Survey of Information Technology: Situation in the libraries of Tabriz University

Due to the importance of information technology and its effect on the libraries, this study examines to find out the using rate of information technology in the libraries of Tabriz University (12 libraries) and to what extent the problems are in using them. The research method is descriptive survey. Data needed for research is collected through questionnaires distributed among the people responsible for these libraries. Results showed that the most and the least used hardware facilities were computers (227) and opaque projectors (1). Internet access facilities in Tabriz University libraries are given as follows: search engines (12 libraries), E-mails (7 libraries), weblogs, new groups and conferences (5 libraries), chat rooms (3 libraries), and discussion groups (2 libraries). Document delivery services (2 libraries). Services of Selective Dissemination of Information, Electronic Message Board, and Online Catalog in 2 libraries, and Current Awareness Services in 3 libraries are given. The obstacles for using information technology in these libraries include: Cost of contact to the data bases, lack of familiarity in using such resources by users, not having enough trained staff to help in using information technology (9 libraries), lack of support from officials (8 libraries), not having enough knowledge of English language, hardware and software problems (7 libraries), Internet access difficulties (5 libraries), and lack of electronic resources (3 libraries).