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Faranak Zomorodpoush, Saeid Asadi, Mohammad Zerehsaz,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (12-2018)
Volume 5, Issue 3 (12-2018)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Aim: Promotion of the life of people with disabilities depends on the provision of their information needs. Employment plays a key role in the lives of these people and is considered as a way to improve their lives. The present study is aimed at assessing the information needs of people with disabilities who participated in the supportive employment program.
Methods: A qualitative research with the use of Grounded Theory examines the information needs of people with disability. The required data in this research were collected from semi-structured interviews with twenty four jobseekers who were purposefully and theoretically selected, and interviews continued to the saturation of data. Then, in the three stages of Open coding, Axial coding and Selective coding which are used in the Grounded Theory researches, the information needs of those with disabilities participated in the Supportive Employment Pragramme, were extracted.
Results: The results of the study indicated that there was a wide variety of information needs in these four categories: general information and news, (2) empowerment and personal and family problems, (3) research, education, Lifelong Learning and (4) Professional and career information. The most important communication Channels were classified into five categories: cyberspace, mass media, human resources information, training courses, and responsible government bodies
Conclusion: Due to the importance of obtaining information by the people with disability, eliminating their concerns and other needs of these people, attention to their information needs seems to be necessary. These needs were in many respects similar to those of ordinary people. The observed differences are due to the specific physical and mental status of this community, which the responsible institutions are required to provide the necessary facilities for access to the information they need.
Dr. Mohsen Nowkarizi, Mr. Ali Akbari, Dr. Reza Rostami, Dr. Ali Moghimi,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Volume 5, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Under the influence of various factors, people use different methods and methods to obtain information and express different information behaviors. These behaviors have been introduced in the form of patterns and models of information retrieval by information science experts in recent decades, which can be used in various fields. One of these areas that almost all people are directly or indirectly involved in is the field of treatment and medicine.
Methods: This paper whit quasi-experimental examines the Analysis of information behavior of psychotherapists in the process of diagnosing and treating mental disorders based on the Kuhlthau information search process model. The population of this study is psychologists and psychiatrists with more than two years of treatment history. The sample selected from this group also includes 30 therapists who entered the competition through a public call as a top therapist using a simple sampling method.
Results: The findings show that the sequence of therapists' movements is in accordance with Kuhlthau's opinion and they perform a repetitive movement in the diagnosis and treatment process, but the level of presence of therapists (time spent) differs at different stages from the model considered by Kuhlthau. The findings also showed that variables such as treatment history, field of study, and gender could influence the behavior of therapists. On the other hand, the relationship between the information of the therapists' information behavior and variables such as information literacy, state anxiety and trait, specialized knowledge and self-assessment of therapists was significantly evaluated.
Conclusion: The information behavior that a treatment specialist performs in his or her treatment process can be analyzed according to the Kuhlthau model.
Dr Hashem Atapour, Ms Zahra Shiravand, Dr Rasoul Zavaraqi,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Volume 5, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The last two decades have witnessed efforts to identify ways and tools of showing the value of science for society known as the social impact of science, the efforts that have been made under various titles such as social benefits, social quality, social utility, social relevance, and so on. Academic publications, especially academic articles, are objective representation of scientific activities. One question raised in this regard is which kind of academic articles can have much more social impact. Bornmann (2014) argues articles that review previous studies and provide evaluative reports are of greater potential for social impact. Accordingly, the purpose of this research is to compare the social impact of review articles with the original research articles indexed in the Web of science in four fields including psychology, pharmacy, biology, and agriculture.
Methods: Current research is an applied one and has applied altmetrics analysis. Research and review articles were retrieved from Web of Science database, and altmetric score of articles is collected using Bookmarklet tool of Altemetric.com. The population of this research is composed of review and research articles of abovementioned fields indexed in the Web of Science in 2015. Using a randomized stratified sampling method, a sample of the research population has been chosen for more investigation. SPSS software was used to analyze the data.
Results: The findings of this research shows that there is a significant difference between the altmetric score of review and research articles, in a way that the altmetric score of review articles is higher than research articles. Both review and research articles have been mentioned in Mendeley more than the other social media, but these articles have received the least mention from the Wikipedia.
Conclusion: It is concluded that review articles have more social impact than research articles. The fact that strengthens the position of review articles in the body of scientific publications more than before.
, Dr Nahid Ojaghi,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (8-2019)
Volume 6, Issue 2 (8-2019)
Abstract
Background and aim: New technologies, particularly the Internet, have changed the means of information searching and retrieval in innumerable research methods, as well as qualitative research. Therefore, researchers awareness of search skills is imperative. Search skills allows pursuit of higher self-efficacy. So, the purpose is to investigate the Role of Online Searching Skills in Predicting Qualitative Research self-efficacy of Payamnoor University Postgraduate students.
Methodology: The research method was correlational descriptive - analytical study. Population was 277 Postgraduate Students of Payamnoor University and sample of 159 students were selected randomly. For data collection, Online Searching skills and Qualitative Research Self efficacy questionnaires were applied. Regression analysis was used to analyze the data.
Results: The results indicate that there is a relation of Online Searching skills and Research Self efficacy. Also, regression coefficient indicates that Online searching skills could predict research self-efficacy factors of Payamnoor University postgraduate students.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, emphasizing on online search skills and training might lead to an upsurge of self-efficacy of Postgraduate students at this University in qualitative research.
Dr Ehsan Geraei, Mrs Leila Fathi,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (10-2019)
Volume 6, Issue 3 (10-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Searching for information is not always a targeted activity; it can also be done involuntarily. The serendipity has the ability to find information randomly and as something happy, something unexpected, or a pleasant surprise. This paper examines and analyzes the concept of serendipity and its models in the process of information searching.
Methods: The present study uses a library research method to study concept of serendipity and its models in the process of information searching.
Results: Serendipity is a term for a broad and multifaceted phenomenon. Widespread vague nature of serendipity has made it difficult to study and inspect, and has led to numerous explanations and clarifications from researchers. The serendipity (accidental information discovery) is different from the purposeful search of information, because it is more about dealing with information or accidentally discovering information. Unexpected (accidental), intelligent, and valuable or potentially valuable results of the requirements of a worthwhile experience.
Conclusion: Understanding serendipity as an integral part of information behavior can be effective in identifying strategies for retrieving information that leads to accidental information discovery.
Saiede Khalilian, Ahmad Shabani,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (3-2020)
Volume 6, Issue 4 (3-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Information seeking behavior arises when one feels a void in his/her knowledge which inspires one to acquire new information. The central point in explaining behavior is the fact that many features influence its occurrence, and emotions are considered to be a major element involved in human information behavior. Also, Information seeking is a positive and negative emotional experience. The aim was to survey the role of emotions in information behavior.
Method: Library research method was applied to study theoretical foundations and conceptual relationships of emotions in relation to information needs and related concepts.
Results: By conceptual studies of the models process of information retrieval behavior of Kuhlthau and Nahl, it was found that emotional factors are very important in information retrieval and information-seeking behavior, which is influenced by negative (uncertainty, fear, anger) and positive emotions (happy, confident, satisfied). Negative emotions increase at the beginning and over time and in the process of searching for information, decreases, while positive emotions intensifies. Also, these results indicate that positive emotions may help individuals acquire information to resolve an existing problem, whereas negative emotions may aid individuals acquire information when there is no apparent problem.
Conclusion: In order to solve information need and to attain appropriate desirable feedback, it is necessary that emotions be well identified and understood by both the user and the information systems, so they could be better controlled.
Dr Saeedeh Ebrahimy, Dr Ghasem Salimi, Mrs Sahar Anbaraki, Mrs Hanieh Zare,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (6-2020)
Volume 7, Issue 1 (6-2020)
Abstract
Aim: Scientific social networks were shaped as part of a set of social software and a platform for international interactions sharing the tangible and intangible knowledge of researchers. The purpose is to investigate the patterns and behaviors of knowledge sharing of researchers in Research Gate. Based on this, the question and answer system of this scientific social network was analyzed and reviewed.
Methodology: Method is applied descriptive survey with web content analysis approach. The community studied was the questions and answers provided in the Q & A system of Research Gate. Two subject areas were selected, 127 questions and 408 responses related to these two domains were analyzed and reviewed.
Findings: Findings showed that the questions raised in two domains examined in the question and answer system of the scientific network were conceptual questions and replies in both domains were often intangible, and the type of presentation are scientific vision and mental pattern. Most of the inquirers were researchers from Asian countries with less than 5 RG rank. While researchers from European countries - with an RG rank of over 10, have been posting answers and sharing their expertise.
Conclusion: Q & A systems are diverse, efficient technologies for sharing knowledge and enhancing international interactions among researchers beyond the geographical and political boundaries, which has created a place for the reproduction of scientific disciplines in the world. The results according to Castells, speak of latent power of social networks and question and answer systems in knowledge sharing and widespread knowledge boundaries that facilitate transfer of experiences, thought and knowledge of researchers and provide fertile ground for science.
