Showing 7 results for farajpahlou
Abdolhossein Farajpahlou, Maryam Saberi,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (12-2008)
Abstract
This article aims to investigate structural and content attributes of university websites from the perspective of website users and developers. The study had two phases. First, a sample of graduate students and faculty members from Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Sharif University of Technology and Tehran University of Arts were surveyed as users of websites. A checklist of attributes was used in the survey. In the second phase, 14 website developers were surveyed. The findings showed that from users’ perspective, content attributes were more important than structural ones, while, website developers put more value on special content attributes as well as on those structural attributes which were user-oriented and facilitated users access to the content.
Shahnaz Khademizadeh, Morteza Kokabi, Abdolhossein Farajpahlou,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (8-2010)
Abstract
Purpose: This research has been carried out with the aim of comparatively studying Iranmark format and Unimark handbook for serials and making some suggestions for resolving the existing deficiencies in worksheet of national document organization and national library of Iran, in Rasa software.
Methodology: This research has used library study. Samples to be studied included fields, markers, and the subsidiary fields of Unimark and Iranmark, whose classification and types were extracted from Unimark handbook. Also, 14 specific fields for serials were extracted from Unimark 2000 handbook as well as the updates 4 and 5 in this handbook, and translated. Afterward, the suggested format was prepared considering the specific fields identified by the researcher, mandatory fields of Unimark for all library resources, and general fields, in concordance with Rasa worksheet to assure that the desired fields have been applied to organization’s worksheet. This worksheet consisted of 102 fields.
Findings: The study findings revealed that the five fields including fields 400 (series), 411(subsidiary series), 225 (series), 104 (paper identifier), and 073 (international paper code) in Unimark handbook do not exist in serials worksheet of national document organization and national library of Iran, and should be added to it. Additionally, findings showed that several fields have been changed in title, definition, application, and subsidiary fields, while there are several other fields with wrong translation which must be corrected. Finally, a worksheet is suggested whose 102 fields consist of 14 serials specific fields, 5 mandatory Unimark fields, and 83 general fields.
Originality/Value: Journals are among the most important information resources essential for researchers and visitors of libraries and information centers, and librarians make effort for their selection and preparation, and providing appropriate services by them. Information value of journals is due to the point that typically the latest news and results of scientific studies are reflected in these resources. Hence, it is necessary to properly organize such resources in a coordinated way and pay sufficient attention to their distribution and accessibility similar to printed monographs.
Abdolhossein Farajpahlou, Fatemeh Nooshinfard, Maryam Hassanzadeh,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (1-2013)
Abstract
Purpose: This research aimed at performance appraisal of public librarians in Guilan province, using 360 degree feedback approach.
Method: The survey used a questionnaire devised for data collection in 4 formats, to assess librarians by 4 groups: superiors, colleagues, themselves, and library users. The research population was the community of all 80 public librarians in Guilan Province, north of Iran.. From a pool of the available sources and documents, items were derived or created in accordance with views of some academics and experts who were selected as a Delphi Panel from a range of people known for their experience and/or expertise in library management.
Findings: In regard with Moral-Value Index, self-evaluations were significantly different from those of superiors, colleagues and library users. As far as the Process Index was concerned, there was a significant difference between the users’ viewpoints and other three groups. In relation to Performance Index, as well as the general appraisal, no significant difference was observed among the viewpoints of the four evaluating groups.
Originality/Value: This the first application of 360 degree feedback approaches in Iranian libraries.
Peyman Jalilpour, Abdolhossein Farajpahlou,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (vol 19, issue 4, succesive No 75 2014)
Abstract
Purpose: This research aims to examine the viewpoints of managers and librarians of Khuzestan public libraries in relation to the application of the 4P model of marketing in these libraries.
Methodology: This is a descriptive research and uses the measurement method. Data was gathered by means of a questionnaire devised for the purpose of this study. The questionnaire was then distributed to a group of target recipients comprising 287 public library managers and librarians in Khuzestan. 120 questionnaires were returned, amongst which 93 were correct and included in calculations. The collected data was then analyzed using SPSS 16.0. For the purpose of data analysis, descriptive statistics was used as well as the Friedman test.
Findings: The Results of the study revealed that the managers and librarians have strong familiarity with marketing. However, the majority of respondents (%68.8) disagreed with the idea of establishing a separate unit devoted to marketing in public libraries. Paying attention to the product, place, promotion and price were the first fourth priorities, respectively, in Khuzestan public libraries. Overall, the implementation of the 4P model of marketing was proven to be feasible in Khuzestan public libraries.
Originality/Value: The Results of this research can benefit the Iran public libraries foundation and also the Khuzestan public libraries foundation, particularly the managers and librarians employed in these libraries.
Abdolhosein Farajpahlou, Somaye Sadat Akhshik, Reza Rajabali Beglou,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (3-2016)
Abstract
Purpose: This paper tried to identify and determine nine factors in EFQM Business Excellence Model for public libraries of Khuzestan province as pilot study of public libraries in Iran. Results could provide appropriate and applicable model for the evaluation of quality services in these libraries.
Methodology: This research was performed with the mixed method structure (in two qualitative and quantitative phases) and Delphi study and survey method was used for implementation. Research population included: Delphi panel members (9 experts in public libraries) and Khuzestan province public libraries’ managers (93 persons). Delphi panel tool used in order to determine and extract measures and questionnaire which gained from Delphi panel was used in order to investigate managers’ viewpoints. Factor Score Regression with Bootstrap-p method used in AMOS v. 21 to analyze the data.
