Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Assistant Professor, Library and Information Sciences, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 Medical Library and Information Sciences, School of Management and Medical Information, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: The main aim of this study was to recognize the correlation between the emotional intelligence factors and virtual reference skills in academic libraries of medical sciences in Iran. Methods: In this study, the study population consisted of 44 subjects (employed in academic libraries of medical sciences) who were randomly selected. The data collection tools were two questionnaires one of which was to measure emotional intelligence skills based on interpersonal subscale of Bar-on emotional intelligence questionnaire, and the second one was based on researcher-made information questionnaire, in order to evaluate the virtual reference skills. The reafter, the collected data were studied and analyzed via central indices and dispersion (scattering) of descriptive statistics and statistical tests of parametric single sample-t and t for independent group as well as Pearson correlation coefficient and step by step multiple regression. Results: The findings of the study showed a significant correlation between the emotional intelligence factors and the related subscales with virtual reference skills. Conclusion: The regression analysis results showed that empathy skills can foretell and adapt the virtual reference skills in librarians. Keywords: Emotional Intelligence; Reference Services; Virtual Reference; Librarians
)