A Proposal to Run an Inter-Library Loan System in IAU Libraries

This study aims at putting forward the proposal to run an inter –library loan (ILL) system in Islamic Azad University (IAU) libraries . Using survey method, 84 central libraries of the major branches of Islamic Azad University were under investigation. A questionnaire was administered to measure the standards of the university libraries, technological equipments and facilities, telecommunication and networking. Then, possibility analysis and needs analysis of the proposal was done from library managers’ point of view. The results indicate that libraries undergo certain shortcomings regarding their organization and management,and their annual budget is floating. 99% of the libraries are equipped with LAN and 95% have internet connections. 54.2% of the libraries have cooperation of any kind with the ither libraries, 48.6% of which is related to ILL. Accoeding to the managers, the potential problems for running an ILL system include lack of dfficient management framework, lack of a comprehensive book classification in IAU, lack of a comprehensive information network, the possibility of losing and damaging sources, low budget, lack of computerized, telecommunication and network facilities, expert human resources, approapriate regulations and lack of mutusl cooperation of the libraries.