RESEARCH ON INFORMATION SCIENCE AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES (PAYAM-E-KETABKHANEH (LIBRARY MESSAGE))
Year:2021 | Volume:26 | Issue:4 (103)|Papers Count:7

Writing research papers and books as well as publishing in scientific journals are very important in universities’ scientific promotion. They have a veto-like role in promotion procedure. Reaching high level in academic procedure is valuable, provided that scientific activities reach the highest points and, above all, can be used in solving each country’ s internal problems. Here, by papers, I do not refer to fake and stolen papers; I am referring to those papers which researchers and the authors consider to be true papers but they are not, since they seem to be artificial, or the variables used in them are insignificant, or they are of no use to the society’ interests and do not increase one’ s knowledge. It is said that some scientific groups are jealous of others’ promotion and do not want to increase the number of members of their team. It may be true, but we must also take into account that the true ranking level of universities is much more important. I should mention that in some scientific groups, besides self-citation, team citations occur frequently, which takes place when authors cite their teammates’ works. In some countries such as Iran, there is more attention to ISI citations, while it should not be the main element in academic promotion. Some foreign journals might accept weak papers because they offer some new information about their countries or they may help other countries’ projects, but they are useless in terms of own countries. It is very bad that for some writers of articles, external acceptance is more valuable than its inner usability. This also the case for the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (MSRT)’ s preferences, policy and its scientific management. It is mostly heard that some professors have been listed among the top one percent of authors in the world. This matters without taking into consideration that how a professor can reach to this position and how he/she can write or mange these number of articles by himself and also without taking into consideration whether it is right for a professor to appropriating a student’ s work. Furthermore, it is more important to ask how these articles can solve their home counties’ problems. We have a proverb that “ science which is used without capability is like a tree without fruit” . Of course, it must be mentioned that judgment for professors regarding their colleagues’ scientific promotion is not easy by itself. But this toughness and complexity must be a good criterion for promotion. Therefore, one may have not so many articles published but has the capability to criticize others’ works instead. Unfortunately, the MSRT has no idea of this. I suggest that a person’ s paper or book should be reviewed and criticized by his colleagues first, before and after its publication, considering its gains for local, national or international interests. This can prevent copying and worthless writings.

Purpose: IFLA's approach is to move towards developing qualitative guidelines and examining the feasibility of implementing these guidelines in the countries using them. The present research has been conducted with a view to formulating the related qualitative guidelines and surveying the feasibility of their implementation in the context of Iran's public libraries. Method: The current research is an applied study in terms of purpose, which applies an exploratory sequential mixed method. In the qualitative part, IFLA guidelines were investigated using the focus group method and a checklist was made in order to categorize the guidelines and to determine the evaluating groups. In this part, the research sample consisted of 5 experts in the development of Iran's standards that were selected using the purposeful sampling method. In the quantitative part, the tool for data collection was a questionnaire. In this part, the statistical population were composed of 4 groups evaluating IFLA standards in Iran's public libraries, who consisted of 80 managers and organizational specialists, 111 librarians, 21 experts, and 342 users amounting to 559 people in total. Each sample group was determined using the sampling method and Krejcie & Morgan table. Data were collected by distributing questionnaires among 4 evaluating groups. 81 questionnaires were returned by managers and organizational specialists, 110 ones by librarians, 21 ones by experts and 342 ones by users. Data analysis was carried out using the descriptive and inferential statistics. Excel and SPSS software packages were employed to calculate the frequency rates, averages and to perform the Kruskal-Wallis test. Findings: In the qualitative part of this research, different IFLA guidelines in 12 areas of public libraries` programs and services for various classes of user community were drawn on and confirmed in the checklist of focus group. Totally, out of 12 guidelines (51 guideline statements) appraised by 4 evaluating groups, 8 guidelines can be implemented in Iran's public libraries and the remaining 4 groups can be implemented under certain conditions. The findings of the quantitative part and a comparison drawn among the 4 groups on common statements using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test showed that there is no significant difference between the views of evaluating groups, namely librarians, experts, managers and organizational specialists; However, a significant difference was found between the abovementioned groups and users. To increase the feasibility of implementation IFLA guidelines in Iran's public libraries, some remedies are put forward, including: revising and correcting some instructions, learning about the population of users, assessing the user needs, setting up a task-force consisting of managers, librarians, experts and users to develop and regulate library activities. Originality/value: The review of relevant literature in Iran and abroad showed that no research has already been conducted in order to codify IFLA qualitative guidelines in the field of public libraries' services and programs or to look into the feasibility of IFLA guidelines' implementation from the point of view of policy-makers and the relevant specialists. The findings of this research can help us with decision-making and policymaking in delivering implementing services and programs as well as in developing standards for public libraries.

