Document Type : Original Article(s)
Authors
1 MSc Student, Student Research Committee, Medical Library and Information Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
2 Assistsnt Professor, Library and Information Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
3 Lecturer, Medical Library and Information Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
4 PhD, Educational Administration, Health Management and Economic Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
5 MSc, Psycology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction: In recent decades, abilities related to emotional intelligence attracted the attention of many organizations and researchers. Emotional intelligence provides a favorable environment for effective communication. It is a means by which users can express their needs and expectations to receive support from librarians. This study determined the relationship between emotional intelligence and communication skills of librarians in Isfahan University and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2011. Methods: In this descriptive-correlational study, data was collected by standardized questionnaires of Queendom Communication Skills and Shrink Emotional Intelligence. Statistical community included 117 librarians of academic libraries in Isfahan University and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2011. Subjects were selected by census sampling. Validity and reliability of the questionnaires were confirmed by face and content validity and coefficient of Cronbach's alpha (r = 0.86, r = 0.92). Data was collected by interviews. Data was analyzed by SPSS16 and two levels of descriptive (mean ± SD) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation coefficient and t-test). Results: Our results showed that mean of emotional intelligence and its components in librarians of Isfahan University and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were less than average. However, self motivation component of emotional intelligence in Isfahan University was more than average. All aspects of communication skills among librarians of Isfahan University and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were higher than average. There was a significant and positive relationship between emotional intelligence and communication skills of librarians of Isfahan University (r = 0.525, P < 0.001) and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (r = 0.515, P < 0.001). Conclusion: This research showed a significant positive relationship between emotional intelligence and communication skills. Therefore, high level of emotional intelligence among librarians leads to favorable communication between librarian and users. Librarians with abilities necessary for emotional intelligence offer services which satisfy most users. It can be concluded that having a desired level of emotional intelligence is the necessary factor for librarians to have favorable communication with users. Emotional intelligence can be improved by specialized courses. Keywords: Universities; Libraries; Librarians; Emotional Intelligence.
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