing" and etc. are research areas that paied less research attention in Iran. Also results reflect that less researches pay attention to the technical and experimental domains. This show that domains co-occurrence structure with nearly two decades of studies in this field, compared with international studies, isnot matured and correlation between clusters are little and unbalanced.

Background and purpose: Today, information storage and retrieval are the main concerns in libraries and information centers, therefore, a number of library software packages are designed and used. This cross-sectional study aimed at identifying the viewpoints of librarians in Ahvaz, Babol, and Shahid Beheshti Universities of Medical Sciences towards Pars Azarakhsh Digital Library Software. Materials and methods: This survey was conducted using a researcher-made questionnaire in a five-point Likert scale and approved reliability (Cronbach's alpha=0.822). Data was statistically analyzed using SPSS V22. Results: According to all participants, the scores for a) search capability in different fields, b) other search capabilities, and c) search formulas were less than average level. The scores for a) display features of search results and b) ancillary facilities were found to be more than average level. In current study, all librarians in three universities had similar viewpoints (P=0.338). Conclusion: Pars Azarakhsh Digital Library Software was found efficient enough in data entry and storage, data integration, connection space, and search display facilities for librarians and users, but the search and retrieval capabilities need to be reviewed.

Digital Library (DL) development is faced with many challenges which cannot be overcome all at once. In such cases which are so complex, maturity models are utilized. In a maturity model, features of a phenomenon are classified into few levels so that improving or realizing the features of each level is the prerequisite of going to the next level. DL can also be approached by maturity model more efficiently and effectively. Since the maturity model for DL has not been designed yet, first, a literature review of the DL and maturity models using a qualitative approach and meta-synthesis method was done. According to the findings of the literature review, the maturity characteristics of DL are proposed to be a basis for designing DL maturity model. Since the concept of maturity and DL is extensive and has several dimensions, meta-synthesis has been found as a suitable method for comprehensive integration of the models offered in other areas with the existing literature in the field of DL based on their interpretation. To do so, 68 papers (38 in the field of DL and 30 in the field of maturity models in various fields) were selected from the available resources. By analyzing these papers, three categories, seven concepts, and 35 codes obtained as DL maturity features. Among these findings, the focuses of previous studies have been on the use of software/ hardware systems as supporter and enabler of DL and the DL content. The found features, in addition to be a basis for designing of digital library model, can be a tool in the hands of project managers of DL for assessing the status of their projects and planning to achieve higher levels of maturity.

Purpose: The aim of this studies evaluating the usability of digital libraries in governmental universities at Tehran.Methodology: Evaluative Survey methodology was used for the survey applying measures of search, navigation, forms layout, contrast and scan ability, optimization (size & print), help, usage of windows and speed and errors through a questionnaire containing 36 questions. The research population included 124,800 undergraduate, Master and PhD students, from three governmental universities of Tehran, Sanati Sharif and Sanati Amirkabir. Stratified random sampling method was applied to select 378 students as a sample. For data analysis, SPSS software was used along with descriptive techniques as well as independent test and ANOVA where needed. Findings: The findings indicated that the criteria relating to the usability of digital libraries in the three Tehran universities evaluated to be in relatively good condition and there is no significant difference between the digital libraries for the usability criteria. Conclution: Survey results show that these libraries should be improved by managers, librarians, and experts for a user-friendly system, thereby improving the quality of related universities digital libraries.

