Awareness and use of digital resources in the libraries of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Date12 June 2007
Published date12 June 2007
DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1108/02640470710754823
Pages316-327
AuthorAsefeh Asemi,Nosrat Riyahiniya
Subject MatterInformation & knowledge management,Library & information science
Awareness and use of digital
resources in the libraries of
Isfahan University of Medical
Sciences, Iran
Asefeh Asemi
Department of Library and Information Science, Isfahan University,
Isfahan, Iran, and
Nosrat Riyahiniya
Department of Library and Information Science, Tarbiat Moalem University,
Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Purpose – The survey aims to investigate the relationships between awareness and use of digital
resources among students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.
Design/methodology/approach – A descriptive method has been used and users of the medical
libraries and information centers affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences have been
surveyed in the research. A total of 250 students were selected randomly as a sample. A structured
questionnaire was designed for collecting data.
Findings – The results were that 70 percent of students were aware of digital resources, but only 69
percent of them have used them; 62 percent were aware of offline databases, whereas only about 19
percent used them through the Central Library LAN network. About 70 percent were aware of online
databases, accessible via the Central Library web site, and about 53 percent of respondents have used
them. A total of 64 percent were aware of the “CLBJ Database”, while over half of them made use of it.
In total 87 percent of students felt that the available data resources met their information needs.
Students had less use of offline databases, attributed to factors such as infrequent periodic orientation
and lack of education on use of offline databases and fewer terminals connected to the server in the
Central Library. Users are faced with problems like low speed connectivity and shortage of hardware
facilities.
Originality/value – When the user is aware of one resource, it will lead to more use of that resource.
Isfahan University of Medical Sciences is aiming to develop new information centers and it needs to
increase the extent of discovery of knowledge. On this base the paper has examined awareness, use
and information retrieval of available digital resources and thus will be of benefit to others in a similar
position.
Keywords Communicationtechnologies, Digital libraries,Medical libraries, Information retrieval, Iran
Paper type Case study
Introduction
In new-style libraries combining services such as teaching, information technology (IT)
facilities and access to academic archives with library services has brought more
students through the library doors and most importantly has increased the number of
resources borrowed (Hewitson, 2002). Thus, the increasing amount of awareness of IT
facilities will lead to an increase to the amount of resources. In so far as medicine is
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm
EL
25,3
316
Received 16 September 2005
Revised 16 September 2006
Accepted 16 September
2006
The Electronic Library
Vol. 25 No. 3, 2007
pp. 316-327
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/02640470710754823

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT