A Survey on the Infrastructures and Skills Necessary to Establish Electronic Reference Services at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

Rapid development of information technology، make a profound revolution in giving services to users. Suitable data for the suitable data seeker in a suitable time is a basic slogan used by librarians and activists in information services to use it in order to make the slogan more objective. Electronic reference services، such as Email، Chat، Cell phones and etc. are the most suitable devices to answer the needs of library users. The aim of this study was to identify ability of librarians and identify infrastructures required to provide electronic reference services in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. In this regard، we measured the gap between the skills and the existing infrastructures as well as proper infrastructures and skills desired. Since similar experiences were not found in the previous researches instruments like questionnaire and interview checklist provided based on IFLA and RUSA guidelines and other related literatures. The study population were all librarians working in the Reference Services، information and Public services in Libraries of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (32 person). Interviews were conducted with one of the administrative staff at the Central Library. The checklist was completed with the help of the head of each library. The findings showed that about 35% of reference librarians using less electronic reference services. in this field، Others evaluate themselves as moderate. And all the librarians (100 percent) were mentioned that offer of electronic reference services is necessary. Meanwhile، only 28% believed that librarians have the Technology skills and nearly 50% believe that they have the searching skills. In this regard، more than 60% of librarians said they have suitable skills. Based on the finding and the gap between present and ideal situation it seems that the usage rate of technology in its ideal form has the deepest gap and with the librarian''s individual skills has not it.