Showing 141 results for Information
Fatemeh Zarmehr, Asefeh Asemi, Mitra Pashootanizade,
Volume 1, Issue 1 (4-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the opinion of blind and visually impaired of the possibility of employing gadgets in delivering resources and information services to them.
Method: The research method was descriptive - survey and questionnaires were used to collect data. The data was analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The result showed that respondent approved the use of information resources and services through variety of gadgets and the fact that gadgets are generally more desirable. Based on the agreement in regard to the gadgets used as resources and information services to blind and visually impaired it was found that mobile phone and pocket PC were in the first place (56.7%), Google glasses in second place(55%) e-book readers in third place (54.4%), tablets in fourth place (54.2%) and RFID systems in fifth place (44.1%).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of the study it is concluded that blinds ability to use gadgets in optimal utilization of resources and information services is possible and more than desirable. As a results we can make proper use of the new technology in order to present resources and information services to blinds and visually impaired
Fatemeh Zandian, Anahita Dashti, Mohammad Hasanzade,
Volume 1, Issue 1 (4-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The main objective of this research was to investigate the use of full-text databases in the LIS theses of Tehran State Universities within the years 2005 and 2009.
Method: For this purpose, the total of 9952 citations related to 172 existing theses in the academic central libraries were studied. The data collected were analyzed by the bibliometrics and citation analysis methods.
Results: The results showed that only 499 (5.01%) out of the total of 9952 citations were of full-text databases. By the use of Bradford law, the Emerald, Iran Doc. Pro Quest and Science Direct were chosen as the core databases in LIS. There was no statistically significance difference in the use of full-text databases with regard to database, university and subject. Citing the linguistic distribution of full-text data showed that most citations were in English language. Finally, the amount of the use of full-text databases by the theses has not been increased between the years 2005 and 2009.
Conclusion: The results obtained in the present research showed that the use of databases was very low and no growing trend for citing databases did show. Also English language was Dominant language in citing databases
Maryam Sarafzadeh, Soheila Alavi,
Volume 1, Issue 1 (4-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The present paper discusses results of a study which aimed to explore the knowledge and use of Online social networking by MLIS students in Iran and to explore their perceptions of using that technology for academic and professional purposes, and challenges they face for using them.
Method: The research method was explorative and empirical. Data was collected through a web-based survey questionnaire containing both open and close ended question. The link of questionnaire was emailed to MLIS students in Tehran. 113 students completed the questionnaire.
Results: The results show that 35 percent of respondents were not users of SNS. Internet filtering in Iran was identified as the major barrier on using SNS by MLIS students. Negative perceptions toward SNSs were identified as another big barrier for using SNSs by MLIS students. 22% of respondents felt that social networking would waste their time and some 14% saw on benefit on online social networking. 36% of respondents trusted very little to information released in SNSs. MLIS students were not sophisticated users of social networking sites. They have good level of skills on basic features of social networking sites. However, in more advanced features of SNSs such as privacy settings their skills seemed limited. Respondents to the questionnaire showed positive feedback on using SNS for academic and professional purposes.
Conclusion: There are several advantages for integrating SNS in LIS education. Preparing students for employing those technologies on their work places upon their graduation; increasing the employability of LIS students; reaping the educational benefits that SNSs offer and preparing students to teach social networking literacy competencies to others are some of the advantages of incorporating SNSs into LIS education. Authors suggest that skills to master online social networking must be taught in LIS education
Yazdan Mansourian, Omid Alipour,
Volume 1, Issue 1 (4-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The present study aims to explore the coverage and reflection of Knowledge and Information Science news in the Iranian press. Iran Newspaper which is one of the main public newspapers in the country has been selected as the case for this study.
Method: This study used content analysis as its research methodology and adopted an inductive approach in data analysis. All the pages of this newspaper during a year (from March 2011 to March 2012), were downloaded from the newspaper website and their contents were inductively analyzed to identify Knowledge and Information Science related news.
