information dissemination

In the era of digital transformation, libraries play a pivotal role in facilitating access to information. This research aims to develop a comprehensive framework for enhancing digital information dissemination services at the National Library and Archives of Iran. By addressing the limitations of existing studies, this work contributes to the field by offering a novel perspective on the essential components and indicators for effective digital information dissemination.

A mixed-methods approach was employed. The qualitative phase utilized meta-synthesis to identify potential components and indicators. Subsequently, a Delphi study was conducted to validate and refine these elements through expert consensus. The study population consisted of information dissemination experts, 16 of whom agreed to participate and were selected as members of the Delphi panel.

The Delphi study identified seven critical components: research documentation, information resources, collection development, standardization, information services, dissemination tools, and evaluation. Each component includes specific indicators essential for optimizing digital information dissemination services. Based on the data analysis, the components and indicators for digital information services were developed.

The results confirmed all identified components and indicators. This research provides a valuable framework for libraries to improve their digital services and meet evolving user needs. By implementing these components and indicators, the National Library and Archives of Iran can optimize its information dissemination processes and foster knowledge creation and innovation. These components and indicators assist libraries and information organizations in improving information dissemination and meeting the information needs of their users..

Information dissemination is one of the most crucial services libraries and information centers provide. The increasing explosion of information, the necessity of keeping specialists up-to-date in various scientific fields, and the need to efficiently use users' time and resources underscore its importance. This research, which aimed to identify the components and indicators of digital information dissemination in the National Library and Archives of Iran, had the potential to affect the field of digital information dissemination significantly.

This qualitative research employed a meta-study approach using the comprehensive synthesis method based on the seven-step method of Sandelowski and Barroso (2007). The research population included Persian and English articles relevant to the topic, retrieved from domestic and international scientific databases. 37 entirely relevant articles were selected for analysis through the critical appraisal skills program method. Content analysis and open and axial coding were used to analyze selected resources. The inter-coder agreement was calculated to ensure the reliability and validity of the findings

Based on the comprehensive synthesis's findings, seven components and 34 indicators and sub-indicators in the field of digital information dissemination were identified. The main components include research files, information resources, collection development, standardization, information dissemination services, dissemination tools, and evaluation.

The identified components and indicators provide a practical roadmap for enhancing digital information dissemination. The most significant achievement of this research is the development of a new information culture that can be used to assess the status of services in this area. These insights enable libraries to improve the quality of their services, enhance information dissemination, and expand knowledge dissemination. This research can be valuable for researchers, librarians, managers, and policymakers in the field of digital information dissemination.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented the world with significant challenges. The infodemic surrounding this disease encompasses four main subject areas where people are seeking reliable information, but also encountering a significant amount of misinformation and rumors. These areas include: the cause and origin of the virus and disease; the signs and patterns of transmission; available treatments, prevention, and treatment options; and the effectiveness and impact of interventions by health authorities or other institutions. This also causes harm to the people in society and jeopardizes the stability of the global health system, making it challenging to address the epidemic. Access to a vast amount of false information about the Covid-19 virus can contribute to the spread of misunderstandings about the disease in society and negatively impact various aspects of people's lives, particularly their mental health. The public health crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic has been exacerbated by the effects of misinformation. In light of the spread of the coronavirus, false information has proliferated worldwide, making it challenging to discern between true and false information. The spread of fake news and dissemination of false information, much like the transmission of the coronavirus, can have far-reaching consequences on various aspects of people's lives. It can cause significant harm by perpetuating misunderstandings about the disease within society, and, conversely, contribute to the escalation of the epidemic. Considering the significant increase in research on Covid-19, it would be helpful for researchers to identify the subject areas, structure, and scientific map of articles related to the disease. This will allow them to gain a better understanding of the international subject areas and related issues in this field. Therefore, it seems necessary to expand and strengthen scientific and research studies in the field of the COVID-19 virus in order to reduce the risks and fully contain this disease. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to conduct a thematic analysis and examine scientific collaborations in research related to misinformation and disinformation in the field of Covid-19, based on studies from the Web of Science. 

The present study is a descriptive-analytical study with a scientometric approach. It utilizes the method of content analysis, hierarchical clustering techniques, strategic diagrams, co-authorship analysis, and social network analysis. The research focuses on articles related to misinformation and disinformation in the field of Covid-19. HistCite, Bibexcel, UCINET, and SPSS software are used for data analysis. 

Among the studies in this field, 3688 studies related to misinformation and disinformation in the field of Covid-19 were found. The keywords "social media," "vaccination," and "general health" ranked first, second, and third, respectively, with frequencies of 332, 158, and 145. On the other hand, topics such as "Covid-19 and social media" with 334 instances of co-occurrence have been assigned as study topics in this field. Additionally, the majority of works were published in 2021. Kumar S. has published the highest number of works among the authors, with 11 works. Godman B. and Haque M. are in second and third place, respectively, with 8 works each. America is in first place with 1068 works, while England and China are in second and third place with 476 and 323 works, respectively. Most of the studies have been published in English. "The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health" has the highest number of published studies among other publications, with 96 articles. "The Journal of Medical Internet Research" and "PLOS ONE" are ranked second and third, with 74 and 44 articles, respectively. Among the institutions, the "University of Oxford" is at the top with 49 works and holds the first place, while the "University of Toronto" and the "London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine" are in second and third place with 40 and 34 works, respectively. The results obtained from the hierarchical diagram form two clusters: the first cluster includes factors affecting the creation of misinformation and disinformation in the field of Covid-19, and the second cluster focuses on the effects of misinformation and disinformation in the same field. Clusters are present in the first and third regions. 

Understanding the findings of scientometric studies in strategic areas like the Covid-19 pandemic can greatly assist researchers and policymakers in the healthcare and treatment field in making informed decisions and developing effective solutions. It can also help in creating a knowledge map and conducting valuable studies. Analysis and comparison of studies related to misinformation and disinformation in the field of Covid-19 lead to a better understanding of current trends, gaps, and dominant discourse, with the aim of improving both the quantity and quality of information. The results of this study can also assist managers and policy makers in making more informed decisions.

The purpose of this study is to compare the views of librarians of the university and public libraries in Tehran about information dissemination services and valid news during the epidemic in terms of services and tools used and influential factors and variables.

In terms of purpose, this research has been applied with a descriptive-analytical approach using documentary and survey methods. The research community is librarians working in university and public libraries in Tehran. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics and statistical software "SPSS" version 26.

The average information services provided in academic and public libraries are between 3 and 4, and the average of virtual services provided in the context of social networks in academic libraries is higher than 4. In terms of tools used, social media tools in public libraries and database tools, social networks, and media in university libraries have an average higher than 4. Influential variables can be tracked in three parts of the organization and infrastructure, human capital, and active use. From the librarians' point of view, the average of the influential variables in the organization and infrastructure, human capital, and active using sectors is very high and higher than 4. In the area of organizational and infrastructure factors, for librarians of public libraries, the variable "working hours and number of manpower in the library" is a more effective factor in providing these services. In the active using section, the variables of literacy level and age group of users in academic and public libraries were less important than other variables.

There is a significant difference between the attitudes of librarians of the university and public libraries in Tehran towards the indicators related to the human capital variable among the variables affecting valid information dissemination services.