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This paper aims to identify and evaluate the most important strategies and actions taken by Iranian university libraries during the COVID-19 epidemic crisis, in comparison with international examples.

This applied research employed an applied research approach, utilizing a descriptive-analytical survey method in two parts. Firstly, it analyzed the situation of Iranian university libraries across two dimensions: education and research, in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Secondly, it examined the role of these libraries in terms of social responsibility, comparing them with international examples. The research tools included a researcher-made checklist and a questionnaire. The statistical population consisted of both Iranian and international academic libraries. Therefore, 301 international academic libraries were surveyed, along with 33 accessible and responsive samples from Iranian academic libraries and world academic libraries (selected based on the Times Higher Education world ranking). 

The state of university libraries in Iran, in comparison with the most important university libraries in the world during this pandemic, revealed that the strategies and activities of Iranian university libraries lacked balanced and coordinated attention to both education and research. Furthermore, the strategies and activities of Iranian academic libraries were not synchronized with those of international academic libraries. 

Findings showed that the efforts of academic libraries worldwide in facing one of their most difficult challenges—the COVID-19 crisis—were significant. Additionally, the commitment towards social responsibility in these libraries was noteworthy, but the amount of attention paid to the activities of this aspect in Iran was low. The integration and connection between university libraries, educational and technological centers or units, and research and laboratory centers are the sole solution during similar events.

The aim of this study is to develop a strategy for the Iranian Library and Information Science Association (ILISA) based-on Blue Ocean Strategy. Blue Ocean Strategy as a new approach to strategy and innovation is one of the strategic management developments aims to sustainable growth and performance of the organization. In competitive advantage situation organizations strive to compete with other competitors using a product or service to gain competitive advantage to customers. The blue ocean strategy strives to present new solutions, and seeks to introduce a new field of business and service success. The question shaped here is what are the factors that need to be deleted, decreased, developed and increased in the ILISA.

Content analysis was used to answer the research questions because of the being exploratory of the topic. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ten current and former ILISA executives. The thematic analysis method was used to analyze the data obtained from the interview process. Using this method, the data were analyzed in three stages, developing basic themes, constructive or organizing themes, and compilation of general themes. This coding process led to the emergence of ninety-six basic theme. Then these basic themes were combined and shaped twenty-four organizing themes. Finally, four general themes emerged from the combination of organizing themes.

The findings indicate that the ILISA needs to revise its strategies, meaning that it reduces some of its current activities such as reducing focus on association ratings and reducing off-priority activities. It should increase some activities including increase structured collaborations with central libraries, more interaction with internal and external scientific communities, more scientific outputs. Moreover, ILISA should eliminate activities such as eliminating none strategic agreements, delete direct and guild activities, as well as creating new innovative activities such as professional engagement with all stakeholders, industry and community, service delivery platforms and attract more audiences.

The framework developed in the present study is an appropriate tool for the future policy making of the IILISA. The Blue Ocean Strategy could used in four action framework in strategy development of ILISA as a routine in the planning and continuous improvement committee with others. Moreover, the research finding could be used in the Scientific Associations’ Commision to revise these assocations’ evaluations.