Purpose: The purpose of this research is qualitative assessment of electronic document delivery of Iran’s Astan Quds digital library according to proposed model. Methodology: We used survey method to reach research purpose. The statistical population of the survey included two groups: The specialists (36 Faculties of Knowledge and information science deprtment in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and Librarians that worked in Electronic Document Delivery Divisions in Central Library of Ferdowsi University and Astan Quds Library) and The Users of Astan Quds digital library. 264 users are selected as a sample with simple random sampling method. The tools of collecting data are two researcher-made questionnaires. The specialist questionnaire is designed for weighting requirements and the main and subordinate factors that are shaped the proposed model with using AHP method. 42 questions are designed in the user questionnaire for assessing subordinate factors of document delivery state. Findings: Results showed that the ultimate score of Iran’s Astan Quds’ electronic document delivery service is upper than the middle level. This finding indicates the partly good situation of Astan Quds’ electronic document delivery service. According to users’ viewpoints and specialists` importance coefficient, the subordinate factors such as advanced search, browsing Options, spiritual right, help facilities and quality, are in the best situation and others such as flexibility, speed, making good relationship, price and processes clearness are in the end of subordinate factors` list. Results also showed that there is no correlation between assessment scores of Astan Quds electronic document delivery and the amount of this service usage. There wasn`t also difference between assessment scores of users that having experience of using other digital libraries and other users that not have this experience. Originality/Value: We tried to examine Astan Qods’ document delivery system and viewpoints of users about that. Also, we proposed a weighted score sheet of elements to examine all document delivery systems

The purpose of this study is to identify and determine standards in Iranian digital libraries that are most widely used. The research method is descriptive-analytic. The data gathering tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of three parts: storage standards, meta data standards, and interoperability protocols. The questionnaire was presented to the research community and they were asked to report on the use of any of the standards in their digital library. The results indicated that the most commonly supported text files were PDF (with 95% usage), JPEG (with 63.7% usage), MP3 (with 63.7% usage) and AVI (with 45.5% usage) in storage standards part. In the area of organization, the most commonly used standards were MARC (with 77.3% usage) and Dublin Core (with 59.1% usage) in metadata standards part. The METS metadata standard with 22.7% of the usage was in the next place. In the meantime, the standard for the management of the PREMIS (with 10% usage) was the lowest usage. In the information search/retrieval standard section Z39.50 with 77.3% usage was considered the most frequently used standard, and OAI (with 22.7% usage) and OAI-PMH (with 9.1% usage) were regarded as the least frequently used standards, respectively. Also, the results of the study showed that 95 percent of Iranian digital libraries use in-house software and software support from each standard has an effective role in using it by the library. The results of the Chi-square test also revealed that university libraries use standards more than other types of libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Considering the elements of knowledge management (availability, creation, and transfer of knowledge) is very important in digital libraries websites and makes the performance better. So this paper aim to identify the knowledge management criteria in Iranian selected digital librarychr('39')s websites and study of observance scale Materials and Methods: The research method was descriptive survey and from applied research type. Data collecting has been based on check list according with K-ACT model (Knowledge- Access Creation Transfer). The population of this study was 7 digital library websites, including Noor, Payame noor, Islamic Parliament, Tebyan, DID, National Digital Library of Iran and Astan Quds Razavi that were selected based on accessibility. Results: This research findings showed that use of knowledge management criteria in the selected digital libraries websites is moderate and the access to website criteria is highest and lowest is online participation criteria. Tebyan DL earned first rank among seven libraries with 56 percent compliance with the standards of knowledge management in the digital librarychr('39')s web sites. Conclusion: Study of knowledge management criteria in the selected digital library websites has shown that these criteria has not been favorably applied that it stems from criteria incompatible with the principles, rules and standards. Due to these problems, designers of digital libraries can be effective in promoting these websites and enhance the quality of digital library services with aware of users’ needs and attention to use of these criteria.

The main purpose of this study is presenting a conceptual model to integrate Iranian digital libraries. This research had been done in three steps. Documentary research method is used in the first step. All the related documents were made research population and content analysis techniques is used to analyze documents. Analytical survey research method is used in the second step of the research. All the active Iranian digital libraries were made the research population in this step. In fact there are 32 active digital libraries that just 26 of them participated in this study. Researcher-made questionnaire is used to collect data in this step. Finally system analyzing research method is used in the third step. Findings of the study demonstrated that elements such as technological infrastructure, Coding and identifier systems, Metadata standards, Legal and organizational issues, Semantic knowledge-based databases, and Knowledge Organizing Systems are needed in semantic integration. Also methods such as translators and making semantic relations can be used in semantic integration. Moreover tools such as ontology, knowledge organizing system, knowledgebase databases, translators, and descriptive and analytical languages should be used in semantic integration. Other findings related to Question 2 of the study showed that the studied digital libraries are not in suitable situation in covering digital materials and filling metadata fields. Also documenting metadata fields is in not good mood. Therefore there is need to strengthen all the identified weakness in order to make semantic integration ability. Finally proposed model of this study presented in three layers entitled data, inference machine, and application.