Somayeh Ghavidel, Dr. Amir Hossein Seddighi,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (12-2020)
Volume 7, Issue 2 (12-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Information Architecture is an organizational meta-method that adopts a tactical approach to the specialized information of the organization using an integrated framework and empowers the management of organizational resources by acquiring and upgrading new information technologies. Therefore, it is essential to be part of the current processes of the organization and the insurance industry.
Method: Mixed research method is applied, in which evaluation, observation and researcher experience, checklist, and analytical review of the website is analyzed. Population is the Central Insurance of the Islamic Republic of Iran website, in which the four components of Information Architecture including organization, labeling, navigation, and search systems are examined based on context, content and user.
Findings: Conferring the research findings, the checklist score of the Insurance website for organization system is 17 points. Furthermore, the rates of positive answers to the total number of questions are 45.94%, 54.38%, 53.84% and 45.65% for organization, labeling, navigation, and search systems respectively. The results indicate that the Insurance website has a moderate to weak position from the organization and search point of view and has a moderate position in the labeling and navigation system.
Conclusion: Information Architecture provides the foundation of the information systems architecture from the underlying level to the interface level for the improvement and excellence of the organization. The checklist used in this research can be useful for evaluating organizational websites and provide added value to the organization, and also can improve the planning and strategic decisions of organization's policy makers.
Dr Azam Sanatjoo, Mr Mahdi Zeynali Tazehkandi,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (12-2020)
Volume 7, Issue 2 (12-2020)
Abstract
Purpose: There are several metrics for evaluating search engines. Though, many researchers have proposed new metrics in recent years. Familiarity with new metrics is essential. So, the purpose is to provide an analysis of important and new metrics to evaluate search engines.
Methodology: This review article critically studied the efficiency of metrics of evaluation. So, “evaluation metrics,” “evaluation measure,” “search engine evaluation,” “information retrieval system evaluation,” “relevance evaluation measure” and “relevance evaluation metrics” were investigated in “MagIran” “Sid” and Google Scholar search engines. Articles gathered to inspect and analyse existing approaches in evaluation of information retrieval systems. Descriptive-analytical approach used to review the search engine assessment metrics.
Findings: Theoretical and philosophical foundations determine research methods and techniques. There are two well-known “system-oriented” and “user-oriented” approaches to evaluating information retrieval systems. So, researchers such as Sirotkin (2013) and Bama, Ahmed, & Saravanan (2015) group the precision and recall metrics in a system-oriented approach. They also believe that Average Distance, normalized discounted cumulative gain, Rank Eff and B pref are rooted in the user-oriented approach. Nowkarizi and Zeynali Tazehkandi (2019) introduced comprehensiveness metric instead of Recall metric. They argue that their metric is rooted in a user-oriented approach, while the goal is not fully met. On the other hand, Hjørland(2010) emphasizes that we need a third approach to eliminate this dichotomy. In this regard, researchers such as Borlund, Ingwersen (1998), Borlund (2003), Thornley, Gibb (2007) have mentioned a third approach for evaluating information retrieval systems that refer to interact and compose two mentioned approaches. Incidentally, Borlund, Ingwersen(1998) proposed a Jaccard Association and Cosine Association measures to evaluate information retrieval systems. It seems that these two metrics have failed to compose the system-oriented and user-oriented approaches completely, and need further investigation.
Conclusion: Search engines involve different components including: Crawler, Indexer, Query Processor, Retrieval Software, and Ranker. Scholars wish to apply the most efficient search engines for retrieving required information resources. Each metrics measures a specific component, to measure all, it is suggested to select metrics from all three mentioned groups in their search.
Mrs Maryam Tavosi, Mr Nader Naghshineh,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (12-2020)
Volume 7, Issue 3 (12-2020)
Abstract
Purpose: This is an applied research, with the aim of a comparative study of the presence and participation of Iranian and international researchers affiliated with the top scientific centers (Times Ranking 2020), in the Research Gate research network. Altimetric indicators, such as "RG score", "Reads", "number of registrations" and "number of research items" were considered.
Methodology: Survey performed with altimetric approach and analytical method. Sample of top 10 universities in Iran and 10 scientific centers around the world by Times Ranking performance index of education, research, knowledge transfer, and international perspective done. First, a comparative study of the activities of Iranian researchers with one another, then of international researchers completed separately. Lastly, an analysis of the differences in performance amongst these two groups was performed by "Libre Office Calc" software.
Findings: Among Times top 10 international scientific institutes, the indicators of "number of registrations," "RG-score per member," "number of publications per member" and "reads" the highest rates were observed in researchers at Cambridge University in London, the California research center, and the California research center at Oxford university, respectively. Among the top 10 Universities in Iran, the indicators of "number of registrations," "RPG score per media member," "number of research copies per member" and "reading rate of research copies, "among the researchers with organizational affiliation to the Amir Kabir University of technology, Tehran University of medical sciences, Iran university of medical sciences, Tehran university of medical sciences, the highest amount was observed. The total "average score per member" at the international level was 8.4 and at the Iranian level was 5.1. The "average reads" index for the top 10 universities or research institutes at the international level was 154990.2. The figure was obtained for the top 10 universities in Iran, 22736.1.
Conclusion: Researchers affiliated with top universities in Iran, compared to their international counterparts, have a stronger social interaction in terms of indicators of ResearchGate in activities such as "enquiring," "answering questions" and "suggestion." Although the difference between the number of research items shared internationally is more than 3 times that of Iran, but the average RG score is not seen 3 times that of Iran globally. So, the high RG score is not related to the number of research items on the ResearchGate. Also, comparative study on the presence and activities of researchers affiliated with Times top Universities in Iran and internationally could lead to better future.
Zeinab Ghayouri, Zoya Abam,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (12-2020)
Volume 7, Issue 3 (12-2020)
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify the frequency and time spent in the use of search tactics and the effect of user characteristics and type of search task on the use of search tactics.
Methodology: A quantitative approach based on data obtained from Morayeh software used. Sample was 35 post graduate and graduate students majoring in humanities and engineering in Tehran. Four search tasks and scenarios designed based on Anderson and Crasswell classification provided as guidelines. Data were extracted from Morayeh software, that included the frequency and time spent using search tactics, effect of user characteristics and search task type. Data analyzed by ANOVA.
Findings: The results showed that there was no significant difference between individual characteristics and the frequency and time elapsed for search tactics. However, female students spent more time using search tactics than male students, and despite the significant difference between degree and frequency and time spent searching, they used more tactics than senior students. Equally post graduates, spend more time than graduates in the search process. This is due to their familiarity with the search process and proficiency in searching with fewer tactics and achieving appropriate and less tactical results. Also, humanities students have spent more time in the search process than engineering students. This is probably owed to the greater search skills of technical and engineering students than humanities students. The effect of search task type on frequency and time spent in the present study shows a significant effect of task type on search process - frequency and time spent using search tactics.
Results: Considering the limited number of studies in search tactics application, the findings will be beneficial in clarifying the trends in the search process and identification of the frequency and duration of user application tactics. Identification of high-frequency tactics and large quantity of time searcher spends, information system support for the use of search tactics is suggested.
Atiyeh Baghestani Tajali, Azam Sanatjoo, Hassan Behzadi, Hamid Reza Jamali,
Volume 7, Issue 4 (3-2021)
Volume 7, Issue 4 (3-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Mind map is a full-color illustrated note-taking in which, main idea or subject is situated. The main ideas then branch out from the center, which are linked to the central idea. This is a relatively new topic, and slight research has been conducted to show its effectiveness worldwide. The aim is to examine the effectiveness of mind maps in the information retrieval process.
Method: This is an applied in terms of purpose and in order to collect information about the familiarity and use of graduate students with mind maps by survey method. The present study also investigates the effect of mental map tools on quasi-experimental information retrieval. The statistical population of the present study includes all graduate students (Master and PhD) of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2016-2017, in four areas: humanities, basic sciences, engineering and agricultural sciences. The statistical sample size of the first phase of the research includes 224 graduate students and 127 doctoral students. The total size of the laboratory population is 30 people. The sampling method of the first stage is stochastic research of relative classes. The sample size of the second stage of the laboratory is purposeful. A questionnaire was used to collect data in this study. Cronbach's alpha of questionnaire number one is more than 0.8 and questionnaire number two and three is more than 7%.
Results: Analysis show that the level of familiarity with mind maps and its use by graduate students at Ferdowsi University is below average. The average overall level search satisfaction with the whole search process in the second stage (3.833) is higher than the first stage (3.704). The average effectiveness of the whole search process in the second stage - with the help of mental map (359/3) is more than the first stage of the search process - without mental map (2.332).
Conclusion: Mind maps are effective tools in the process of information retrieval that can be used with careful, purposeful planning and in consultation with experts in the field of information retrieval and information science. Information systems, search engines, information needs, etc. are among the areas in which mind maps can be examined.
