Evaluation of Additional Services of Public Libraries of Tehran and Their Role in Promoting Reading among the Youth

The aim of this study was to evaluate the additional services offered in public libraries of Tehran affiliated to the Iran Public Libraries Foundation. The study also sought to determine the role of these services in promoting library membership and reading among the youth. The study was a mixed-method one. The research population comprised 38 public libraries in Tehran. Using a questionnaire, a 150 young children were selected and interviews were conducted with the managers of 38 libraries. A checklist was also used to collect the data concerning the type of services offered in libraries. The results showed that different types of additional services were offered in the public libraries including teaching Qoran, reading and painting competitions, story writing, book fairs, film and cartoon screening, music performance and storytelling. Most of the advertising were done through the schools. The most popular services were teaching Qoran, film screening, music performance and painting competitions. The most satisfactory services were teaching Qoran. Some of the barriers in offering these services were the lack of trained staff, lack of budget and facilities. Most librarians maintained that additional services were effective in absorbing children to libraries. Overall, the level of additional services in public libraries was not satisfactory