Results: Iran Newspaper, as one of the most well-known and public press in the country, has covered the Knowledge and Information Science news with a reasonable coverage and comprehensiveness. However, the reports are mainly descriptive with less analytic perspective and there is a gap for more analytical news. The collected data were categorized into seven categories and all the concepts and subcategories were presented in the tables. The main identified categories in this study include: Tehran International Book events, other book exhibitions and cultural events, meetings and book awards, reflection of the news related to book and publication industry, scientometrics, reading and its promotion and hinders.
Conclusion: There is a gap of the news from ILISA (Iranian Library and Information Science Association) and also popular notes written by Knowledge and Information Science scholars, librarians and Knowledge and Information Science students. As a result it seems ILISA could be more active in publishing its news and use popular press to introduce this area to the public and promotes its activities in the public domains.
Zeynab Ebrahimi-Milajerd, Nosrat Riahinia,
Volume 1, Issue 1 (4-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent of observing the standards of indexing (ISO 999-1996, BS 3700) of Library and Information Sciences books.
Method: The study used descriptive-analytical methodology and the population consisted of all the Persian books, written and translated, in the field of Library and Information Sciences published from 2006 to 2012 with the back-of-book index. To collect the data, a checklist based on the indexing standards of ISO 1996-999 and B.S. 3700 was used.
Results: The findings indicated that among the 424 books studied, 26% had index, while 71% lacks it. Overall, the extent of observing the evaluation criteria in the book indices in the field of Library and Information Sciences was 56%.
Conclusion: The results suggest that the extent of providing the index for the books in the field of Library and Information Sciences has a relatively optimal condition compared with those in other fields. However, considering the purposes and applications of the field of Library and Information Sciences, the standards in the indices have been poorly observed. Time-consuming nature of indexing, lack of time and accelerating pace of publishing and offering books, economic issues, lack of expert human resources, and lack of enough knowledge about the significance of index are some of the obstacles for preparing the index for the books.
Faeze Delghandi, Ghasem Azadi Ahmadabadi,
Volume 1, Issue 2 (7-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Interaction in a digital library help users locating and accessing information and also assist them in creating knowledge, better perception, problem solving and recognition of dimension of resources. This paper tries to identify and introduce the components and elements that are used in interaction between user and system in search and retrieval of information in digital library.
Method: This paper investigate the different studies in the field of interactive search of digital library by the library approach and also identifies capabilities that can be used in digital library by the use of heuristic methods.
Results: The components of identified, interactive search including: 1. Interaction before search including using directories, applying ontology, and filtering. 2. Interaction in the time of search including annotation, suggesting the interactive terms by the use of subjective thesaurus. Syndicate list, colon searching, filtering. Interaction after search: motion, fragment, copying, collecting, cutting, segmentation, probing, rearrangement, re illustration, searching, visualization based on graph, personalization and recommendation systems.
Conclusion: With perception of interaction and interactive search, the efficient design and evaluation of digital library can be done. The designers of digital libraries can use different interaction according their resources. Librarian also can familiar with different interaction and would be able to give their users necessary education until they can search and retrieval efficiently.
Vahideh Zeinali, Mahtab S. Mahdavi,
Volume 1, Issue 2 (7-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Collaborative information behavior (CIB) is strongly affected by contextual factors and in different contexts we can see various aspects of collaborative information behavior. In this study, we investigate the triggers and barriers of collaborative information behavior in an educational-medical context in Iran.
Method: This qualitative research uses grounded theory as research method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty physicians (in Fellowship and Residency stages) in Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science.
Results: the findings indicated that five main factors trigger collaborative information behavior, including lack of domain expertise, lack of time, information scatter, complexity of information needs and lack of immediately accessible information. The barriers that hinder collaborative information behavior in this context fell under five categories, technological, individual, team, educational structure and cultural barriers. Some of these triggers and barriers have identified in previous researches in different contexts.
Conclusion: the results of this study showed that Lack of time was strongest trigger of CIB in physicians (in fellowship and residency stages). Then complexity of information needs, lack of domain expertise, information scatter and lack of immediately accessible information were the triggers that identified in this study. Also barriers that identified in this context are so important. In order to promoting CIB in this context the barriers should be analysed and resolved.
Fatemeh Fahimnia, Fresheteh Montazeri,
Volume 1, Issue 2 (7-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The present investigation was carried out in order to study the self-archiving behavior displayed by Knowledge and Information Sciences (KIS) faculty members in Iran. It intended to discover the incentives and barriers impacting on this behavior as well as arriving at a baseline for predicting the extent of self-archiving.
Method: A descriptive survey method was deployed. The population investigated, included all KIS faculty members affiliated with universities and research centers supervised by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology in Iran.
Results: Based on self-reporting by the population studied, the extent of self-archiving is above average. Self-archiving in personal and corporate websites were more prevalent than institutional and subject repositories. Recognition component was the most important incentive and copyright consideration was the most important barrier to self-archiving by KIS faculty members. Among the 10 factors studied, only the professional recognition component was capable of predicting self-archiving of scientific output in open access websites.
Conclusion: KIS faculty members in Iran welcome open access of their scientific works but there is some obstacles such as copyright that removing it could help to improve current conditions.
Zohreh Gholamhoseinzadeh, Mohammad Amin Erfanmanesh,
Volume 1, Issue 2 (7-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Collaborative information seeking is an interaction among members of a group who purposefully try to access and share joint information. Although collaboration is a key component of information seeking behavior, but most of the studies in this area are focused on individual information seeking behavior and collaborative aspects are considered much less. As a result, there is a need for understanding conceptual features as well as supportive technical methods of information behavior in collaborative activities. Method: The present review article has studied concepts and theories of collaborative information behavior using library method. Results: In this research, firstly, the concept of collaboration is explained and differences with other concepts like communication, coordination and cooperation are explained. Moreover, the concept of collaborative information behavior and collaborative information seeking behavior are discussed from different viewpoints and suggestions are offered for future research. Conclusion: collaborative information behavior is one of the most important concepts in human information interaction studies and it can be known as dynamic activities in a group including searching, combining, publishing and producing information.
Zahra Shamloo, Nosrat Riahinia,
Volume 1, Issue 2 (7-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: People refer to virtual information resources for answering their medical questions. One of these resources includes question and answering (Q&A) sites in medicine. This study aims to analyze health questions posted on the Yahoo Answers to identify health information needs, the motivations for asking questions, evaluation of information user satisfaction resulted from received answer, the reason of using answers, the using aspects of given information and the types of selection criteria people employ when they select best answers in Yahoo! Answers. Method: A survey was conducted using an online questionnaire. Email invitations were sent to 1015 users of Yahoo! Answers and 100 users filled the questionnaire. Moreover, 500 questions, 50 from each health subject category, were subject to content analysis using MAXQDA. Having no cost, having fun and social connection in Yahoo! Answers constitute the most important motivations for using the health group of Yahoo! Answers. The findings show that “concise answers” is considered as users’ satisfaction factor. Results: The findings showed that the concern about themselves, family, people who they care about, the lack of information and the knowledge gap, validating information from other people, the lack of social support, particularly insurance and income are among the main reasons for users to ask questions. Prevention and health promotion, turning the guesses to certainty, consultation before treatment, surgery, or taking certain medications constitute most of the cases users use from the received answers of the questions. The Socio- emotional value was particularly a prominent criteria from User-Perspective in this study for selecting the best answer. Conclusion: According to this research, it was found that natural cure and remedies, orthodontics, losing weight methods, loosing fats, skin diseases and how to treat them, foot pain and the related problems, male genitalia, the use of eye lenses, menstruation and the problems related to the sleeping constitutes the most categories of subjects in the health part of Yahoo! Answers. The results show that most of the questions are related to a particular disorder or disease like general information, the symptoms, causes, diagnoses, treatments, prognoses of the disease.
Delneshin Danaei Moghaddam,
Volume 1, Issue 2 (7-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: There seems to be a conceptual link between some theories of human information behavior. These links exist because some of these theories have been derived from same theories in similar fields or have a same approach in theorizing.
Method: In this paper 3 theories of information behavior (information poverty, information overload and social capital) have been discussed and compared.
Results: Chatman’s information poverty theory pays attention to the cultural/behavioural aspect of the phenomenon and clarifies that membership within a social group contributes to information poverty. Information overload describes the situation in which one feels anxious and stressed due to encountering to too much information. Social capital is rooted in social network analysis and explains how the social resources inside one’s network influence the success of achieving desired information. Both information poverty and information overload point out information avoidance, where there exists information but access to it is restricted. Social capital and information poverty both focus on the role of social structure in information seeking and the importance of trust in society.
Conclusion: Libraries can generate social capital by presenting some social programs to help users overcome their information overload and poverty.
Reza Akbarnejad, Maryam Okhovati, Kambiz Bahaadinbeigy, Shahram Sedghi,
Volume 1, Issue 2 (7-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Image, as a kind of information vehicle which can convey a large volume of information, is important especially in medicine field. Existence of different attributes of image features and various search algorithms in medical image retrieval systems and lack of an authority to evaluate the quality of retrieval systems, make a systematic review in medical image retrieval systems field necessary. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of papers on medical image retrieval systems appeared between 2000 and 2011.
Method: The major scientific databases (Medline, Scopus, Webof Knowledge (ISI), and Google Scholar) were searched, using standard keywords in English between 2000 and 2011. All papers reviewed using standard critical assessment and grading and papers with more than half of the quality scores were considered as qualified to enter to the next stage. Then, the data in selected studies were extracted and classified.
Results: Eighty sixreviewed papers were classified into 3 categories. The first category introduced new medical image retrieval systems (40%) and the second category presented a new framework for the major medical image retrieval systems (45%) and the last category was about medical image retrieval systems evaluation (15%). However, the growth rate was increasing during the period and the most papers published in 2009. The CBIR systems were used more (66%) and then hybrid systems (20%) respectively.
Conclusion: Applying medical image retrieval systems with Decision Support Systems (DSS) and other information and computer technologies can help clinicians to present a better service and can help them in diagnosis as well. Meanwhile, these systems can be very useful in education and research, the medical image retrieval systems can be more successful if they are designed for a specific field and based on new and modern image features.
Nosrat Riahinia,
Volume 1, Issue 3 (12-2014)
Abstract
Editorial
Maryam Asadi,
Volume 1, Issue 3 (12-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The basic aim of the present study is to investigate users’ query reformulation behavior with regard to wholistic-analytic cognitive styles, search task type, and experience variables in using the Web. Method: This study is an applied research using survey method. A total of 321 search queries were submitted by 44 users. Data collection tools were Riding’s Cognitive Style Analysis test, Web experience questionnaire, and three search tasks. Results: Results indicated that analytic formulated more queries and longer than wholistic to complete search taks and hi-experienced users formulated more queries and shorter than low-experienced users in completing their tasks. We identified five methods of query reformulation types: New, Add, Replace, Remove, Repeat. Strong correlations were observed between Add and Replace. Results indicated that there were significant different between query reformulation behavior of wholist and analytic and analytic users seemed to be better than their wholist peers in query reformulations. Also findings showed that the more complex tasks, the more number of search quries to complete tasks. The New and Add dominated amongst the query formulations while performing Web searching. Conclusion: Future HCI researchers and IS developers can utilize the study results to develop interactive and user-cantered search model, and to provide context-based query suggestions for users.
Mohammad Ramin Naderi, Yazdan Mansourian,
Volume 1, Issue 3 (12-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: This study attempts to propose a suggestive model for theorising in the field of Inquiry-Based Information Behaviour (IBiB).
Method: To achieve the research aim, Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory, Dewey’s Constructivist Theory, as well as IBL Pedagogy were analysed. Taking into account the current information behaviour models and theories which are developed based on the so called theories, we employed deductive reasoning to propose our suggestive model. Methodologically, this interpretivist study is done based on library method and implemented qualitative content analysis technique.