Hossein Narimani, Safiyeh Tahmasebi Limooni, Mitra Ghiasi,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (5-2021)
Volume 8, Issue 1 (5-2021)
Abstract
Purpose: The significance of collaboration of librarians and academicians in enhancing the students’ academic success and research capacity has been increasingly recognized by scholars. The purpose of this study is to provide a model of the impact of research interactions between faculty members and students with librarians on scientific products with a grounded theory approach.
Methodology: This is a qualitative approach using grounded theory research method. Data collection was a semi-structured interview using snowball sampling. Twenty interviews were conducted with faculty members of Mazandaran University and experts working at the University. Data analysis was performed in three stages of open coding, axial coding and selective coding based on which a qualitative research model was designed.
Findings: The results showed that out of a total of 264 open codes identified, 44 were central codes and in conclusion 10 selected codes were identified. A paradigm model including: Improving the research interactions of faculty members and students with librarians in scientific productions as a Axial category and causal conditions (training skills and information literacy, interaction and knowledge experiences), contextual factors (information and research consulting, resources Interventional conditions (research rules and regulations), strategies (evaluation of scientific output, management of research resources) and consequences (increase of scientific production, cost management and teamwork) was set.
Conclusion: Conferring inadequate studies inspecting factors affecting the interactions of faculty members and students with librarians on the scientific products of the University, results of this study will be beneficial in identifying the research priorities of the University and supporting researchers, enabling extensive and challenging research activities and improving research methods
Shabnam Refoua, Zahra Salimi,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (9-2021)
Volume 8, Issue 2 (9-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Scientific article recommender system assists and advance information retrieval process by proposing and offering articles tailored to the researchers needs. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of the recommender System in three scientific databases.
Method: This applied study is directed by the valuation method. Sample consisted of three scientific databases: Elsevier, Taylor & Francis, and Google Scholar, which share recommendation tools. "Information storage and retrieval" was selected as the search subject. Ten specialized keywords related to the topic of information storage and retrieval were selected. After searching each key words, the first retrieved article was reviewed. Then, for each first article, the first 5 recommended articles were mined in each of the three mentioned databases. Data was collected through direct observation using a researcher-made checklist. To evaluate subject relevance, bibliographic information of the first article retrieved in each subject and database along with the bibliographic information of 5 recommended articles was provided to two groups of librarians and IT professionals. Sample was selected by snowball method. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.
Results: Findings showed that among the databases, Elsevier recommends more relevant results from the perspective of IT professionals and librarians in the field of information storage and retrieval, with Google Scholar and Taylor & Francis in the next ranks. In total, the most relevant articles in terms of subject experts were the articles that ranked fifth.
Conclusion: To sum up, Elsevier performed better than the other two databases in terms of recommending related articles. Also, there is a significant difference between the views of librarians and IT professionals regarding the relevance of recommended articles in the field of information storage and retrieval. Thus, from the point of view of IT professionals, the significance of the recommended articles is greater.
Nazanin Kashefiyeh, Leila Khalili, Abulfzal Ghasemzadeh Alishahi,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (5-2022)
Volume 9, Issue 1 (5-2022)
Abstract
Purpose: Sharing research data leads to the reusing that data. The purpose is to describe the status of sharing and reusing research data amongst researchers. This examines the attitude, experience and barriers in reusing research data.
Methodology: Applied quantitative survey method was used. Population was 154 participants all faculty members of Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University. Instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire which face and content validity was approved by experts. Reliability of the questionnaire was determined via Cronbach's alpha and an appropriate value of 0.774 was gained. Descriptive statistics were used by SPSS software.
Findings: Attitude of researchers towards the reusing research data with an average of 3.29 was in a relatively favorable situation. The experience of reusing research data with an average of 2.22 was not at the desired level. The average scores of legal, individual and organizational barriers were 3.45, 3.18 and 3.15, respectively. Female researchers had not as much of data sharing experience than men. The average of attitude and experience in sharing and reusing research data for agricultural researchers was significantly lower than other groups. The average of attitude for older researchers was somewhat more than that of other groups.
Conclusion: Despite the relatively favorable attitude of researchers to reuse research data, it was not at the desired level in terms of experience. Legal, individual and organizational barriers were effective barriers in research data reuse.
Methodology: Applied quantitative survey method was used. Population was 154 participants all faculty members of Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University. Instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire which face and content validity was approved by experts. Reliability of the questionnaire was determined via Cronbach's alpha and an appropriate value of 0.774 was gained. Descriptive statistics were used by SPSS software.
Findings: Attitude of researchers towards the reusing research data with an average of 3.29 was in a relatively favorable situation. The experience of reusing research data with an average of 2.22 was not at the desired level. The average scores of legal, individual and organizational barriers were 3.45, 3.18 and 3.15, respectively. Female researchers had not as much of data sharing experience than men. The average of attitude and experience in sharing and reusing research data for agricultural researchers was significantly lower than other groups. The average of attitude for older researchers was somewhat more than that of other groups.
Conclusion: Despite the relatively favorable attitude of researchers to reuse research data, it was not at the desired level in terms of experience. Legal, individual and organizational barriers were effective barriers in research data reuse.
Dr. Amir Hossein Seddighi,
Volume 9, Issue 4 (1-2023)
Volume 9, Issue 4 (1-2023)
Abstract
Purpose: As mission-oriented organizations, research institutes have the task of answering community questions in specialized areas, and should therefore be able to effectively present their outputs to their target users. Achieving such a goal requires the proper use of information architecture principles to properly organize the information platform in which the research institutes interact with their audiences. Therefore, reviewing and evaluating the information architecture of Research Institutes’ websites as their main communication platform with their users is of particular importance. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology’s website based on information architecture.
Methodology: The research method is based on content analysis and case evaluation and is done using direct observations and checklists in March 2022. In this regard, first the components of the information environment, ie the context, content, and user of the website are identified. Then, we check the information architecture subsystems of the website using checklists based on the components of the information environment. The organization system checklist contains 14 main questions, the labeling system checklist contains 32 main questions, the navigation system checklist contains 20 main questions, and finally, the search system checklist contains 41 main questions. The checklists were prepared using the library research method and approved by an expert panel. Excel software is used to collect and analyze data.
Findings: Users of the Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology’s website can be categorized into four groups: researchers and students, science and technology policymakers, librarians and informants, and educational and research institutions. The main content of this website includes reports, books, articles, research projects, information systems, scientific events, training courses, laboratories, and collaborative services. The context of the website is based on service development and delivery in the areas of knowledge management, scientific and technological information management, dissemination of information science and technology, supporting science and technology policymakers, Publicizing the use of information technology, cooperating with universities and research institutes, and supporting research in the field of information science and technology. The results of the checklists indicate the score of this website for the organization system, the labeling system, the navigation system, and the search system as 67.6%, 68.4%, 65.4%, and 34.8%, respectively.
Conclusion: The status of the Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology’s website is assessed as good in terms of the organization system, the labeling system, and the navigation system, and poor in terms of the search system. The use of an audience-oriented organization plan in the website organization system, the use of index labels in the form of unique entities in the website labeling system, and the use of a main navigation bar with an integrated and similar design in the website navigation system are among the strengths of the website information architecture design. On the other hand, according to the research findings, to improve the search system, it is necessary to pay attention to features such as “correcting spelling errors in the input query”, “highlighting the input query in the retrieved results”, “adding logical operators to the search system”, “searching metadata”, “sorting results in alphabetical and chronological order”, and “adding search filters such as subject and year”.
Methodology: The research method is based on content analysis and case evaluation and is done using direct observations and checklists in March 2022. In this regard, first the components of the information environment, ie the context, content, and user of the website are identified. Then, we check the information architecture subsystems of the website using checklists based on the components of the information environment. The organization system checklist contains 14 main questions, the labeling system checklist contains 32 main questions, the navigation system checklist contains 20 main questions, and finally, the search system checklist contains 41 main questions. The checklists were prepared using the library research method and approved by an expert panel. Excel software is used to collect and analyze data.
Findings: Users of the Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology’s website can be categorized into four groups: researchers and students, science and technology policymakers, librarians and informants, and educational and research institutions. The main content of this website includes reports, books, articles, research projects, information systems, scientific events, training courses, laboratories, and collaborative services. The context of the website is based on service development and delivery in the areas of knowledge management, scientific and technological information management, dissemination of information science and technology, supporting science and technology policymakers, Publicizing the use of information technology, cooperating with universities and research institutes, and supporting research in the field of information science and technology. The results of the checklists indicate the score of this website for the organization system, the labeling system, the navigation system, and the search system as 67.6%, 68.4%, 65.4%, and 34.8%, respectively.
Conclusion: The status of the Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology’s website is assessed as good in terms of the organization system, the labeling system, and the navigation system, and poor in terms of the search system. The use of an audience-oriented organization plan in the website organization system, the use of index labels in the form of unique entities in the website labeling system, and the use of a main navigation bar with an integrated and similar design in the website navigation system are among the strengths of the website information architecture design. On the other hand, according to the research findings, to improve the search system, it is necessary to pay attention to features such as “correcting spelling errors in the input query”, “highlighting the input query in the retrieved results”, “adding logical operators to the search system”, “searching metadata”, “sorting results in alphabetical and chronological order”, and “adding search filters such as subject and year”.