After passing more than one decade of appearance of digital libraries in Iran, they couldn’t meet their real mission, which is responding to audience needs. Surely, this problem is affected by potentially and real factors. So this research wants to recognize resistant factors and driving factors by recourse oriented approach, and then to fit them in integrated model.Research method which we apply is grounded theory, we use systematic method in three level and steps. Research data is collected from documented research, twenty deep interview with digital library experts. After coding step, this data sit in paradigm model format and development digital library model of Iran formed.

Purpose: The purpose of this research investigating the impact of skill-based capabilities on help seeking behavior of digital libraries users. Methodology: the present research was carried out using a mixed method. With using of Stratified Purposive Sampling, 39 MS and PhD students of Ferdowsi University was selected as a sample. The tools that are used for collecting and analyzing data are questionnaire, think aloud protocol and Morae software. Results: results of path analysis showed that Information literacy variable has a stronger impact on users` help seeking behavior than computer literacy variable. Results also confirmed that information and computer literacy have a reverse impact on frequency of help seeking situations and help uses. But the information literacy variable has only a reverse impact on frequency of help requests with users in this research. The results confirmed the necessity of offering computer and information literacy instructions to digital library users especially when they encounter with problems in help seeking situations. Then, some recommendations to upgrade digital libraries` help facilities with considering different users skill capabilities are submitted in the end of article.

The goal of this study is to evaluate expert system features in Iranian’s selected Digital Library software in context of information retrieval. Methodology: This study was performed using evolutional method and whit a checklist. To gathering data, a checklist was prepared by 66 criteria based of the research dimensions (include Tools of information retrieval, Interface, Information database (Knowledge), and the strategies used for the more guidance of users). Furthermore, we took the opinion of LIS expert in necessity. The population in this study was 5 selected Iranian Digital Library software’s include Pars Azarakhsh, Simorgh, Papyrus, Payam and Parvan. Finding: The status of the selected Digital library software’s investigated based on research dimensions. According to the studied criteria in research, the results showed that selected digital library software’s are lower than normal in matter of information recovery and information data base, but in the interface feature is higher than normal range. Also in the more guidance of user’s dimensions, result showed that the most emphasis is in common software features instead of specialized of them. Hypothesis test also showed that there is significant difference between features of the expert system software current status of digital libraries, in Iran. Originality/Value: The research prepared a checklist for evaluation of Digital Library software’s in expert systems context. Also the funded results can be helpful for the software providers to resolve the weakness and reinforce the strengths of software’s.

Objective: The main purpose of present research was to identify strategic factors influencing to the development of digital libraries in Iran.Method: Research method of this study is grounded theory, which we use systematic method. The study sample consisted of professionals and experts in the field of digital library, and semi-structured interviews used to collect data to achieve theoretical saturation. Data have been discussed after coding and forming main classesFindings: Affective Strategic Factors in development of digital libraries in order of importance and priority are management mechanisms, mechanisms of development of human resources, legal mechanisms, content and services mechanisms.

Objective: In the this research, effective factors on digital libraries’ development in central libraries of public universities in Tehran have been identified from these libraries administrator’s view.Method: This study is applied, based on descriptive-analytical method. For data collection we used researcher-made questionnaire, Based on the Digital Library Federation definition (including human resources, collections development, services and technology) and literature review that will confirmed its validity by experts. The study population was central library’s administrators of state universities in Tehran.Findings: From the point of view of studied population all 43 factors mentioned in this study were effective. The most effective factor was training staffs along with outsourcing some activities and the most important strategy is using good experience of national and international models and determining the level of information access in digital libraries in order to enhance services. At the end, there are significant differences between the views of managers in comparison with effective solutions in development of services and technology to develop a digital library system.Originality/ value: This research is the first research conducted on identifying the affective factors on digital library development. Also, identifying these factors play very important role in the improving digital libraries activities.