The purpose of this research is to investigate the interaction of Users (graduate students of Kharazmi University) with Ganj database in order to evaluate the performance of this database according to the honeycomb user experience Model. It is expected that the results of this study can help to solve the existing interactive difficulties while identifying the status of effective elements in the user experience in interacting with this database. This research is practical and was done by survey method. The research tool was a questionnaire that was designed using 7 components of the honeycomb: the usefulness, accessibility, usability, searchability, validity, desirability and value of the Iranian scientific database (Ganj). Analysis of research data were performed using descriptive and inferential statistics and SPSS software. Also we used Amos software to confirm the research model using path analysis method.  Findings showed that there was a great positive effect between accessibility and usability, usefulness and availability, desirability and credibility of the Ganj database; That is, with increasing the amount of accessibility variable, the amount of usability variable and with increasing the amount of utility variable, the amount of accessibility variable and vice versa increases. As a result, if the Ganj database is not accessible, the usability and usefulness of this database, which aims to publish information for researchers, as well as the usefulness of the services provided to researchers by this database will be reduced. As the desirability variable increases, the validity variable increases and vice versa. As a result, if students are dissatisfied with the features of desirability (appearance design, design capabilities of search components ...), their trust in the database will be lost and the credibility of the Ganj database in providing better services will be reduced. From the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the variable "value" as a strong and powerful variable has a direct and indirect positive effect on other research variables. This finding shows that if a database like Ganj does not create value for users, other components related to the user experience will not be in a good condition, and vice versa. Among these, the accessibility variable is also of special importance, which affects other variables in the Ganj database. As a result of not having access to the Ganj database, the usability of this database is reduced. If the capabilities of using the Ganj database are compromised, the credibility and usefulness of the Ganj will be reduced, and therefore users will lose their trust in this database, and the work with Ganj will not be satisfactory and useful for its users.

The purpose of establishing academic libraries is to achieve the goals of the university, which is to preserve, disseminate, and promote knowledge. These duties and responsibilities are also a significant issue when dealing with crises in society. Have a look at the researches shows that the study of how libraries deal with crises has been an interesting topic for researches. In these studies, confronting of all types of libraries has been examined and most of them have been done during and after the crisis to examine the actions, functions and nature of the services provided or changed by these institutions. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the way academic libraries in the world deal with Covid-19 and analyze their services and activities in this situation.

The present study was an applied study that was conducted by survey method and descriptive-analytical method. To do this, the World University Libraries website was reviewed based on the Times Higher Education University Rankings. Based on the Cochran's formula, 300 samples were randomly selected from this community. The instrument of this research was a researcher-made checklist.

The research findings showed that academic libraries in the world followed the six main strategies of "creation", "development", "change", "updating", and "reduction or cessation", respectively, and the most common strategies were "creation" and "development". For these main strategies, 34 sub-strategies and 123 actions were implemented by these libraries around the world. In other words, these libraries played an active role in responding to the crisis. Hence, the efforts of the world's academic libraries were significant. The most practical measures were related to the main strategies of "creation" (39 cases), "development" (18 cases), "commitment to social responsibility" (13 cases) and "change" (12 cases), respectively.

Academic libraries, instead of accepting strategies to stop or reduce their services and activities in the face of this crisis, have turned to creation strategy and changing services and activities. The contribution of commitment to social responsibility in these libraries was also significant.

Today, due to the competitiveness of the information and information space, it is necessary for libraries to reconsider their traditional approaches to meet the information needs of their potential and actual users and to avoid competing with other information actors. In the meantime, pursuing and applying strategies based on information marketing and branding in the library environment can be considered an effective way to achieve the real position of libraries. Therefore, the present study was conducted to identify the services required for branding in Iranian libraries and medical information centers. This is a qualitative study with the deductive approach conducted using semi-structured interviews with some managers in libraries and medical information centers. Purposeful sampling was employed to gather data. Based on the findings of this study, the two main concepts of specialized services (including information services, research and scientometrics, and education) and public services (including welfare services, public health, support, and culture) with 7 components and 33sub-codes related It was identified by providing and diversifying services in branding these libraries. Providing modern and high-quality specialized services needed by today's users causes the view of the community and users towards the library to change and these stakeholders to have a stronger perception of libraries and information centers of medical universities. Therefore, the managers of these information centers should take the necessary measures in providing services to brand the libraries under their management.

The main purpose of this research is to identify the influential components of architectural and building branding and equipment of libraries and medical information centers in Iran.                                                                        

This applied research was conducted with the qualitative content analysis method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with targeted samples including 14 managers of libraries and medical information centers in Iran.

Based on the findings of the research, 3 components (environmental user-oriented design, user-oriented design of library halls and equipment) and 11 final codes were identified in connection with the branding of libraries and medical information centers with a focus on building architecture and equipment.