Marzieh Morovati, Nosrat Riahinia, Ali Azimi,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Volume 10, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The Covid-19 pandemic crisis has highlighted the importance of open and timely access to scientific information. The aim of this study was to explain the world community's efforts to open access in the Covid-19 pandemic crisis.
Method: This was a review study in terms of approach using documentary research method. In this regard, open access literature was studied using searches on Google search engine, Google Scholar and databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and the websites of publishers, journals and scientific institutions, focusing on the Covid-19 pandemic crisis.
Results: Since the formation of the open access movement, this issue has attracted a lot of attention and extensive efforts have been made in the direction of open access to research publications by the scientific community. Publishers, financial sponsors and international institutions have also entered this arena and various statements and plans have been formed in order to recognize the open access movement and its development. “Budapest Open Access Initiative”, “Bethesda Statement on Open Access Publishing”, “Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge in the Sciences and Humanities” are the first measures in this regard. On the other hand, the importance of access to timely information, especially in the fields of medical sciences and information related to health and diseases, is worthy of attention in promoting public health. The need to pay attention to open access and sharing of information and the consequences of not doing so has become more important with the occurrence of critical and emergency situations caused by pandemic and public health emergencies. Along with the emergence of COVID-19 and the pandemic caused by it, many researches have been conducted in order to deal with the crisis of this disease and to find solutions for its treatment and control. The aspects of this deadly disease have attracted the attention of everyone, especially scientists and scholars in various fields around the world, and an unprecedented number of articles have been published in this field. In addition, many international organizations have published various information about the disease of COVID-19 in the form of open access, for example, “WHO Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Dashboard” and "Coronavirus Watch". The unprecedented crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of information transparency and timely and open access to it. Access to accurate and timely information about this emerging disease is very important and can help to assess and understand the risks and obtain strategies to contain it, strong evidence, better information and support for decisions and policies in the direction of public health. The need to provide suitable solutions for treatment, prevention and control of the disease on the one hand and the increasing number of researches on COVID-19 on the other hand, has created new opportunities in the system of scientific communication and publication of research findings, and the scientific community has decided to accelerate the cycle of knowledge to find possible solutions to deal with the disease crisis. Explaining the efforts and measures taken in this direction during the COVID-19 pandemic as the most important global crisis and concern can provide useful information to the scientific community, especially those involved in research. Considering the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, as well as the importance of timely and open access to scientific information about this disease, the question arises as to what measures have been taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis? Also, what measures and measures have been taken for free access to scientific information about the pandemic? A review of the literature regarding the issue of open access in the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic showed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, a global effort has been made to facilitate open access to COVID-19 research findings. The need for appropriate strategies for the treatment, prevention and control of the disease and the increasing number of COVID-19 research has affected the system of scientific communication and the publication of research findings and the world community, especially reputable publishers and scientific institutions, have made extensive statements, measures and efforts to provide open access to as much scientific information as possible about the disease. During the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, many publishers, journals and funders have committed to open access in a statement to ensure that research findings and data relevant to this outbreak are shared rapidly and openly to inform the public health response and help save lives. The measures and actions of publishers and scientific journals in this regard are worthy of attention. Access to Elsevier's free medical and health research related to COVID-19 is possible through the "Elsevier's Novel Coronavirus Information Center". Elsevier has also created a collection of free resources, including evidence-based clinical guidelines and more than 41,000 research articles to read, download and extract data, in support of the research communities' impressive efforts in the fight against COVID-19. This guide provides an overview of the resources. Through the "COVID-19 Resource Centre", Lancet has provided free access to all research articles, review articles, news and analysis related to COVID-19 from its journals. Springer Nature has provided free access to the latest COVID-19 articles through the "Coronavirus (COVID-19) Research Highlights". The publisher has now enabled free access to articles, book chapters, reference works and protocols on its platforms and has supported all researchers to make their experimental datasets freely available. Springer Nature has made more than 8,700 preprint articles on COVID-19 available through “Research Square”, with links to key resources, free content, and up-to-date information related to COVID-19, along with key information and policies in support of access from placed far away. NEJM has made available a collection of articles and resources such as clinical reports and management guides about the pandemic, as well as a collection of resources about the COVID-19 vaccines. BMJ's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hub has also supported health professionals and researchers through open access to practical guides, online courses, as well as the latest BMG news, opinions and research. PLOS is committed to publishing research as quickly as possible, especially in public health emergencies. All articles published in PLOS journals are free for all readers. PLOS articles collection highlights all the content related to the COVID-19 pandemic published in PLOS journals. To support the efforts of global health professionals and the scientific research community, Taylor & Francis has created a special collection of research articles related to COVID-19, providing free access to published articles related to COVID-19 in the publisher's major medical journals. he does. This collection is updated weekly. On the other hand, the archive of all research articles related to COVID-19 published in 2020 by Taylor & Francis has also been made available to the audience. Wiley has created the "COVID-19 Resources" in order to help researchers, educators and specialists for online training and access to the latest research on COVID-19. Believing in the power of social and behavioral sciences to transform the best medical research into policies and procedures for development, SAGE has published a collection of the latest medical research related to COVID-19 published by this publisher, as well as the best social and behavioral research in order to help It has enabled individuals, communities and guardians to make the best decisions to deal with the pandemic and its consequences. Science journals are trying to make research related to COVID-19 available in open access. The "COVID-19" option is placed on the main page of the Science website. CABI has also created free access to more than 37,000 records related to COVID-19 in its online platforms, Global Health and CAB Abstracts in order to support global efforts to deal with the disease pandemic. Global Health provides researchers and students with unparalleled access to all public health research and practices in the world - providing knowledge without borders. “Sci-Dev.Net” also includes episodes about the coronavirus in the Health, Science and Development series. Wolters Kluwer is also one of the publishers that has provided free access to publications related to COVID-19 in order to support professionals. According to IFLA reports, the actions of publishers such as Penguin Random House and Macmillan, as well as the measures of Audible and ENSSIB in terms of access to resources, are worthy of attention. Some libraries, such as the National Library and Archives of Iran, have provided extensive access to their users. Some associations and scientific societies, such as the International Coalition of Library Consortia, LIBER and the Association of University Library Directors in France, have asked publishers to facilitate access to works. Italian and Spanish librarians have called for more open access efforts. During the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, open access has also attracted the attention of scientific institutions, and extensive measures have been taken in this direction by them. In the January 30 statement, the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board called for immediate measures such as the free and immediate sharing of all information about the pandemic, the cooperation of countries to immediately allocate resources to prevent, identify and inform about the pandemic and the rapid sharing of research data by the research community, support Low-income countries are advised to ensure proper notification to national and international communities to control the pandemic. On January 30, 2020, following the recommendations of the Emergency Committee, the Director-General of the World Health Organization declared the disease pandemic a public health emergency of international concern. The world's scientists gathered on February 11-12, 2020 at the headquarters of the World Health Organization in Geneva to assess the current level of knowledge about the new virus and about critical questions and find solutions to contribute to accelerating and funding research priorities and solving the pandemic crisis and preparedness Discuss and negotiate for future issues. This meeting led to an agreement on two basic goals. The first case was to accelerate innovative research to help curb the pandemic and facilitate care, and the second case was to support research priorities that contribute to global research platforms. The World Health Organization believes that the coherence of countries is necessary to ensure fair access to the effects of COVID-19. The World Health Organization is collecting global research on the disease COVID-19 and the latest findings and international multilingual scientific information on the pandemic. UNESCO has also emphasized the value and necessity of open solutions in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and believes that open access to scientific information can facilitate better and faster research in the direction of a suitable vaccine, and open Educational Resources help everyone to use their information. updates about COVID-19 and also teaches how to follow public health recommendations. Relying on its mission to ensure global access to information, UNESCO has taken various initiatives to apply open solutions in the fight against the pandemic. For example, the Coronavirus Watch provides a global view of the pandemic situation. The COVID-19 Universal REsource gateway (CURE) is also an immediate response to the pandemic. IFLA has made efforts to encourage the World Intellectual Property Organization to emphasize how balanced intellectual property laws can help facilitate access. IFLA has also provided a list of key resources for libraries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on its website. Open access is also emphasized in the statement of the President and Secretary General of IFLA. Following the COVID-19 crisis, priorities have also been considered in the SPARC program. Also, the Copyright Clearance Center recognizes publishing and information institutions to participate in the public interest through access to scientific, news and educational materials related to COVID-19. The list of institutions is regularly updated. The Islamic World Science and Technology Monitoring and Citation Institute has also launched the "COVID-19 Visualizer" in order to provide up-to-date statistics about the pandemic situation and accelerate the transmission of scientific findings about COVID-19. In addition, government officials have also called for open access to the publications of COVID-19. The National Science and Technology Advisors of the United States of America, Canada, England, Australia, Brazil, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, India, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the European Commission have published an open letter asking scientific publishers to Pandemic, make publications related to COVID-19 available with open access through PubMed Central and other public databases such as the World Health Organization's COVID-19 database. The world community’s efforts demonstrate the growing importance of open access and increasing attention to this issue. It seems that the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis could provide lessons for better preparedness for possible future crises. The present study is one of the first studies conducted in our country regarding the free access movement in the pandemic crisis and tried to present a picture of the efforts of the scientific community in this field in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is obvious that future researches on the wide dimensions and angles of this issue can cause the scientific community to become more aware of the importance of free access, especially in crises.