Purpose: Infographics are considered a powerful communication and information medium in human-information interaction as well as in successful transmission of messages. The aim of the present study is to arrive at a model or framework based on the content of infographics published about reading, to discover and identify their content and also to introduce the capabilities and attractiveness of infographics as an interactive medium. It seeks to examine for whom and for what purpose these media are published, what their content is and what effects the reading infographics have on the target audience. Method: The present study is a qualitative one in which the qualitative content analysis method was used. The study population consists of 30 reading infographics published on the Pinterest website. All infographics were transferred to MAXQDA2020 software and then the content coding of each infographic began. These codes were then analyzed and modeled. Using the visualization package of the above-mentioned software and drawing the word cloud, various theoretical models of the generated codes as well as hierarchical ones were built to form the table of components and categories. Finally, the target audience, content and role of the infographics in promoting reading were identified. Findings: Various models and frameworks can be built based on the research findings. The first model is the target audience model, in the sense that the audience of these media were primarily parents. Since the aim of these infographics is to promote reading among children, they have targeted parents as their audience. The second model can be drawn according to the content of the infographics. The content of these infographics is very diverse and a variety of models can be built according to it. Reading benefits, reasons to read, boys' reading habits, reading strategies for the children, fast reading strategies, reading levels, reading in the new age, the strategy of reading aloud books to encourage a child to read, ways to encourage reading, benefits of reading for the pleasure, promoting and encouraging reading among children and adolescents, reading benefits for the brain, and the importance of and reasons for reading and reading aloud books were among the most important topics addressed by these infographics. The third model is built on the role and influence of the infographics. The role of these media can be categorized as: informative, directive, notifying, promoting and propagandistic. Originality/value: The findings indicated that the infographics published in the field of reading are replete with rich and useful information providing guidance to parents in encouraging children to read. Furthermore, the present study was the first to examine the content of infographics as emerging and influential media in Iran and abroad. It focused on the subject of infographics from the perspective of the communication sciences (Harold Lasswell's model). Using the present research approach, one is able to carry out various studies in different fields as well as to analyze infographics with other topics by using the content analysis method and other communication models.

Purpose: The world population is growing older. According to the previous anticipations, it seems that Iran's elderly population continues to increase dramatically in the future. While 8% of the total Iranian population was the aged people in 2015, it is expected to increase by nearly 33% of Iran's population by 2050. Therefore, the existence of the centers to fulfill the needs of the elderly is a matter of great importance. Among all these centers, public libraries play a vital role in providing services to the elderly. Identifying the various needs of the elderly can lead to success in both designing and planning services offered by public libraries to them. This study thus aims at identifying the services expected by the elderly from public libraries in Iran. Method: The present study, by using the qualitative and quantitative content analysis in order to identify themes and count the frequency of the analysis units, identified the needs, services of Iranian public libraries for the elderly through conducting semi-structured interviews. The sample of study included 14 librarians working in public libraries and 11 elderly people and caregivers that were selected purposefully. Data were analyzed using the MAXQDA12. 3 based on the analysis units (sentence). Findings: The analysis of the interviews revealed six categories. According to the frequency of interviewees' opinions, the following categories were extracted: library resources, services, and plans, accessibility, needs determination, contribution to policy-making and planning, staffing, and marketing and advertising. The higher frequency of each category was found in: implementing plans on-site at library, the issues concerning library's building and space, identifying various needs, training the librarians, traditional ways of marketing and advertising, and involving the volunteer elderly people in the library programs. 42 percent of all identified codes referred to the categories of the required sources, services and plans for the elderly. Identifying elderly's required services, considering their complex needs and providing them through public libraries can help the elderly to maintain their independence and to have an active role in contributing to the society. Moreover, interaction and cooperation between public libraries and other organizations supporting the elderly, training librarians in the skills of communication with the elderly, appropriate policy making in acquisition, budgeting, and providing the necessary equipment and facilities can improve the programs and services old people need. Originality/value: library resources, services, and plans and accessibility of the library were the two significant priorities expected by the elderly from the public libraries. For this reason, considering that the old age population is likely to grow in the future, it is necessary to provide appropriate policies and budgeting plans to offer more desirable services. Better use of library services by the elderly requires considering the peculiarities of old age. Providing these facilities leads to attracting a few more people to the libraries.

Purpose: Since today the use of mobile phones is extremely widespread, and individuals with different age groups and social classes devote a considerable amount of time to using these social networks, training the use of these networks can provide a platform for improving reading habits among young people. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Telegram messenger networks on the reading habits of the student teachers of Farhangian University of South Khorasan Province. Method: The current research is an applied study in terms of purpose and a quasi-experimental one in terms of data gathering method, using a pretestposttest design on an experimental group and a control group. The research population included all the student teachers of Farhangian University of South Khorasan Province who studied in the academic year of 2017-2018. Student teachers' reading habits were measured using the Palsani and Sharma (1989) study habits questionnaire. The reliability coefficient of the questionnaire was 0. 70. Based on the aim of the present study, Telegram was considered a context to study the reading habits of student teachers and a protocol based on the framework of Rogers Innovation Theory was designed and then the experimental group was given the necessary training. Findings: The results show that there no significant difference between the mean scores of reading habits of the experimental group (mean=6/43, SD= 21/43) and control group (-1/58, SD=18/83) (t=-1/58, p=0/12). An analysis of the findings reveals that students actually find it difficult to read through mobile-based messaging networks, and therefore it can be concluded that increasing the level of knowledge and skills of students in using these networks can increase the probability of its impact in reading. The results also showed that although mobile-based messaging networks have many capabilities in the exchange of information, educational goals, development and promotion of reading culture, in the present study, they had no effect on the reading habit of the student teachers of Farhangian University. It seems that due to the lack of student teachers' knowledge, they have not acquired the skills required to use this platform for improving reading habits. Student teachers also find it difficult to read through messenger networks. Therefore, they need a structured education in this area as the main requirements enabling them to use this platform for studying and exchanging scientific information. Originality/value: Considering that previous research used the quantitative research approach, the present study has a methodological innovation implemented in the context of the Farhangian University in South Khorasan Province.

