Application of SWOT analysis in Evaluation and Comparison of ShahidChamranUniversity Libraries

SWOT is one of the analysis tools by which strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats are identified in regards with a target organization. The aim of the present research is to apply SWOT analysis technique in the evaluation and comparison of Shahid Chamran libraries including the central and college libraries, so that the results can be applied in planning for these libraries. In the meantime, this research can help related library managers to be aware of the conditions of their libraries and to be able to craft strategic plans for dealing with weaknesses and threats.The results of this research showed that the strengths and weaknesses are laid in 8 groups: staff, collaboration, background, collection, information and communication technology infrastructure, financial status, space and facilities and viewpoints; whereas, opportunities and threats were identified in 4 groups: staff, marketing and information competitors, viewpoints and financial status