The Effectiveness of In-service Training Courses for Librarians in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Due to the use of information technology in libraries and information centers, librarians are faced with many challenges in terms of their roles and needs; hence, they require continuous training to cope with these challenges. The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of in-service training courses for librarians working in libraries at the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, between the years 2012 and 2013 based on Kirkpatrick’s model.
This applied research was conducted through a survey. The study population consisted of 70 librarians working in libraries at the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2015. Due to the limited number of librarians, sampling was not performed. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire based on Kirkpatrick’s model. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by experts in the field of Education, Library, and Information Management and its reliability was approved using Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.88). Data were analyzed using both descriptive and analytical statistics (independent one-sample t-test and ANOVA) in SPSS software.
From the librarians’ point of views, the effectiveness of the training courses was above average (3.7) in all four levels and in total; however, effectiveness in two levels of reactions and learning was higher than the other two levels. There were no significant differences between the views men and women and library and information sciences (LIS) educated librarians and non-LIS educated librarians in terms of effectiveness of training courses. There was no significant relation between librarians’ occupational background and their perspectives on the effectiveness of training courses expect in the learning level.
Librarians believed in-service training courses to be effective in all four levels of reaction, learning, behavior, and results. This is due to accurate needs assessment, using experienced teachers and adequate training equipment, and appropriate working environment for applying the course material.