Designing a digital library for National Network of Nanotechnology

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 user's 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 user's information needs. There is no institution or body in the country to collect, process, organize and disseminate Nanotechnology information. Based on user's information needs, organizational goals and manager's demands, the Nanotechnology digital library network is designed according to human resources, budget, electronic online sources, and software and hardware equipment standards.