Findings: Results showed that overall structure of Business Excellence Model for Khuzestan public libraries was similar with 2013 version of EFQM but, noticeable changes were made in the scores of these nine measures. On the basis of results, scores of measures namely “processes”, “products and services”, “customer” and “society” increased. Also, “leadership”, “partnership & resources”, “strategy”, “stuff results” and “business results” decreased and “people” criteria did not changed.
Originality/Value: In this research, we tried to re-examine the EFQM measures to coordinate them with Iran public libraries in Khuzestan Province. By means of the extracted scores, managers potentially have a tool for the evaluation of the public libraries services.
Phd A Farajpahlou, Phd F Osareh, Phd Student R Karimi,
Volume 24, Issue 3 (12-2018)
Abstract
Purpose: The present research aims to design and test a model for evaluating the knowledge-creating ‘Ba’ (i.e. environment) in Iranian Islamic research centers based on the Triple-Helix and I-System theories and investigating the effect of personality traits, research environment and the capabilities of researchers and faculty members on the research performance of these centers.
Methodology: The present study is an applied research in terms of the purpose and a quantitative descriptive-survey study in terms of data collection method which is typically based on structural equation modeling. The main instrument for data collection was a questionnaire with 30 questions for 'ba' environment, 7 questions for capabilities of researchers and faculty members, and 5 questions for personality traits. The evaluations of research performance were weighted based on the researchers' research activities. The study population consisted of all researchers and faculty members of Iranian Islamic research Centers, who were numbered 2328, from whom a sample of 330 individuals was chosen using simple random sampling according to the Krejcie-Morgan Table, and then a research questionnaire was distributed among them. Data were analyzed using LISREL and SPSS software programs
Findings: The results of the ‘Ba’ environment showed that nine dimensions including infrastructure in ‘intelligence Ba’, actors in ‘intelligence Ba’, information in ‘intelligence Ba’, infrastructure in ‘involvement Ba’, actors in ‘involvement Ba’, information in ‘involvement Ba’, infrastructure in ‘imagination Ba’, actors in ‘imagination Ba’, and information in ‘imagination Ba’ were the major factors affecting the evaluation of ‘Ba’ environment in Iranian Islamic research centers. Furthermore, the results of all factors used in the model for capabilities of researchers and faculty members, and their personality Traits and research performance were statistically significant. Finally, the results of the structural model showed that ‘Ba’ environment, capabilities of researchers and faculty members, and personality Traits had a significantly positive effect on the research performance of of researchers and faculty members in Iranian Islamic research centers.
Originality/value: This study was conducted at the level of Islamic research centers. Since the results of this study showed the significance of all factors of the research environment, capabilities of researchers and faculty members, personality traits and their significantly positive effect on the research performance — a model which have been designed for the first time in the Islamic research centers —, the gap between the current status and favorable situation of ‘Ba’ environment within the framework of the Triple Helix model and I- systems can be measured and analyzed and then its findings can be applied to improve the research performance of Islamic research centers.
Mansoor Koohi Rostami, Donya Safaei, Abdul Hossein Farajpahlou,
Volume 29, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this research is to identify and extract the professional competencies of the librarians of Iran’s public libraries, and to determine the importance of each of them in order to prioritize and rank them.
Method: This research is an applied study employing a mixed research methodology. The study divided in two distinct stage. In the initial phase, a purposive selection of 61 Persian and English articles was analyzed using the meta-synthesis method. Then 104 codes were extracted using experts’ opinions, and the validity of these codes was confirmed through their content validity and their reliability was measured and confirmed with Cohen’s Kappa test. During the quantitative stage, each factor was ranked by distributing the questionnaire among 62 experts and using Shannon’s entropy method.
Findings: This research reveals a pioneering exploration into the professional competencies of librarians in Iran’s public libraries, resulting in the identification of four crucial factors, 10 main components, and an extensive 72 sub-components that categorize these competencies. The ‘Ability’ factor, consisting of specialized ability and thinking ability, emerges as a cornerstone with conceptualizations across 9 sub-components. The ‘Feature’ factor, consisting of occupational and behavioral characteristics, was conceptualized by 19 sub-components. The ‘Skills’ factor, including managerial, social, occupational, and technological skills, was conceptualized by 32 sub-components. Lastly, the ‘Knowledge’ factor, comprising knowledge related to society and specialized knowledge, was conceptualized by 12 sub-components. Quantitative analysis, using the innovative Shannon entropy method, provides a nuanced understanding of the significance attached to each competency. The results of this analysis shows that ‘knowledge’ holds the highest weight (0/2575), establishing it as the most critical competency for librarians in Iran’s public libraries. Following closely, the ‘Skill’ factor secures the second position with a weight of 0/2545. ‘Ability’ and ‘Characteristics’ factors, with weights of 0.2498 and 0.2382, respectively, are ranked third and fourth.
Originality/value: This research stands out in its original contribution to the field of library science by systematically identifying and prioritizing the professional competencies of librarians in Iran’s public libraries. The comprehensive validation process, including content validity and reliability assessments, ensures the robustness of the identified competencies. The emphasis on specialized ability, thinking ability, occupational and behavioral characteristics, managerial, social, occupational, and technological skills, as well as knowledge related to society and specialized knowledge, shows a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of librarianship. In summary, this research breaks new ground in the systematic exploration, categorization, and prioritization of professional competencies, offering a valuable framework for improving the competencies of librarians in the unique context of Iranian public libraries. These findings not only contribute to the academic understanding of librarianship but also offer practical insights for enhancing the proficiency of librarians in this context. Furthermore, the nuanced categorization and prioritization presented in this research provide a valuable framework for the ongoing development of professional competencies and qualifications in this field.