Purpose: Since nowadays study is one of the most important tools of human communication with the world around us, advanced systems not only encourage individuals to study the textbook, but also lead them to free book reading; However, a comparison of statistics of the amount of free book reading shows that the status of study in our country is lower than other developed countries. Having wrong reading habits and a lack of access to books is among the deterrents to free book reading. Therefore, the main problem of this study is whether free book reading skills affect reading habits, attitudes toward reading, and academic achievement of high school male students. Method: This research was carried out by using a half-experimental design consisting of a pretest-posttest on an experimental group and a control group. The statistical population included all male students studying at the Shohadaye Solan School of Hamadan city in the 2017-2018 academic year, numbering 98 students. To select the sample, from all grades, the seventh grade was selected by the purposeful sampling method. The number of students in this grade was 40 and two classes were randomly selected as the experimental and control groups. The study questionnaires included Palsani and Sharma's (1982) study habits questionnaire with a retest reliability of 0. 88 and criterion-dependent validity of 0. 74 (FereidouniMoghadam and Cheraghian, 2009), and questionnaire of researcher-made attitudes toward reading with the Cronbach's alpha of 0. 83. The construct validity of the questionnaires showed the high fit of the model of the research. Academic achievement was also measured by the total grade point average of the students. The first-semester grade point average was used as a pre-test and the second-semester grade point average was used as a post-test. The free book reading skills were taught to the experimental group during 11 sessions (each one lasting 60 minutes) in eleven consecutive weeks and the control group did not receive any training. At the end of the training course, a posttest was performed in both groups. The data was analyzed by using an analysis of covariance using SPSS software version 22. Findings: The results of analysis of covariance indicated that free study has a positive effect on the students' reading habits (F = 7. 08, P < 0. 05), students' attitudes toward reading (F = 13. 61, P < 0. 05) and their academic achievement (F = 10. 84, P < 0. 05). Originality/value: Findings showed that free book reading skills had a significant effect on students 'reading habits, students' attitudes toward reading, and their academic achievement. Free book reading makes students' minds more active by raising their level of thinking. Thus, they will be able to learn the lessons better. Based on the results of this research, the effect of training free book reading skills can be further examined by considering the educational conditions in each grade, findings can also be used in order to enrich the programs related to academic achievement in schools.

Purpose: Nowadays, public libraries are going through a critical period and turning point, a time when from one hand and based on the environmental trends affecting them, can be a sign of their future elimination, or on the other hand if they enjoy an accurate picture of the future and adopt appropriate strategies, can provide them with a renewed vital opportunity. This issue is related to the necessity of addressing the future of public libraries with an alternative approach which is usually pursued in futures studies. Method: In the present study, by focusing on the scenario planning method and the Global Business Network approach to it, the effective environmental trends in the future of public libraries have been identified, and then, by using the method of futures workshops with a participatory action research approach and as well as the views of a selected group of librarians, administrators and active members of libraries, possible future scenarios of Iran public libraries have been mapped. Due to the existing restrictions, these workshops were held in the provinces of Tehran, Mazandaran and Fars (two workshops) based on the degree of libraries, and a workshop was also held for the managers and staff. Findings: In each workshop, five groups designed totally 25 categories of fourfold-scenario based on the choice of two key uncertainties. The research team reached four scenarios through integrating and refining the groups' mentalities, based on the crossing between two high-frequency uncertainties: 1) manner of centralized or decentralized governance 2) the central role of book or 'User experience'. 'Info feed', 'Book pool', 'Info digging' and 'Book mall' are the titles of these four scenarios. The first uncertainty concerns the focus or lack of focus on decision-making, policy-making, planning and implementation in Iran's public libraries, which also affects their financial, budgetary and economic dimensions, such as their expenditure and income patterns. The question which the second uncertainty begs is whether libraries will remain in their current state, which is based solely on books, or whether they will move towards creating a new customer experience? The first integrated scenario, entitled 'Info feed', describes empirical libraries in the realm of state governance. The second integrated scenario, called 'Book pool', and depicts a book-oriented library in a state-governed environment. The third integrated scenario, called 'Info digging' and describes a privately owned empirical library. The fourth integrated scenario, called 'Book mall', depicts a book-based library which operates in a space dominated by the private sector. Originality/value: Those studies thus far conducted in the field of the future of public libraries, especially in Iran, which have used the scenario approach, have not yet applied the workshop approach and participatory action research, which were used in this research.