FeasibilitY of designing digital refernce desk in Publik librariesin Tehran(Pablic libraries state institution affiliated to Tehran)

In this thesis, feasibility of providing electronic reference services (ERS) in Public Libraries State Institution (PLSI) in Tehran City was studied. Research methodology is pilot study. Research population is staffs of PLSI in the five districts of Tehran. Research instrument is questionnaire that designed by author. It was distributed among all of staffs (120 people) and all of questionnaires were collected. The result showed that these libraries don’t have conditions and facilities for providing ERS. Skills and knowledge of librarians for use of ERS is average. Lack of adequate infrastructures and facilities of information technology for setting up these services is main obstacle to launching ERS. As well, lack of support from the parent organization and not allocated funds for implementation of ERS are other most important barriers to providing these services in libraries. Key Words: Public Libraries State Institution (PLSI), electronic reference services (ERS), Tehran city, feasibility.