The purpose of this study is the identification of capabilities of Papyrus and Azarakhsh digital library softwares in information retrieval. The study uses applied method of research and employs content analysis and survey-comparison method by using a checklist of 81 statements to assess, review, and evaluate research aspects. The softwares were studied by five factors as: searching capabilities, search formulation, kinds of ways of searching, presentation properties, and retrieval standards. Independent t-test and one-sample t-test were used to analyze data by using SPSS software due to the nature of the research and application of statistical methods. The findings suggest that the overall rating of Azarakhsh digital library software is 83.37 percent and Papyrus digital software is 60.4 percent. Therefore, as to information retrieval, Azarakhsh digital software has gained a better position than Papyrus digital software.

This study aimed to knowledge mapping of digital libraries (DLs) field in Iran. This is a scientometrics study. In this regard, social network and co-word analysis methods were used. 554 research resources such as books, national and international journal papers, conference articles, and MA and Ph.D. theses in Iran up to 2013 were studied. Researcher made checklist was used to collect data. Also Gephi and VOSviewer softwares were used to visualize and analyze the subject networks. Researches in the field of DLs were classified into 10 research topics and 59 subtopics. Findings showed that “evaluation”, “digital content and collections”, “architecture, systems, tools and technologies”, etc. are of higher frequency research topics. Also “evaluation”, “metadata”, “content preservation and security”, etc. are the most central and core subtopics in subject networks. Moreover subtopics such as “electronic publishing standards”, “use of taxonomies to provide unified and organized access to various digital repositories”, “digital preservation systems”, “resource sharing”, etc. are research areas with little research attention in Iran. Also results reflect that little researches pay attention to the technical and experimental domains. This shows that domains co-occurrence structure with nearly two decades of studies in this field, compared with international studies, is not matured and correlation between clusters are little and unbalanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Today, information storage and retrieval are the main concerns in libraries and information centers, therefore, a number of library software packages are designed and used. This cross-sectional study aimed at identifying the viewpoints of librarians in Ahvaz, Babol, and Shahid Beheshti Universities of Medical Sciences towards Pars Azarakhsh Digital Library Software. Materials and methods: This survey was conducted using a researcher-made questionnaire in a five-point Likert scale and approved reliability (Cronbach's alpha=0.822). Data was statistically analyzed using SPSS V22. Results: According to all participants, the scores for a) search capability in different fields, b) other search capabilities, and c) search formulas were less than average level. The scores for a) display features of search results and b) ancillary facilities were found to be more than average level. In current study, all librarians in three universities had similar viewpoints (P=0.338). Conclusion: Pars Azarakhsh Digital Library Software was found efficient enough in data entry and storage, data integration, connection space, and search display facilities for librarians and users, but the search and retrieval capabilities need to be reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital Library (DL) development is faced with many challenges which cannot be overcome all at once. In such cases which are so complex, maturity models are utilized. In a maturity model, features of a phenomenon are classified into few levels so that improving or realizing the features of each level is the prerequisite of going to the next level. DL can also be approached by maturity model more efficiently and effectively. Since the maturity model for DL has not been designed yet, first, a literature review of the DL and maturity models using a qualitative approach and meta-synthesis method was done. According to the findings of the literature review, the maturity characteristics of DL are proposed to be a basis for designing DL maturity model. Since the concept of maturity and DL is extensive and has several dimensions, meta-synthesis has been found as a suitable method for comprehensive integration of the models offered in other areas with the existing literature in the field of DL based on their interpretation. To do so, 68 papers (38 in the field of DL and 30 in the field of maturity models in various fields) were selected from the available resources. By analyzing these papers, three categories, seven concepts, and 35 codes obtained as DL maturity features. Among these findings, the focuses of previous studies have been on the use of software/ hardware systems as supporter and enabler of DL and the DL content. The found features, in addition to be a basis for designing of digital library model, can be a tool in the hands of project managers of DL for assessing the status of their projects and planning to achieve higher levels of maturity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Concerning digital libraries, interaction between user and system is among major issues for using library software. Therefore, finding appropriate software for this purpose is of high importance. This study aims to evaluate and analyze the criteria related to user interface in Farsi web pages of self-made and purchased digital libraries in Iran. Methodology: This is an applied and evaluative study. It uses a checklist which consisted of 10 major criteria and 114 subsidiary components. Additionally, Delphi technique was employed at different stages of the study in preparation of the checklist. When necessary, interview with software producers was carried out, too. Findings: The results indicated that, out of total scores related to the ten criteria used for the study, self-made digital libraries got a high score in seven criteria including error correction, controlling the user, guidance, help, search, and simplicity. On the other hand, the purchased digital libraries gained better scores only in three criteria including language of user interface, information display, and consistency. Concerning total sum of mean gained scores, no much difference was observed between these two categories. Originality/Value: In addition to preparation of a checklist for evaluation of user interface in digital libraries based upon existing literature and experts’ opinion, this study has offered the opportunity for users of these libraries and similar software to make better decisions when choosing. Also, it facilitates for producers of studied digital libraries and similar software to decrease the weaknesses and reinforce the strengths. Besides, it makes them familiar with criteria and components existing in this field as well as their importance to utilize them in their future products.