The results of the research showed that the architecture of libraries and information centers of Iranian universities of medical sciences, paying attention to the user-oriented and user-friendly appearance and location of the building, the equipment and amenities of the library are among the key issues that pay attention to them and play an effective role in the branding of libraries. and the application and observance of these principles will change the users' view of the library and give them a stronger understanding of the libraries and information centers of Iran's universities of medical sciences, therefore, the managers of the libraries and information centers should take necessary measures in order to brand and dynamism of the library under their management. regarding the library building based on the results of this research.

Review or peer-review in scientific journals is one of the effective processes in improving the quality of scientific publications which adhere or pay attention to ethics in this process can strengthen journals and improve the decision-making process for editor in chiefs. In this study, paying attention to peer-review ethics in the Journal of Information Processing and Management (JIPM) evaluated in two dimensions of “timeliness” and “objective and constructive suggestions” dimension. For this purpose, the reports and review files in the period of October 2017 to December 2020 analyzed qualitatively with a deductive or directed content analysis approach in MaxQDA V. 2020. The results showed that the average duration of peer review was 28 days and this period is not significantly different between the five domains of the journal research domains. In addition, in the dimension of “objective and constructive suggestions”, more attentions were paid to the sub elements of “providing useful and constructive feedback to improve the clarity of manuscript” and “request supporting evidence(s) from the authors for their claims” than other sub elements. Also, “comments based on valid scientific and technical criteria” had the least amount of consideration in this dimension. Research results from two perspectives can improve the editor in chief’s decision. First, in terms of “timeliness”, the JIPM was in a relatively good position. Also, peer reviewers in the five domains did not perform the same for the sub elements of the “objective and constructive suggestions” dimension. This can be related to the nature of the articles in these subject areas and, the subject knowledge and moral literacy of the peer reviewers in these areas.

The role of refereeing and peer-reading in the ethics of research and publishing is very privileged and vital, and changes have occurred in this important part of scientific communication over the years. Despite the diversity in scientific judgments and the criticisms and challenges that have been brought to its implementation and nature, it is still accepted as a social norm in the scientific community. The current research is a review of the criticisms and challenges raised by researchers to this scientific approach.

These criticisms range from defects in the function and implementation process to aspects such as the personalization of peer reading, the obvious or hidden negative effect of identity, the possibility of abuse, the lack of a suitable and trained referee, the existence of various types of bias and conflicts of interests in the refereeing, which make the refereeing ethical. has faced serious questions. A general overview of these criticisms along with familiarity with the important components of moral judgment can help to improve this scientific process.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the M.A. and Ph.D exams of knowledge and information science discipline and compare them with B.A. and M.A. curricula. This comparison was carried out based on Bloom's revised taxonomy in two aspects of the status of the dimensions of knowledge (factual, conceptual, procedural and metacognitive) and the status of cognitive skills (remember, understand, apply, analyze, evaluate and create).

This study is an applied research with qualitative approach, using content behavioral goals of the curriculum analysis method (qualitative and quantitative). The research population was the questions of M.A. and Ph.D exams of knowledge and information science in 2014-2018. The tool of this research was a check list based on the Bloom revised classification scheme by Anderson & Krathwohl (2001). For data analysis software MAXQDA 2018 was used, and the reliability test by using intercoder agreement was 91.2%.

Findings showed low appropriateness between behavioral goals of B.A. curriculum and M.A. exam questions in two dimensions of knowledge and cognitive skills as well as between behavioral goals of M.A. curricula and Ph.D exam questions in cognitive skills, but in knowledge dimension there is some proportianallity.

The behavioral goals of B.A. and M.A. need to be revised. Based on this revision and change, it’s also necessary to create a content change in the M.A. and Ph.D exams.

