Designing a digital library for National Network of Nanotechnology

Subject Areas : Journal of Knowledge Studies

sahar mehraban ¹ , hojat allah Hasan Larijani ²

1 - Department of Library and Information Science, North Tehran Branch
2 - Faculty of Humanities, North Tehran Branch

Received: 2008-05-25 Accepted : 2008-10-04 Published : 2009-02-19

Keywords: nanotechnology, Digital libraries, Information needs, Information Networks, System desig,

Abstract :

The purpose of this project is doing a feasibility study and designing a comprehensive system for acquisition, processing and dissemination of scientific information in the field of Nanotechnology in Iran. In this project, Nanotechnology institution, its directors and about 3230 experts and researcher in Nanotechnology served as statistical population. In first stage, situation of Nanotechnology information system is investigated by observation and interview. Then, the users' information needs are investigated with questionnaire and in second stage, suitable information system is designed. The result of research indicates that 58% of users, to fulfill their information needs refer to academic centers and 31% of them refer to research centers and 11% of them refer to other centers; 85% of users donۥt have access to scientific information in suitable time and place; 89% of managers agree with collecting digital resources to fulfill and meet users' information needs. There is no institution or body in the country to collect, process, organize and disseminate Nanotechnology information. Based on users' information needs, organizational goals and managers' demands, the Nanotechnology digital library network is designed according to human resources, budget, electronic online sources, and software and hardware equipment standards.