Challenges and opportunities for storing and retrieving information in Iranian public libraries from the point of view of librarians

Abstract

The main function of a library is the availability of information resources. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to correctly store and retrieve documents and information in libraries and information centers. This study mainly aimed to design a model of challenges and opportunities for storing and retrieving information in Iran public libraries from the librarians' perspectives. The practical research approach is based on the grounded theory in terms of the purpose. Using the grounded theory qualitatively, sampling was conducted by targeted (judgmental) and snowball (chain) techniques for the theoretical saturation of data. Interviews were done with 26 senior public library experts with experience and expertise in this field. Results of the analysis of the data obtained from the interviews show that management, policy-making, and fiscal mechanisms were the primary underlying conditions. Individual and organizational factors were influential under intermediate (intervening) conditions. The approaches of the model of challenges and opportunities for storing and retrieving information include creating an environment for the employees' growth and development and modifying the organizational structure in public libraries of Iran. The presently designed model consists of adequate dimensions and components, casual, underlying, and mediating conditions, and constituting elements, which show the central phenomenon, consequences, and strategies for implementing public policy. Finally, practical suggestions were presented for improving the storage and retrieval of information in the Iranian public libraries.

Keywords

• librarians
• storage and retrieval
• public libraries