Identifying the Effective Driving Forces on the Future of Iranian Library Catalogs Based on Knowledge Society Characteristics

To identify trends and driving forces which are affecting the future of Iranian library catalogs based on knowledge society characteristics.

This is an applied study using desk research and survey. The expert panel consisted of 20 experts in the field of library catalogs with a brain storming method and then a researcher-made questionnaire was distributed among the experts.

The results of research showed that the Iranian library catalogs are not associated with affecting trends on library catalogs based on the characteristics of the knowledge society. The driving forces categorized in two groups: internal (4 cases) and external (5 cases). Among the external driving forces, "smarting up library catalogs using new technologies" was identified as the most important driving force. Among the internal driving forces, "tendency to revise the library catalog structure", "role of the library as facilitator of access", "modifying and updating tools and standards" And "enrichment using tools such as content tables, discovery services, browsing capabilities, etc." have the most important driving forces.

Due to the unfavorable situation of affecting trends on Iranian library catalog, catalog specialists and policy makers in Iran should pay attention to the need of changing catalogs due to changes in trends and driving forces.