Branding in organizations has key benefits in terms of counteracting negative perceptions, attracting new users and increasing service credibility. The potential advantage of branding in libraries can be attributed to the reversal of user attendance, and the weakening of library status. Branding can enable library users to have more information about the offered services and have a significant impact on promoting libraries.

The purpose of this study is to present a proposed model of branding in libraries and information centers based on previous published researches in the field of library branding. Therefore, 33 related researches were retrieved and analyzed using library method.

The findings of the present study showed that librarians, buildings and equipment, technology, and services are important determinants of branding in libraries.

The findings showed that most used models in branding are influenced by Aaker Brand Equity Model. Hence, the conceptual model of the present research is based on this model.

Information systems (such as databases and library software) are associated with various beneficiaries. In other words, It should be verified that how beneficiaries in the field of information systems think and what values experienced in the use of this systems. It is important to exploit the knowledge of all the beneficiaries (customers) of a product or service can help to promote the product and innovative service delivery, and finally, leads to value creation for all parties. This can be achieved by analyzing the knowledge (cognitive) structure of beneficiaries’ through exploring their ideas, preferences, beliefs and values during the use of a product or service. Purpose of this research is to investigate cognitive structure of triple groups of beneficiaries of Digital Libraries' (DLs) software in Iran (users, libraries and designers) based on Means-end Chain and sketch up their cognitive map using these systems. The cognitive structure can be identified through analyzing the mental models of beneficiaries and sketching their Hierarchical Value Map (or cognitive structure) which leads in value co-creation through identification of their needs and expectation of using these systems. This study is an applied research with cognitive approach using survey method and mixed method for data gathering. Research population included two groups of 1) DLs' software in Iran (Azarakhsh, Papyrus, and Sana) and 2) their beneficiaries (16 users, 21 libraries & 5 designers). Data gathering performed with interview (using Laddering Techniques) and directed content analysis (using MaxQDA software).Drawing Hierarchical Value Map (HVM) or cognitive map of beneficiaries figures three end values such as 1) "quick access to information resources", 2) "exploring (retrieving) needed information resources", and 3) "dissemination and sharing of information and knowledge" and mean value of "finding more information about information resources", functional consequences such as "avoid wasting of time in searching" and "promoting searching precision", and cognitive-sociological consequences such as "feeling comfort in using system" and "disambiguation of information needs". Designers of DLs' software should consider important values, consequences and attributes for their designing to meet essential needs and fundamental expectations from these systems

One of the tools for improving and managing teachers' knowledge is using training and holding training courses. Understanding the importance and necessity of training and professional development of human resources becomes clear when we believe in the fact that the development of a country depends on the training of quality, qualified and up-to-date human resources with scientific information and scientific capabilities. In this paper, tried to study relationship among different dimensions of knowledge management and the role of this dimensions in improvement of teachers’ performance participating in educational courses. Dimensions of knowledge management such as the composition, distribution, maintenance and development of knowledge will help teachers prepare for the dynamics of macro-societal conditions in various cultural, economic, political and other field and have greater efficiency and effectiveness in the long time. The general purpose of this study is, investigate the relationship between different dimensions of knowledge management and the role of these dimensions in improving the performance of teachers participating in training courses. The specific objectives of this study were to determine the relationship between knowledge combinations and the efficiency, relationship between knowledge distribution and the efficiency, relationship between knowledge retention and the efficiency, and relationship between knowledge development and the efficiency of teachers participating in training courses.

This is an applied research in research categories based on goals. Survey data from questionnaire gathered from teachers in two, four, six & twelve restricts of Tehran province including different points based on geographical restrictions. Research variable comprises knowledge management including four components of knowledge development, knowledge preservation, knowledge distribution and knowledge combination; and teachers’ performance variables includes capabilities and skills of the teachers. Pearson and multivariate & step by step regression are the most important techniques of analysis in this research. The questionnaire had 33 questions that measure seven questions of knowledge composition, six questions of knowledge distribution, seven questions of knowledge retention, and thirteen questions of knowledge development. The questions measured on a five-point Likert scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree.