Background and Aim: Considering the elements of knowledge management (availability, creation, and transfer of knowledge) is very important in digital libraries websites and makes the performance better. So this paper aim to identify the knowledge management criteria in Iranian selected digital library's websites and study of observance scale Materials and Methods: The research method was descriptive survey and from applied research type. Data collecting has been based on check list according with K-ACT model (Knowledge- Access Creation Transfer). The population of this study was 7 digital library websites, including Noor, Payame noor, Islamic Parliament, Tebyan, DID, National Digital Library of Iran and Astan Quds Razavi that were selected based on accessibility. Results: This research findings showed that use of knowledge management criteria in the selected digital libraries websites is moderate and the access to website criteria is highest and lowest is online participation criteria. Tebyan DL earned first rank among seven libraries with 56 percent compliance with the standards of knowledge management in the digital library's web sites. Conclusion: Study of knowledge management criteria in the selected digital library websites has shown that these criteria has not been favorably applied that it stems from criteria incompatible with the principles, rules and standards. Due to these problems, designers of digital libraries can be effective in promoting these websites and enhance the quality of digital library services with aware of users' needs and attention to use of these criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study is presenting a conceptual model to integrate Iranian digital libraries. This research had been done in three steps. Documentary research method is used in the first step. All the related documents were made research population and content analysis techniques is used to analyze documents. Analytical survey research method is used in the second step of the research. All the active Iranian digital libraries were made the research population in this step. In fact there are 32 active digital libraries that just 26 of them participated in this study. Researcher-made questionnaire is used to collect data in this step. Finally system analyzing research method is used in the third step. Findings of the study demonstrated that elements such as technological infrastructure, Coding and identifier systems, Metadata standards, Legal and organizational issues, Semantic knowledge-based databases, and Knowledge Organizing Systems are needed in semantic integration. Also methods such as translators and making semantic relations can be used in semantic integration. Moreover tools such as ontology, knowledge organizing system, knowledgebase databases, translators, and descriptive and analytical languages should be used in semantic integration. Other findings related to Question 2 of the study showed that the studied digital libraries are not in suitable situation in covering digital materials and filling metadata fields. Also documenting metadata fields is in not good mood. Therefore there is need to strengthen all the identified weakness in order to make semantic integration ability. Finally proposed model of this study presented in three layers entitled data, inference machine, and application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this research investigating the impact of skill-based capabilities on help seeking behavior of digital libraries users. Methodology: the present research was carried out using a mixed method. With using of Stratified Purposive Sampling, 39 MS and PhD students of Ferdowsi University was selected as a sample. The tools that are used for collecting and analyzing data are questionnaire, think aloud protocol and Morae software. Results: results of path analysis showed that Information literacy variable has a stronger impact on users` help seeking behavior than computer literacy variable. Results also confirmed that information and computer literacy have a reverse impact on frequency of help seeking situations and help uses. But the information literacy variable has only a reverse impact on frequency of help requests with users in this research. The results confirmed the necessity of offering computer and information literacy instructions to digital library users especially when they encounter with problems in help seeking situations. Then, some recommendations to upgrade digital libraries` help facilities with considering different users skill capabilities are submitted in the end of article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Spite of many studies conducted on digital libraries, there are a few studies on the evaluation of this type of library. The present study was