A model for creating a virtual library in Iranian universities of medical sciences
| Date | 05 August 2019 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-01-2019-0017 |
| Pages | 636-649 |
| Published date | 05 August 2019 |
| Author | Mehdi Alipour-Hafezi,Hamidreza Radfar,Behrooz Rasuli,Majid Nabavi,Mohsen Haji Zeinolabedini,Afsaneh Dehnad,Shirin Mohamadzadeh,Leila Nemati-Anaraki |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Information & communications technology,Internet |
A model for creating a virtual
library in Iranian universities of
medical sciences
Mehdi Alipour-Hafezi,Hamidreza Radfar,Behrooz Rasuli,
Majid Nabavi,Mohsen Haji Zeinolabedini,Afsaneh Dehnad,
Shirin Mohamadzadeh and Leila Nemati-Anaraki
(Author affiliations can be found at the end of the article)
Abstract
Purpose –This paper aims to propose an integrating model for creating virtual libraries in Iranian
universitiesof medical sciences.
Design/methodology/approach –This study was conducted with an analytic survey method. The
statistical populationcomprised 66 Iranian universities of medical sciences,of which 59 libraries participated
in the study. A researcher-made checklist was used for data collection. To ensure the accuracy of data,
interviews and, in some cases, observations were also performed. Statistical estimates, including frequency,
percentage,cumulative frequency and diagrams, were used for data analysis,and the system analysis method
was used formodeling.
Findings –Results demonstrated that the librarysoftware programs of the studied universities of medical
sciences do not have desirable interoperability capabilities. Only Azarsa program can exchangeinformation
with other systems. In terms of metadataand its standards, the studied libraries use programs with various
standards,with MARC and Dublin Core standards being themost frequently used ones in the studied sample.
Originality/value –The model proposed here for integration is a hybrid model which can translate
metadatastandards and use the Z39.50 and OEI protocol to transferdata.
Keywords Digital libraries, Interoperability, Information exchange model,
Information exchange protocol, Libraries of Iranian universities of medical sciences,
Standard metadata, Medical sciences universities, Iran
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
People search for digital information whereverpossible and at any time without regard for
where the information storage is located.Libraries thus strive to meet the information needs
of all users. Following the evolution of information-seeking behavior of users, libraries
attempt to respond to such informationneeds. People constantly look for information on the
web using their smartphones and other electronicdevices in this interoperable environment
because of the development and popularity of the electronic space as well as the facilitated
presence, use and dissemination of information. Accordingly, libraries have turned into
digital libraries to satisfy user demand. Considering limited facilities and capabilities of
libraries, they must maketheir information contents and services accessible to competewith
those accessible on the Web and other libraries and databases. Thus, libraries must be
The present study was supported and funded by Vice-Chancellor for Research and Technology, Iran
University of Medical Sciences IR.IUMS.REC 1396.32498 Code. The authors thank all the personnel of
this university for providing the infrastructure for conducting the present study.
EL
37,4
636
Received29 January 2019
Revised31 May 2019
Accepted22 June 2019
TheElectronic Library
Vol.37 No. 4, 2019
pp. 636-649
© Emerald Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/EL-01-2019-0017
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
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