Analysis on the Development Indicators of Iranian Digital Libraries

The present study aimed to identify and prioritize the effective indicators on the development of Iranian digital libraries from the view point of the experts to provide a roadmap for the successful development of Iranian digital libraries.

This was an applied research method with descriptive approach. The research population consists of 15 Iranian digital library experts. Data collected by research made questionnaire. For data analysis, we used statistical methods like descriptive and inferential frequency, percentage, and Likert scale.

Digital Library Federation (DLF) defines digital libraries as organizations that provide the resources, including the specialized staff, to select, structure, offer intellectual access to, interpret, distribute, preserve the integrity of, and ensure the persistence over time of collections of digital works so that they are readily available for use by a defined community or set of communities. As this defined showed, four major elements (human resources, collections, services, technology) have considerable effect on design and development of digital libraries and if a digital library is intended to be established and developed, each of these axes should be carefully examined according to research findings, Iranian digital library experts in order to develop  digital library  believe  a number of factors in four main areas included Human resources (15 components), Collection development (12 components), Services (18 components) and Technology (19 components). All 64 components were introduced as indicator for the development of Iranian digital libraries.

Based of the results, using of information science specialists and digital librarians with the highest score (4.87 from 5 on the Likert scale) was the most important components. Also, using of lawyers (in the field of copyright and Digital Library contracts) has earned the lowest rank (3.67 from 5) on the Likert scale). This research has been based on the opinions and views of the Iranian digital library experts. The capabilities and requirements of practical knowledge in this field do offer a comprehensive plan for the development of these systems. The results of this study will help all officials and administrators in the country take better decisions in theory and practice.