an attempt to determine similarities and differences between Tehran University of Medical Sciences Digital Library against the Structural Standards of an academic digital library. Methods: This was an observational study in which the data was collected by a check list developed by the researcher. The check list was constructed by evaluating the best digital libraries in 2010 from Digital Library Federation point of view, facilities in an academic libraries and a literature review. Then, TUMS Digital Library was compared with all components in the check list to determine the similarities and differences. Finally, descriptive statistics (average and percentage) were presented using SPSS software. Results: The study showed that TUMS Digital Library just met 22.3 percent (8 components) of the standards including university news, electronic journal, staff name, Email, telephone number, databases, physical library work time, address and membership in the library. Conclusion: It seems that the reason for calling this library a Digital Library is just based on possessing several electronic resources and TUMS digital library does not conform with a standard digital library. However, besides having features of a traditional library, a digital library should have special characteristics which will be discussed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study is to evaluate expert system features of Iranian selected digital library software in the context of information retrieval. This study was performed using evolutional method using a checklist. In order to gather data, a checklist was prepared with 66 criteria based on the research dimensions (including tools of information retrieval, interface, information database (knowledge), and the strategies used for guidance of users). In preparing the checklist the opinions of LIS experts were used as necessary. The population of this study were 5 selected Iranian Digital Library software namely Pars Azarakhsh, Simorgh, Papyrus, Payam and Parvan. The status of the selected digital library software was investigated based on research dimensions. According to the studied criteria in research, the results showed that selected digital library software are lower than normal from the information recovery point of view and information data base, but as for the interface feature, it is higher than normal range. Also in the dimention of guiding users, the results showed that the most emphasis is on common software features instead of specialized ones. The test of research hypothesis also showed that there is a significant difference between the current status of the features of the software of digital libraries in Iran. A checklist was prepared for evaluation of digital library software in expert systems context. Also the results can be helpful for the software providers to resolve the weaknesses and reinforce the strengths of the software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is the identification of capabilities of Papyrus and Azarakhsh digital library softwares in information retrieval. The study uses applied method of research and employs content analysis and survey-comparison method by using a checklist of 81 statements to assess, review, and evaluate research aspects. The softwares were studied by five factors as: searching capabilities, search formulation, kinds of ways of searching, presentation properties, and retrieval standards. Independent t-test and one-sample t-test were used to analyze data by using SPSS software due to the nature of the research and application of statistical methods. The findings suggest that the overall rating of Azarakhsh digital library software is 83.37 percent and Papyrus digital software is 60.4 percent. Therefore, as to information retrieval, Azarakhsh digital software has gained a better position than Papyrus digital software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cloud Computing is dominant mode of current and future of information and communication technologies. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that it would foment upheaval within libraries and information centers service-wise. The wide-reaching extent of these changes would envisage a new feature to libraries both in organization and service delivery. The present study, employing a descriptive analysis method, examines the concepts of cloud computing while laying the foundations for a cloud-based library as its corollary. While presented as a conceptual construct, the paper posits that the model can solve some of the issues such as digital right managements as well as copyright. Several models are offered and discussed with respect to applicability, missions, client group, financing as well as service blendals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]