Conclusion: The world community’s efforts demonstrate the growing importance of open access and increasing attention to this issue. It seems that the global response to the Covid-19 pandemic crisis could provide lessons for better preparedness for possible future crises. If open access is considered as a value in the system of publishing and research communications, the development and generalization of this value requires the adoption of policies and requirements of the scientific community in order to develop it as a global value.
Method: This was a review study in terms of approach using documentary research method. In this regard, open access literature was studied using searches on Google search engine, Google Scholar and databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and the websites of publishers, journals and scientific institutions, focusing on the Covid-19 pandemic crisis.
Results: Since the formation of the open access movement, this issue has attracted a lot of attention and extensive efforts have been made in the direction of open access to research publications by the scientific community. Publishers, financial sponsors and international institutions have also entered this arena and various statements and plans have been formed in order to recognize the open access movement and its development. “Budapest Open Access Initiative”, “Bethesda Statement on Open Access Publishing”, “Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge in the Sciences and Humanities” are the first measures in this regard. On the other hand, the importance of access to timely information, especially in the fields of medical sciences and information related to health and diseases, is worthy of attention in promoting public health. The need to pay attention to open access and sharing of information and the consequences of not doing so has become more important with the occurrence of critical and emergency situations caused by pandemic and public health emergencies. Along with the emergence of COVID-19 and the pandemic caused by it, many researches have been conducted in order to deal with the crisis of this disease and to find solutions for its treatment and control. The aspects of this deadly disease have attracted the attention of everyone, especially scientists and scholars in various fields around the world, and an unprecedented number of articles have been published in this field. In addition, many international organizations have published various information about the disease of COVID-19 in the form of open access, for example, “WHO Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Dashboard” and "Coronavirus Watch". The unprecedented crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of information transparency and timely and open access to it. Access to accurate and timely information about this emerging disease is very important and can help to assess and understand the risks and obtain strategies to contain it, strong evidence, better information and support for decisions and policies in the direction of public health. The need to provide suitable solutions for treatment, prevention and control of the disease on the one hand and the increasing number of researches on COVID-19 on the other hand, has created new opportunities in the system of scientific communication and publication of research findings, and the scientific community has decided to accelerate the cycle of knowledge to find possible solutions to deal with the disease crisis. Explaining the efforts and measures taken in this direction during the COVID-19 pandemic as the most important global crisis and concern can provide useful information to the scientific community, especially those involved in research. Considering the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, as well as the importance of timely and open access to scientific information about this disease, the question arises as to what measures have been taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis? Also, what measures and measures have been taken for free access to scientific information about the pandemic? A review of the literature regarding the issue of open access in the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic showed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, a global effort has been made to facilitate open access to COVID-19 research findings. The need for appropriate strategies for the treatment, prevention and control of the disease and the increasing number of COVID-19 research has affected the system of scientific communication and the publication of research findings and the world community, especially reputable publishers and scientific institutions, have made extensive statements, measures and efforts to provide open access to as much scientific information as possible about the disease. During the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, many publishers, journals and funders have committed to open access in a statement to ensure that research findings and data relevant to this outbreak are shared rapidly and openly to inform the public health response and help save lives. The measures and actions of publishers and scientific journals in this regard are worthy of attention. Access to Elsevier's free medical and health research related to COVID-19 is possible through the "Elsevier's Novel Coronavirus Information Center". Elsevier has also created a collection of free resources, including evidence-based clinical guidelines and more than 41,000 research articles to read, download and extract data, in support of the research communities' impressive efforts in the fight against COVID-19. This guide provides an overview of the resources. Through the "COVID-19 Resource Centre", Lancet has provided free access to all research articles, review articles, news and analysis related to COVID-19 from its journals. Springer Nature has provided free access to the latest COVID-19 articles through the "Coronavirus (COVID-19) Research Highlights". The publisher has now enabled free access to articles, book chapters, reference works and protocols on its platforms and has supported all researchers to make their experimental datasets freely available. Springer Nature has made more than 8,700 preprint articles on COVID-19 available through “Research Square”, with links to key resources, free content, and up-to-date information related to COVID-19, along with key information and policies in support of access from placed far away. NEJM has made available a collection of articles and resources such as clinical reports and management guides about the pandemic, as well as a collection of resources about the COVID-19 vaccines. BMJ's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hub has also supported health professionals and researchers through open access to practical guides, online courses, as well as the latest BMG news, opinions and research. PLOS is committed to publishing research as quickly as possible, especially in public health emergencies. All articles published in PLOS journals are free for all readers. PLOS articles collection highlights all the content related to the COVID-19 pandemic published in PLOS journals. To support the efforts of global health professionals and the scientific research community, Taylor & Francis has created a special collection of research articles related to COVID-19, providing free access to published articles related to COVID-19 in the publisher's major medical journals. he does. This collection is updated weekly. On the other hand, the archive of all research articles related to COVID-19 published in 2020 by Taylor & Francis has also been made available to the audience. Wiley has created the "COVID-19 Resources" in order to help researchers, educators and specialists for online training and access to the latest research on COVID-19. Believing in the power of social and behavioral sciences to transform the best medical research into policies and procedures for development, SAGE has published a collection of the latest medical research related to COVID-19 published by this publisher, as well as the best social and behavioral research in order to help It has enabled individuals, communities and guardians to make the best decisions to deal with the pandemic and its consequences. Science journals are trying to make research related to COVID-19 available in open access. The "COVID-19" option is placed on the main page of the Science website. CABI has also created free access to more than 37,000 records related to COVID-19 in its online platforms, Global Health and CAB Abstracts in order to support global efforts to deal with the disease pandemic. Global Health provides researchers and students with unparalleled access to all public health research and practices in the world - providing knowledge without borders. “Sci-Dev.Net” also includes episodes about the coronavirus in the Health, Science and Development series. Wolters Kluwer is also one of the publishers that has provided free access to publications related to COVID-19 in order to support professionals. According to IFLA reports, the actions of publishers such as Penguin Random House and Macmillan, as well as the measures of Audible and ENSSIB in terms of access to resources, are worthy of attention. Some libraries, such as the National Library and Archives of Iran, have provided extensive access to their users. Some associations and scientific societies, such as the International Coalition of Library Consortia, LIBER and the Association of University Library Directors in France, have asked publishers to facilitate access to works. Italian and Spanish librarians have called for more open access efforts. During the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, open access has also attracted the attention of scientific institutions, and extensive measures have been taken in this direction by them. In the January 30 statement, the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board called for immediate measures such as the free and immediate sharing of all information about the pandemic, the cooperation of countries to immediately allocate resources to prevent, identify and inform about the pandemic and the rapid sharing of research data by the research community, support Low-income countries are advised to ensure proper notification to national and international communities to control the pandemic. On January 30, 2020, following the recommendations of the Emergency Committee, the Director-General of the World Health Organization declared the disease pandemic a public health emergency of international concern. The world's scientists gathered on February 11-12, 2020 at the headquarters of the World Health Organization in Geneva to assess the current level of knowledge about the new virus and about critical questions and find solutions to contribute to accelerating and funding research priorities and solving the pandemic crisis and preparedness Discuss and negotiate for future issues. This meeting led to an agreement on two basic goals. The first case was to accelerate innovative research to help curb the pandemic and facilitate care, and the second case was to support research priorities that contribute to global research platforms. The World Health Organization believes that the coherence of countries is necessary to ensure fair access to the effects of COVID-19. The World Health Organization is collecting global research on the disease COVID-19 and the latest findings and international multilingual scientific information on the pandemic. UNESCO has also emphasized the value and necessity of open solutions in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and believes that open access to scientific information can facilitate better and faster research in the direction of a suitable vaccine, and open Educational Resources help everyone to use their information. updates about COVID-19 and also teaches how to follow public health recommendations. Relying on its mission to ensure global access to information, UNESCO has taken various initiatives to apply open solutions in the fight against the pandemic. For example, the Coronavirus Watch provides a global view of the pandemic situation. The COVID-19 Universal REsource gateway (CURE) is also an immediate response to the pandemic. IFLA has made efforts to encourage the World Intellectual Property Organization to emphasize how balanced intellectual property laws can help facilitate access. IFLA has also provided a list of key resources for libraries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on its website. Open access is also emphasized in the statement of the President and Secretary General of IFLA. Following the COVID-19 crisis, priorities have also been considered in the SPARC program. Also, the Copyright Clearance Center recognizes publishing and information institutions to participate in the public interest through access to scientific, news and educational materials related to COVID-19. The list of institutions is regularly updated. The Islamic World Science and Technology Monitoring and Citation Institute has also launched the "COVID-19 Visualizer" in order to provide up-to-date statistics about the pandemic situation and accelerate the transmission of scientific findings about COVID-19. In addition, government officials have also called for open access to the publications of COVID-19. The National Science and Technology Advisors of the United States of America, Canada, England, Australia, Brazil, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, India, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the European Commission have published an open letter asking scientific publishers to Pandemic, make publications related to COVID-19 available with open access through PubMed Central and other public databases such as the World Health Organization's COVID-19 database. The world community’s efforts demonstrate the growing importance of open access and increasing attention to this issue. It seems that the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis could provide lessons for better preparedness for possible future crises. The present study is one of the first studies conducted in our country regarding the free access movement in the pandemic crisis and tried to present a picture of the efforts of the scientific community in this field in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is obvious that future researches on the wide dimensions and angles of this issue can cause the scientific community to become more aware of the importance of free access, especially in crises.
