Presenting a talent identification model for librarians of university libraries affiliated to the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology: Grounded theory study

This research was conducted with the aim of presenting a talent identification model in librarians of university libraries and identifying the dimensions and components of talent identification in librarians of university libraries in order to improve the current situation. The present study was applied in terms of purpose and qualitative in terms of data type. A Grounded Theory approach was used in this study. Participants included 15 experts in the field of talent identification for librarians of university libraries who were selected by purposeful sampling and principle of theoretical saturation. The data collection tool was semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using MAXQDA2018 software in three stages of open coding, axial coding and selective coding. Data validation was done using the verification method by the contributors. Based on the findings of the research, the dimensions and components of talent identification model in librarians of university libraries were identified in six categories: central phenomenon dimension (talent identification in librarians includes identifying and selecting, employing and recruiting and evaluating and developing talent), causal conditions dimension (axial talent, value and position of librarianship profession), contextual conditions dimension (legal contexts, goals and prospects, and economic and social issues), intervening factor dimension (economic and political conditions and the atmosphere in society), strategies dimension (comprehensive analysis of librarianship jobs, appropriate university approach to talented librarians and development of librarianship education process) and consequences dimension (individual flourishing of librarianship talents, promotion of library position in the university and growth and development of the country). Using an appropriate model and providing the conditions mentioned in the model obtained based on the opinion of experts in public universities can improve the talent of librarians for the country's university system, thus leading to a better education and research in the country.