Authors
1 MSc, Library and Information Sciences, Molavi Library, Shahrekord, Iran
2 Associate Proffesor, Library and Information Sciences, The University of Shiraz, Shiraz, Iran.
3 Lecturer, Medical Library and Information Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciensces, Isfhan, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction: The reference section is one of the most important parts in every library. Moreover, reference services represent all the attempts performed in a library. Since libraries primarily
aim to satisfy users' information needs, knowing that the effects of information technologies (IT)
on their services seems essential. Therefore, this study manly tried to assess the effects of IT on
reference services provided by university libraries.
Methods: This survey covered all librarians of central libraries associated with Ministry of Science,
Research and Technology (n = 66) in 2008. A researcher-developed questionnaire containing 60
questions whose validity was confirmed by library and information sciences experts. The reliability
of the questionnaire was calculated by internal consistency (Cranach's alpha = 0.96). This study
evaluated different technologies including online public access catalogs (OPACs), databases,
email, and web. It also included reference services such as individual instruction, group instruction, readers' advisory services, bibliotherapy, term-paper counseling, selective dissemination of
information, ready-reference question, bibliographic verification, interlibrary loan, referral services, and research questions.
Results: Based on the findings of this study, reference librarians of university libraries did not
believe OPAC, databases, email, and web to fully satisfy users' needs. This research also showed
significant differences between the effects of OPAC and databases, OPAC and web, databases
and web, and email and web. However, there were not significant differences between the effects
of OPAC and email or databases and email. In addition, among the studied technologies, the effect of web on reference services was highest and the effect of OPAC was the lowest.
Conclusion: Due to insufficient computer-related knowledge, librarians still see reference services as necessary
Keywords
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