Conclusion: The world community’s efforts demonstrate the growing importance of open access and increasing attention to this issue. It seems that the global response to the Covid-19 pandemic crisis could provide lessons for better preparedness for possible future crises. If open access is considered as a value in the system of publishing and research communications, the development and generalization of this value requires the adoption of policies and requirements of the scientific community in order to develop it as a global value.
Saeed Ghaffari, Masoud Bakhtiari,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Volume 11, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
Introduction
The purpose of this study is to propose evaluation criteria for assessing the user interface of national digital libraries for Payam Noor University. Payam Noor University's libraries have long preserved human culture and civilization, playing a significant role in the transmission of this culture through generations. As the main organization for a country's libraries, they must adapt to modern responsibilities to impact the development of libraries and information in the nation. Given the significance of designing a suitable user interface and the role of digital libraries at Payam Noor University, there is a need for research in this area. The study compares the user interface of digital libraries at Payam Noor University or selected digital collections with established criteria, identifying the richest library in terms of user interface within the studied community. The research questions include:
1. What is the status of each studied digital library regarding the 10 user interface criteria?
2. How well do the studied libraries adhere to the 10 user interface standards?
3. What is the best user interface recommendation for the digital library web pages of Payam Noor University libraries?
Methods and Materoal
The research uses a survey and descriptive method. The Norozi checklist (2018), which comprises 10 main criteria and 114 sub-components, serves as the research tool. A Delphi panel and descriptive survey method evaluate the libraries. Data collection is achieved through direct observation and scoring each component on the desired web page. The statistical population comprises 10 digital libraries affiliated with Payam Noor University in various countries. The final list of libraries was selected from those with English web pages, found through searches in Europe, North and South America, Asia, and the Pacific. The study's statistical population includes 10 digital libraries in America, Australia, France, Switzerland, New Zealand, Netherlands, Poland, Japan, India, and Italy. The research used the Delphi method and involved interviews with 10 experts. Some digital libraries with only the home page in English or in a non-English language were excluded. Similarly, certain cases, such as databases masquerading as digital libraries, were excluded as they did not meet the study's definition of a digital library.
Table 1. Selected digital libraries
The purpose of this study is to propose evaluation criteria for assessing the user interface of national digital libraries for Payam Noor University. Payam Noor University's libraries have long preserved human culture and civilization, playing a significant role in the transmission of this culture through generations. As the main organization for a country's libraries, they must adapt to modern responsibilities to impact the development of libraries and information in the nation. Given the significance of designing a suitable user interface and the role of digital libraries at Payam Noor University, there is a need for research in this area. The study compares the user interface of digital libraries at Payam Noor University or selected digital collections with established criteria, identifying the richest library in terms of user interface within the studied community. The research questions include:
1. What is the status of each studied digital library regarding the 10 user interface criteria?
2. How well do the studied libraries adhere to the 10 user interface standards?
3. What is the best user interface recommendation for the digital library web pages of Payam Noor University libraries?
Methods and Materoal
The research uses a survey and descriptive method. The Norozi checklist (2018), which comprises 10 main criteria and 114 sub-components, serves as the research tool. A Delphi panel and descriptive survey method evaluate the libraries. Data collection is achieved through direct observation and scoring each component on the desired web page. The statistical population comprises 10 digital libraries affiliated with Payam Noor University in various countries. The final list of libraries was selected from those with English web pages, found through searches in Europe, North and South America, Asia, and the Pacific. The study's statistical population includes 10 digital libraries in America, Australia, France, Switzerland, New Zealand, Netherlands, Poland, Japan, India, and Italy. The research used the Delphi method and involved interviews with 10 experts. Some digital libraries with only the home page in English or in a non-English language were excluded. Similarly, certain cases, such as databases masquerading as digital libraries, were excluded as they did not meet the study's definition of a digital library.
Table 1. Selected digital libraries
| Internet address | Name of the library |
| http://www.nla.gov.au/digicoll/ | National library of Australia (Digital collection) |
| http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/index.html | Ntional library of America |
| http://gallica.bnf.fr/?&lang=EN | National library of France(Digital library) |
| https://www.ehelvetica.nb.admin.ch/pages/main.jsf | National library of swiss(Digital collection) |
| http://ndha-iki.natlib.govt.nz/ndha/pages/Bugs | Newzeland national digital herittage archive |
| http://www.polona.pl/dlibra?action=ChangeLanguageAction&language=en | National digital library of Poland |
| http://www.geheugenvannederland.nl/?/en/homepage | Naional library of netherland |
| http://www.ndl.go.jp/en/ | National Diet Library (digital library of japan) |
| http://paniit.iitd.ac.in/indest/ | Indian national digital library in engineering science and technology |
| http://www.iccu.sbn.it/opencms/opencms/en/main/bdi/index.html | Italian Digital ibrary |
Descriptive statistical methods have been used to analyze the data of this research. The basis of data analysis was the check list, whose scores are based on yes (1) and no (0). Also, due to the quality of some of the sub-components, it was possible that the studied libraries did not comply with them equally, or in other words, absolute presence or absence could not be applied to them. Regarding these components, in addition to two levels of zero and one, 50% of the average score has also been used. The score obtained by each of the studied libraries in relation to each of the components is multiplied by the average of the coefficients obtained (weighted average) by the components from the Delphi panel. It should be noted that the weighted average of each of the components is given in the relevant tables in front of the sub-components related to each of the ten criteria. In the selection of tools, after reviewing the researches, the research of Norozi (2008) was chosen as the basis and it was adapted for the current research by using other researches. In preparing the desired list, he first extracted the most frequent criteria and components after studying the available texts and sources in this field, and then using the opinions of experts and using the method of list verification. This list was used for the present study because it was more complete and comprehensive in terms of the number of criteria to be evaluated and the components mentioned in the field of user interface of digital libraries.
Resultss and Discussion
In the first question, the issue was addressed to what extent is the status of each of the studied digital libraries in terms of the 10 user interface criteria. Out of 10 libraries under review, 8 libraries have managed to get more than 50% points. Digital Library of America with 598/68 points (70.42%), France with 573.56 points (62.09%) and Switzerland with 569.07 points (61.59%) are in the first three positions respectively. have The digital library of Italy is in the last place with 50.366 points (40.14%).
In the second question, it was addressed to what extent each of the 10 criteria of the user interface is observed in the studied libraries. From the obtained information, it has been determined that among the 10 investigated standards, the standard of the user interface language has the highest level of compliance among the standards by obtaining 98.35% of the points of the standard. Another criterion that is in the next position is the criterion of simplicity. Compliance with the components of this standard also seems necessary in terms of facilitating the user's communication with the library in question. The criterion that has received the lowest possible score is the user control criterion, which has received only 6.70% of the score of this criterion. Due to the characteristic of digital libraries in eliminating human factors, there is a need for more consideration in this field. To answer this question, the average of all countries in compliance with each criterion is used.
In the third question, it was discussed that what is the optimal user interface proposal for the digital library web pages for Payamnoor University libraries. However, by looking at the observed components, it is clear that most of the libraries have been successful in complying with the general criteria and most of the points obtained are related to the compliance with the general criteria that are of interest on the website pages and special attention is paid to the criteria that are in the scope of the duties of digital libraries. is not included due to the definitions. As seen in the previous questions, the standard of interface language has had the highest level of compliance. One of the reasons for observing the components of this standard in all libraries could be the fact that the language of these countries is not English, and for this reason, for the convenience and interaction of the user, we have tried to observe the writing notes related to the pages. Also, observing the writing points and brevity of the sentences is one of the important and main categories in the design of web pages. A successful digital library is a library that, despite the complexity of its system, can provide information to users simply and with the least amount of time. Also, by providing different options and facilities, it makes the user unnecessary to go to the library and provides the maximum amount of information for his community. More than half of the studied digital libraries, in the design of their user interface, have observed the evaluated criteria at a level of more than 50%, which should be taken into consideration by the digital libraries of Payam Noor University.