The findings of study showed that there were significant relationship among dimensions of knowledge flow and barriers to knowledge flow and ranking with the maturity of knowledge management at the development level. Furthermore, relationship between dimension of managerial and individual factors at standardization level, as well as dimension of knowledge features and communication channels, optimization level, knowledge source dimension and at the level of innovation were significant. It should note that there were obstacles in the dimension of organizational factors and time factors. In addition, libraries profited from sustainable measures in the early stages of knowledge management maturity, but had more difficulties in the innovation stage than in the other stages. In other the words, findings showed that the relationship among knowledge combination, knowledge distribution, knowledge preservation and knowledge development dimensions and teachers’ development & improvement were all significant. The results depicted that knowledge preservation, knowledge distribution, knowledge combination and knowledge development had the highest importance in teachers’ performance. Totally, these variables are able to predict 49.5 percent of the changes in teachers’ capabilities. In addition, the regression’s results indicated that knowledge preservation, knowledge improvement, knowledge distribution and knowledge combination were the most important factors in the teachers’ skills. These variables can predict 48.8 percent of overall changes in teachers’ skills. According to Analytic Network Process (ANP) structure, and among knowledge management dimensions, knowledge combination allocated the highest weight in the effectiveness of teachers’ educational courses, and knowledge distribution, knowledge preservation and knowledge development followed respectively.

In the present study, researchers tried to investigate the relationship between the dimensions of knowledge management and teacher training courses. Providing appropriate facilities based on knowledge management in order to share knowledge among different teachers have significant impact on the final performance of teachers participating in different courses. Knowledge development, as the fourth dimension of knowledge management affects the performance of teachers participating in training courses. In the other words, providing empowerment to teachers in a way that allows them to generalize their training courses in different areas greatly increase teacher productivity. Assigning the task of knowledge acquisition from foreign sources to one of the teachers in different educational areas in order to register knowledge and experience, developing new knowledge base for educational courses, storing, selecting and organizing experiences from trainings and using encouragement and motivation systems to develop knowledge considered as the most important results of this research.

The purposes of this research was defining the need to an organization or a center for improving and extending university and research libraries, and identifying capabilities and position of Iranian Research Institute for Science and Technology (Irandoc) for accepting possible roles. This research was documentary with scoping review in which the scope of research defined with internal and external organizational documents, related researches in NATional Information System (NATIS) and international successful organizations in this field. Irandoc can play roles in developing standard, establishing experts and professional network, developing information and knowledge sharing process, facilitating access to the scholarly contents, leadership and change management, developing infrastructures for research data management, gathering information and statistics of these libraries & developing interlibrary collaborations in these libraries.Originality: This research is one of the seldom researches related to clarification of an organization’ role and position in NATional Information System (NATIS) in Universities and improving and also extending activities of university and research libraries in Iran.

To explain how digital library users’ mental models can be affected by their previous experiences of using other information systems (such as databases, library softwares, search engines, social networks and websites).
The qualitative approach using semi-structured interview based on the Means-End Theory. The population consisted of two groups: 1) Three digital libraries (Azarakhsh, Papirus & Sana) and 2) Sixteen end users having one year experience of using three sofware were selected by snowball sampling method and others by librarian's suggestions.
Users’ mental models were mostly affected by Google, Facebook & Simorgh library software. Also, users’ expectations were mostly influenced by search engines and social networks.
Users’ mental models were a combination of their comprehensive experiences in using other information systems, especially Google. Therefore, digital library providers can apply similar functions and capabilities in their own software in order to promote the efficiency and users satisfaction.

