Feasibility Study of Distance Learning via Internet for Library Staffs in Central Libraries of Ministry of Health and Medical Education in Tehran, Iran

Introduction: With the advent of new technology and creating virtual training centers, e-learning and training have achieved a specific place in training centers. This article has been studied the feasibility of distance learning via internet for librarians working in central libraries of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education in Tehran, Iran. Methods: In this descriptive survey data from 44 librarians, working in central libraries of universities affiliated to the Ministry of Health and Medical Education in Tehran, Iran collected using a questionnaire during August- September of 2008. For validation, the content of this questionnaire was approved by professors and other experts of the technology. To determine the validity of the questionnaire coefficient of the Cronbach's alpha measured from 15 randomly selected samples from the community was used. Obtained data analyzed using SPSS software and descriptive statistics techniques. Results: 95% of librarians in ministry of health were interested in participate to distance education via internet. Most of the librarians experienced data base and less of them experienced digital library. Educational Web sites were the most and chat was the least methods for distance education presentation. More than 70% of librarian confirmed that their libraries spend budget for distance education. 21% of librarians in ministry of health confirmed that of facilities and equipments are provide for performance distance education in libraries. Most of the librarians did not familiar with engineering knowledge, collection evaluation, multi label classification and website architecture. Most of them were relatively familiar and fully familiar with knowledge management and basic computer skills, respectively. Boss disagreements, not authorizing, technical problems, internet problems, unfamiliar educator for training this type of education, have not performance responsible, were problems that stated by the librarians. Conclusion: Central Libraries affiliated to the Ministry of Health and Medical Education in Tehran, Iran have the potential and capabilities required for performance distance education via internet. Keywords: Feasibility Studies; Library and Information Science; Librarians; Ministry of Health; Libraries, Medical; Internet.