Conclusion:
Digital libraries should be able to improve and accelerate information access methods. The existence of various components of search functionality facilitates this possibility. The existence of different search capabilities is effective in more user interaction. The interaction steps should be in such a way that the loading of the memory is low and short. Due to the fact that the information society is developing rapidly, the time validity of the information may also change rapidly, so one of the important things is to mention the date of updating on the pages of digital libraries. The non-activation of library links is another reason for the library not being up-to-date. Therefore, it is recommended to include the update date on all pages. One of the characteristics of digital libraries is self-service expansion, so appropriate library guidance helps in this goal. Another feature of digital libraries is the elimination of human factors. As a result, it is necessary to have options to ask the librarian. The digital library should be able to provide appropriate guidance to users to enable them to obtain the information they need in the desired formats. The use of a suitable combination of color, font, shading options to distinguish them from nearby options, the use of clear images and symbols, etc., all affect the user's understanding of the system, which has been observed relatively well in the studied libraries. But some options require more attention. Determining mandatory information entry fields allows the user to easily get the desired results, which, based on the findings of this research, has not been observed by any of the libraries. The use of graphics, sound and images is effective on the user's understanding and makes the environment more enjoyable. Personalization, because it identifies the user's needs and successfully solves them, establishes a satisfactory relationship between the user and the system, so in the design of digital libraries, one should be taken into account Users of a computer information system may be different in terms of physical and cognitive abilities, personality characteristics and cultural factors, and these differences should be considered in the design of user interface elements and features so that different groups of users can be satisfied with the computer system. None of the mentioned cases have been taken into consideration in the interface design of the studied libraries, which requires more consideration. Error correction criteria, although they are important for the user's interaction with the system and reducing the user's error during work, are very few in the interface design of the libraries. study, have been considered. The method of writing, announcing and designing error messages to attract the user's attention should be taken into account, considering the elimination of human factors.Users turning to the Internet due to the lack of enough time to visit libraries was one of the reasons for creating digital libraries. Digital libraries have facilitated and accelerated users' access to the required information in order to provide various facilities. But what realizes this goal is a suitable architecture and design in creating a digital library. If the needs of users, the type of society and other factors are taken into consideration in the design of digital libraries, it can be said that the library will reach the desired goals. Due to the fact that in the design of digital libraries, the discussion of user interface is very important in order to eliminate human factors, digital libraries should consider the features related to the user interface in their design. Due to the importance of this discussion, the user interface of different digital libraries need to be continuously evaluated. The present research also aimed to investigate this issue by: "Evaluating the user interface on the English web pages of selected national digital libraries based on the criteria found in the texts and sources". Conducting the research needed criteria so that the evaluation could be done through it. After examining the history related to the research in the field of digital library and user interface, it was observed that despite the studies conducted in the field of user interface, these studies were not conducted in a complete and comprehensive manner and different researchers each have only one or a limited number of criteria. had investigated in the field of different information systems. The only comprehensive work done was Norozi's doctoral thesis (2008) and the researcher finally decided to use his model in the current research. Then, all 114 desired components were evaluated by direct observation on the web pages of the libraries under review. By looking at the observed components, it is clear that most of the libraries have been successful in complying with the general criteria and most of the points obtained are related to the compliance with the general criteria and more than half of the national digital libraries under study, in the design of their user interface, have evaluated the criteria. At a level of more than 50%, it is suggested that the digital libraries of Payam Noor University also use these criteria for more success. Based on the findings of the research, in order to improve the user interface of digital libraries, suggestions are provided for Payam Noor libraries:
1. In addition to observing the general components of the search, it seems necessary to observe the specific components such as proximity search, related keyword suggestion, marking of the search results, in order to save the user's time. And this should be seen in the libraries of Payam Noor University.
2. The existence of the site map facilitates the use of the library for the user.
3. Information display criteria should be given more attention in order to make system information accessible.
4. Reducing the time spent by the user and attracting and maintaining the user need attention. Users expect the elements on the first page to be important, so the existence of a site map, and access to pages with many visitors, are among the necessities.
5. In the design of the user interface of digital libraries, in addition to the criteria that are considered in the design of public websites, special criteria should be given special attention.
Resultss and Discussion
In the first question, the issue was addressed to what extent is the status of each of the studied digital libraries in terms of the 10 user interface criteria. Out of 10 libraries under review, 8 libraries have managed to get more than 50% points. Digital Library of America with 598/68 points (70.42%), France with 573.56 points (62.09%) and Switzerland with 569.07 points (61.59%) are in the first three positions respectively. have The digital library of Italy is in the last place with 50.366 points (40.14%).
In the second question, it was addressed to what extent each of the 10 criteria of the user interface is observed in the studied libraries. From the obtained information, it has been determined that among the 10 investigated standards, the standard of the user interface language has the highest level of compliance among the standards by obtaining 98.35% of the points of the standard. Another criterion that is in the next position is the criterion of simplicity. Compliance with the components of this standard also seems necessary in terms of facilitating the user's communication with the library in question. The criterion that has received the lowest possible score is the user control criterion, which has received only 6.70% of the score of this criterion. Due to the characteristic of digital libraries in eliminating human factors, there is a need for more consideration in this field. To answer this question, the average of all countries in compliance with each criterion is used.
In the third question, it was discussed that what is the optimal user interface proposal for the digital library web pages for Payamnoor University libraries. However, by looking at the observed components, it is clear that most of the libraries have been successful in complying with the general criteria and most of the points obtained are related to the compliance with the general criteria that are of interest on the website pages and special attention is paid to the criteria that are in the scope of the duties of digital libraries. is not included due to the definitions. As seen in the previous questions, the standard of interface language has had the highest level of compliance. One of the reasons for observing the components of this standard in all libraries could be the fact that the language of these countries is not English, and for this reason, for the convenience and interaction of the user, we have tried to observe the writing notes related to the pages. Also, observing the writing points and brevity of the sentences is one of the important and main categories in the design of web pages. A successful digital library is a library that, despite the complexity of its system, can provide information to users simply and with the least amount of time. Also, by providing different options and facilities, it makes the user unnecessary to go to the library and provides the maximum amount of information for his community. More than half of the studied digital libraries, in the design of their user interface, have observed the evaluated criteria at a level of more than 50%, which should be taken into consideration by the digital libraries of Payam Noor University.
Conclusion:
Digital libraries should be able to improve and accelerate information access methods. The existence of various components of search functionality facilitates this possibility. The existence of different search capabilities is effective in more user interaction. The interaction steps should be in such a way that the loading of the memory is low and short. Due to the fact that the information society is developing rapidly, the time validity of the information may also change rapidly, so one of the important things is to mention the date of updating on the pages of digital libraries. The non-activation of library links is another reason for the library not being up-to-date. Therefore, it is recommended to include the update date on all pages. One of the characteristics of digital libraries is self-service expansion, so appropriate library guidance helps in this goal. Another feature of digital libraries is the elimination of human factors. As a result, it is necessary to have options to ask the librarian. The digital library should be able to provide appropriate guidance to users to enable them to obtain the information they need in the desired formats. The use of a suitable combination of color, font, shading options to distinguish them from nearby options, the use of clear images and symbols, etc., all affect the user's understanding of the system, which has been observed relatively well in the studied libraries. But some options require more attention. Determining mandatory information entry fields allows the user to easily get the desired results, which, based on the findings of this research, has not been observed by any of the libraries. The use of graphics, sound and images is effective on the user's understanding and makes the environment more enjoyable. Personalization, because it identifies the user's needs and successfully solves them, establishes a satisfactory relationship between the user and the system, so in the design of digital libraries, one should be taken into account Users of a computer information system may be different in terms of physical and cognitive abilities, personality characteristics and cultural factors, and these differences should be considered in the design of user interface elements and features so that different groups of users can be satisfied with the computer system. None of the mentioned cases have been taken into consideration in the interface design of the studied libraries, which requires more consideration. Error correction criteria, although they are important for the user's interaction with the system and reducing the user's error during work, are very few in the interface design of the libraries. study, have been considered. The method of writing, announcing and designing error messages to attract the user's attention should be taken into account, considering the elimination of human factors.Users turning to the Internet due to the lack of enough time to visit libraries was one of the reasons for creating digital libraries. Digital libraries have facilitated and accelerated users' access to the required information in order to provide various facilities. But what realizes this goal is a suitable architecture and design in creating a digital library. If the needs of users, the type of society and other factors are taken into consideration in the design of digital libraries, it can be said that the library will reach the desired goals. Due to the fact that in the design of digital libraries, the discussion of user interface is very important in order to eliminate human factors, digital libraries should consider the features related to the user interface in their design. Due to the importance of this discussion, the user interface of different digital libraries need to be continuously evaluated. The present research also aimed to investigate this issue by: "Evaluating the user interface on the English web pages of selected national digital libraries based on the criteria found in the texts and sources". Conducting the research needed criteria so that the evaluation could be done through it. After examining the history related to the research in the field of digital library and user interface, it was observed that despite the studies conducted in the field of user interface, these studies were not conducted in a complete and comprehensive manner and different researchers each have only one or a limited number of criteria. had investigated in the field of different information systems. The only comprehensive work done was Norozi's doctoral thesis (2008) and the researcher finally decided to use his model in the current research. Then, all 114 desired components were evaluated by direct observation on the web pages of the libraries under review. By looking at the observed components, it is clear that most of the libraries have been successful in complying with the general criteria and most of the points obtained are related to the compliance with the general criteria and more than half of the national digital libraries under study, in the design of their user interface, have evaluated the criteria. At a level of more than 50%, it is suggested that the digital libraries of Payam Noor University also use these criteria for more success. Based on the findings of the research, in order to improve the user interface of digital libraries, suggestions are provided for Payam Noor libraries:
1. In addition to observing the general components of the search, it seems necessary to observe the specific components such as proximity search, related keyword suggestion, marking of the search results, in order to save the user's time. And this should be seen in the libraries of Payam Noor University.