To identify and suggest appropriate research strategies for Research Management Systems (RMS) in libraries and information centers focusing on Astan Quds Razavi Libraries, Museums and Documents Center (AQL).
It is an applied research using survey, Delphi and documentary methods. The population consists of 34 senior specialists and managers of AQL. Data gathered using a self-designed questionnaire (for research experts), structured interview (for boards of directors and managers) and through investigating documents available in the research office.
Eightstrategies are known to be effective in improving quality and productivity of RMS: 1. develop a system or portal for research activities, 2. help in organizing research process, 3. support functionality of the system, 4. increase access to research findings, 5. Provide facilities for training, self-instruction and self-guide for organization's specialists, 6. identify research problems, 7. implementing Knowledge Management (KM) in Research Management System and 8) financial management of research.
The development of research in libraries and information centers demands for a more functional system so that research affairs will be managed properly and efficiently. However, the system efficiency depends highly on applying effective strategies.

This paper tried to identify and determine nine factors in EFQM Business Excellence Model for public libraries of Khuzestan province as pilot study of public libraries in Iran. Results could provide appropriate and applicable model for the evaluation of quality services in these libraries.
This research was performed with the mixed method structure (in two qualitative and quantitative phases) and Delphi study and survey method was used for implementation. Research population included: Delphi panel members (9 experts in public libraries) and Khuzestan province public libraries’ managers (93 persons). Delphi panel tool used in order to determine and extract measures and questionnaire which gained from Delphi panel was used in order to investigate managers’ viewpoints. Factor Score Regression with Bootstrap-p method used in AMOS v. 21 to analyze the data.
Findings: Results showed that overall structure of Business Excellence Model for Khuzestan public libraries was similar with 2013 version of EFQM but, noticeable changes were made in the scores of these nine measures. On the basis of results, scores of measures namely “processes”, “products and services”, “customer” and “society” increased. Also, “leadership”, “partnership & resources”, “strategy”, “stuff results” and “business results” decreased and “people” criteria did not changed.
Originality/Value: In this research, we tried to re-examine the EFQM measures to coordinate them with Iran public libraries in Khuzestan Province. By means of the extracted scores, managers potentially have a tool for the evaluation of the public libraries services.

This paper tries to investigate people’s mental model in utilization of an IS as a field of research.
This is a conceptual and theoretical study developed on the basis of concept analysis and literature review, conceptualizing mental model and the factors affecting it in the context of information systems in researchers’ views.
Results/Findings: The results of the study showed that most of the research was conducted with a qualitative approach using Repertory Grid Technique (RGT) and semi-structured interview. Also, despite close relationship existing between Human-Computer Interaction and Information Behavior, less regarded were theories in this area and the factors shaping and affecting people’s mental model. Although some research pointed to the gaps existing among beneficiaries’ mental models, comparison of different mental models and considering the most important factors such as experience, education, and career background effective on mental models are also very important.

The purpose of this research lies in Analyzing Strategic Plan Dimensions for Research Development in Organization of Libraries, Museums and Documentation Center of Astan Quds Razavi. For this purpose, current status of research in organization for four strategic development dimensions (attitude, policy, management, staffing) from the organization's senior professionals views have been investigated.

The method of this research is based on descriptive survey. 34 AQ organization's senior professionals were selected as a sample. The tool for collecting the data was a questionnaire made by a researchers.

The data showed that there is a relative satisfaction of the research development programs (with regard to four dimensions: attitude, policy, management, staffing) in the AQ organization. The positive attitude of AQ organization's senior professionals is an opportunity for research development. The data also showed that one of the more important challenges for AQ research development is a weakness in policy making dimension. Although there have been management issues in AQ organization research development, experts relative satisfaction of the quantity and quality of research projects could be promising for the possibility of changes in the research structure. However, some problems and challenges are: lack of research funding and low research fees, poor research facilities and conditions, necessity of encouraging researchers to select and implement appropriate research projects, challenges about research findings advertisement, research administrative structure ineffectiveness, problems related to the publication of research findings and their implementation, failure to allocate adequate facilities for the research advancement and the lack of a suitable environment for the research development. The findings also showed that there is a good level of satisfaction about AQ organization interaction with other research organizations and researchers. There is unsatisfactory about low impact of research activities in staff gradation.