Proposed plan to create an information network for public libraries under the auspices of the Cultural and Artistic Organization of Tehran Municipality

Muhammad Ismail, Siddiqah; Nozari, Mojgan

Proposed plan to create an information network for public libraries under the auspices of the Cultural and Artistic Organization of Tehran Municipality

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Siddiqah Muhammad Ismail

Mojgan Nozari

Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran

Abstract

The present study attempts to examine the information infrastructure of public libraries under the Cultural and Artistic Organization of Tehran Municipality and present a proposal for establishing an information network in these libraries to establish regular communication and mutual cooperation between them. This study was conducted in two stages. The first stage is dedicated to examining the current status of public libraries under the Cultural and Artistic Organization of Tehran Municipality. The results of the study indicate that 55.7 percent of the workforce working in the libraries under study has a library education and 44.3 percent has a non-library education. Also, more than two-thirds of these libraries face improper collection, lack of resources, lack of space and manpower, lack of budget, and lack of computer facilities and equipment, however, 95 percent of them agree with establishing a network and using its benefits and capabilities. In the second stage, after examining the status of the libraries, an information network is proposed to improve their current status and establish regular and coordinated mutual communication in the form of network cooperation between the aforementioned libraries. The proposed network has a combined morphology, so that some activities such as bibliographic control, ongoing information services, provision of specialized human resources, computer equipment and facilities, communication with internal and external networks, preparation, compilation and approval of standards and guidelines are carried out centrally through the network core (Book and Library Affairs Department).

Keywords

Public library

Tehran Municipality

Cultural and Artistic Organization

Feasibility Study

Information Network