2. The existence of the site map facilitates the use of the library for the user.
3. Information display criteria should be given more attention in order to make system information accessible.
4. Reducing the time spent by the user and attracting and maintaining the user need attention. Users expect the elements on the first page to be important, so the existence of a site map, and access to pages with many visitors, are among the necessities.
5. In the design of the user interface of digital libraries, in addition to the criteria that are considered in the design of public websites, special criteria should be given special attention.
ِdr Shahnaz Khademizadeh, Mrs Fatemeh Rafieinasab, Dr Natarajan Radhakrishnan,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Volume 11, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
Introduction
With the emergence of the Internet and the expansion of information technologies in the current era, along with the increase in awareness and literacy levels in human societies, there has been a growing interest in accessing information in various fields. One type of information that has always captivated the general public is health-related information, as it directly impacts their quality of life. Health information encompasses a wide range of data that can influence decisions related to individual and social well-being. Electronic health resources play a crucial role in helping individuals manage important health issues, make informed decisions about their health, and communicate with healthcare providers. Studies have shown that internet users not only exhibit better adherence to treatment, reduced anxiety, and a greater sense of security, but also demonstrate improved self-care behaviors compared to those who do not utilize online resources (Riahi, 2017). By seeking health information online, individuals can gain a better understanding of their health status, which in turn can lead to the formation of informed opinions, beliefs, and attitudes towards healthy behaviors, ultimately aiding in making informed decisions regarding healthcare (Ahedzadeh and Sharif, 2017; Brown, Skelly, Chew-Graham, 2020). Therefore, the objective of this study is to explore the health information-seeking behavior of clients within health and treatment networks in Ahvaz city.
Methods and Materoal
The current research is an experimental study conducted using the pre-test and post-test intervention method. The research population consisted of 40 clients from Ahvaz Medical Center, whose average score of health information-seeking behavior was one point below the average. Of these, 20 individuals were randomly assigned to the control group. Additionally, two groups of 20 people each were formed using block randomization: one as the control group and the other as the test group for the intervention. The educational intervention took the form of a 4-hour online training workshop. To assess changes in online health information search behaviors, uncertainty, and cyberchondria in the study group, the Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) method was utilized. The protocol used for online education on social networks was the SDI protocol (Bhushan 2006, Juyani et al. 2022). A questionnaire served as the data collection tool, completed by the test groups within one month and returned to the researchers. Data collection occurred at baseline (pre-intervention) and at one, two, and three months post-intervention. Baseline scores were used as covariates in the model to adjust for differences between the control and intervention groups. The results of the GEE model reflected changes in the desired factors at the three measurement points post-intervention. Furthermore, Bonferroni's post hoc test was employed to compare the distribution of online health information search scores, uncertainty, and cyberchondria between the two groups at each time point. All analyses were conducted using SPSS software version 26.
Resultss and Discussion
Findings: There was no significant difference in the effect of the educational intervention on changes in the online health information search score (P>0.05). For the control group, the average uncertainty score increased over time. However, there was a significant difference in the effect of the educational intervention on changes in the uncertainty score (P<0.001). Results of the external post-hoc test comparing changes in the uncertainty score between the two intervention groups and the control group showed a significant difference in the distribution of uncertainty scores before the intervention (P>0.046), as well as two and three months after the intervention (P>0.001). Additionally, there was a significant difference in the cyberchondria score before the intervention (P>0.076) and three months after the intervention (P>0.025) in each case.
Conclusion
Health information behavior training is a positive step towards increasing the decision-making self-efficacy of community members and patients. When combined with other efforts to promote health and care, it can lead to improved health outcomes. The effectiveness of educational interventions in different groups depends on the methods, materials, and content used. This study found that a patient educational intervention aimed at teaching information-seeking behavior skills to health center visitors had a positive impact on reducing cyberchondria and increasing certainty. The availability of information search platforms, the type of sources used, and the ability to utilize them based on age requirements are important factors in information seeking (Bahadir and Dundar, 2022). Uncertainty and doubt can drive individuals to seek health information online (Khademizadeh, Rafieinasab and Radhakrishnan, 2024), making educational interventions focused on empowerment dimensions beneficial in improving clinical and psychological outcomes. These interventions can enhance quality of life for both society and patients, taking into account factors such as age, education, occupation, and income status. This research presents a new approach to educational interventions that are cost-effective, accessible, and complication-free for health management and promotion in society.
With the emergence of the Internet and the expansion of information technologies in the current era, along with the increase in awareness and literacy levels in human societies, there has been a growing interest in accessing information in various fields. One type of information that has always captivated the general public is health-related information, as it directly impacts their quality of life. Health information encompasses a wide range of data that can influence decisions related to individual and social well-being. Electronic health resources play a crucial role in helping individuals manage important health issues, make informed decisions about their health, and communicate with healthcare providers. Studies have shown that internet users not only exhibit better adherence to treatment, reduced anxiety, and a greater sense of security, but also demonstrate improved self-care behaviors compared to those who do not utilize online resources (Riahi, 2017). By seeking health information online, individuals can gain a better understanding of their health status, which in turn can lead to the formation of informed opinions, beliefs, and attitudes towards healthy behaviors, ultimately aiding in making informed decisions regarding healthcare (Ahedzadeh and Sharif, 2017; Brown, Skelly, Chew-Graham, 2020). Therefore, the objective of this study is to explore the health information-seeking behavior of clients within health and treatment networks in Ahvaz city.
Methods and Materoal
The current research is an experimental study conducted using the pre-test and post-test intervention method. The research population consisted of 40 clients from Ahvaz Medical Center, whose average score of health information-seeking behavior was one point below the average. Of these, 20 individuals were randomly assigned to the control group. Additionally, two groups of 20 people each were formed using block randomization: one as the control group and the other as the test group for the intervention. The educational intervention took the form of a 4-hour online training workshop. To assess changes in online health information search behaviors, uncertainty, and cyberchondria in the study group, the Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) method was utilized. The protocol used for online education on social networks was the SDI protocol (Bhushan 2006, Juyani et al. 2022). A questionnaire served as the data collection tool, completed by the test groups within one month and returned to the researchers. Data collection occurred at baseline (pre-intervention) and at one, two, and three months post-intervention. Baseline scores were used as covariates in the model to adjust for differences between the control and intervention groups. The results of the GEE model reflected changes in the desired factors at the three measurement points post-intervention. Furthermore, Bonferroni's post hoc test was employed to compare the distribution of online health information search scores, uncertainty, and cyberchondria between the two groups at each time point. All analyses were conducted using SPSS software version 26.
Resultss and Discussion
Findings: There was no significant difference in the effect of the educational intervention on changes in the online health information search score (P>0.05). For the control group, the average uncertainty score increased over time. However, there was a significant difference in the effect of the educational intervention on changes in the uncertainty score (P<0.001). Results of the external post-hoc test comparing changes in the uncertainty score between the two intervention groups and the control group showed a significant difference in the distribution of uncertainty scores before the intervention (P>0.046), as well as two and three months after the intervention (P>0.001). Additionally, there was a significant difference in the cyberchondria score before the intervention (P>0.076) and three months after the intervention (P>0.025) in each case.
Conclusion
Health information behavior training is a positive step towards increasing the decision-making self-efficacy of community members and patients. When combined with other efforts to promote health and care, it can lead to improved health outcomes. The effectiveness of educational interventions in different groups depends on the methods, materials, and content used. This study found that a patient educational intervention aimed at teaching information-seeking behavior skills to health center visitors had a positive impact on reducing cyberchondria and increasing certainty. The availability of information search platforms, the type of sources used, and the ability to utilize them based on age requirements are important factors in information seeking (Bahadir and Dundar, 2022). Uncertainty and doubt can drive individuals to seek health information online (Khademizadeh, Rafieinasab and Radhakrishnan, 2024), making educational interventions focused on empowerment dimensions beneficial in improving clinical and psychological outcomes. These interventions can enhance quality of life for both society and patients, taking into account factors such as age, education, occupation, and income status. This research presents a new approach to educational interventions that are cost-effective, accessible, and complication-free for health management and promotion in society.
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