Improving and extending activities of university and research libraries in Iran: the role of Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology (Irandoc)

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to define the need to a center for improving and extending university and research libraries in Iran, and identifying capabilities and position of Iranian Research Institute for Science and Technology (Irandoc) for accepting possible roles.Design/methodology/approachThis research was documentary with scoping review in which the scope of research defined with internal and external organizational documents, related research studies in National Information System (NATIS) and international successful organizations in this field.FindingsFindings show that Irandoc can play roles in developing a standard, establishing experts and professional network, developing information and knowledge sharing process, facilitating access to the scholarly contents, leadership and change management, developing infrastructures for research data management, gathering information and statistics of these libraries and developing interlibrary collaborations in these libraries.Originality/valueThis research is one of the seldom research studies related to clarification of an organization' role and position in NATIS in universities and improving and also extending activities of university and research libraries in Iran.

Demands, challenges and solutions for Irandoc to improve and expand activities of academic and research libraries (ARLs)

“…Moreover, there is no communities or Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) to step forward to engage in promote, monitor or excellence of the ARLs activities and services. Furthermore, as reported by Rajabali Beglou (2018) there is no specific departments or sections in MSRT to evaluate and monitor the activities and status of these libraries and Iranian Library & Information Science Association (ILISA) does not play important role in this regard.…”

“…A look at the history of successful organizations in this area shows that in most cases the activities of an organization to improve and extend the activities of libraries are functions of an association or an NGO. Research findings of Rajabali Beglou and Akhshik (2020) also indicated that Iranian Research Institute for Information Science & Technology (Irandoc) has some activities that national and international organizations or associations usually support or perform. Furthermore, regardless of similarity of institutions, the CAUL as an association bears more similarity with in the activities performed by the Irandoc in improving and expanding these libraries.…”