Results: Admitting different cognitive competencies in different age-groups as well as the role of active experience in cognitive development, each child needs her own customized cognitive-appropriate experience to be able to engage with the learning process. The specific style and rate of cognitive development makes children unique learners.
Conclusion: The proposed preliminary conceptual model showed that active learning, open inquiry-based practices, and children’s personalized methods for responding to learning and cognitive needs, all have information ethos. And, children’s IBiB determines the extent to which they could succeed in the above processes. Testing this hypothesis, the IBiB theory which explains this phenomenon needs to be developed.
Elaheh Hosseini, Mohammad Amin Erfanmanesh,
Volume 1, Issue 3 (12-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: the current study aims to determine factors which may cause negative feeling such as fear, uncertainty and anxiety during information seeking process. Method: In this review paper, different library resources and databases were searched in the areas of library anxiety, Internet anxiety, computer anxiety, information seeking, information searching and information retrieval to elicit factors which may cause information seeking anxiety. Results: Potential causes of information seeking anxiety were grouped and reviewed in 4 different categories, namely factors associated with information resources, factors associated with computers, the Internet and databases, factors associated with libraries and factors associated with information seeking process. Conclusion: Negative feelings during information seeking process may negatively affect the results of this process. By being aware of the causes of information seeking anxiety, librarians and information systems’ administrators will be in a better position to provide instructions and services which is effective to reduce levels of anxiety during information seeking process.
Zeynab Shormeij, Shahram Sedghi, Homa Talachi,
Volume 1, Issue 3 (12-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Information seeking is interactive behavior of searcher with information systems and this active interaction occurs in a real environment known as background or context. This study investigated the factors influencing the formation of layers of context and their impact on the interaction of the user with search option dialoge in EBSCO database. Method: Data from 28 semi-structured interviews with graduate students and medical information librarians were collected and coded whith open, axial and selective methods using grounded theory approach. Results: Identified general catagories and central ideas in this study include: features’ search, facility to display data: availability and usability of results, general features (personality and character) of the user, presenting unique features (offering more options in database pages). Conclusion: This research in line with previous ones and with regard to the underlying dimensions of context (place, person, or object), investigaed the need to understand factors for improvement of user’s interaction with the Web search. All dimensions of the user interactions with visual search option require understanding the context’s underlying factors. Identification of contextual factors affecting visual search improves users’ search strategy approaches.
Shahrzad Nasrollahzadeh,
Volume 1, Issue 4 (3-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In studies of special groups’ information seeking behavior, there is not a complete understanding of pregnant women's information seeking process. The purpose is to gain a deeper understanding of health information seeking behavior of the pregnant women.
Method: This is an applied qualitative method using Grounded Theory approach. Data were collected through semi- structured interviews with 15 pregnant women who were selected from 5 women's hospitals in Tehran. Data was analyzed using three stages of: Open axial and selective coding- used in Grounded theory approach- and a model of pregnant women’s health information seeking behavior was extracted.
Results: five conceptual categories: information seeking motives, barriers, information seeking, information evaluation, and information sharing were the results of three stages of coding, expanded around the main idea of “pregnant women’s health information seeking behavior” to establish a model for this process. Based on the findings, pregnant women's most essential information needs were psychological needs, nutrition, health of mother and fetus, and the ways of childbirth. The most important information seeking barriers were lack of time for searching information, lack of ability in information evaluation, and the high level of difficulty of the books. Physicians were the first and the most important reference in information acquisition and important criteria for information evaluation.
Conclusion: Findings reveal the importance of information acquisition in pregnant women, effective intervention of information professionals in meeting information needs, removal of information seeking barriers, facilitating information seeking process and more attention to information centers seems necessary. Also, results could be applicable to various organizations for women’s health.
Alireza Atarodi, Fahimeh Babalhavaeji,
Volume 1, Issue 4 (3-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Human Knowledge depends on data and information that is emerged and transffered from different channels. The dessimination process is different from type, form of transfer, and distribution based on information or awareness. This survey compares the librarians and information scienctist’s information transferring capabilities in mass media and social networks.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey, descriptive and applied - 94 librarians in the cities of Torbat Heidariyeh and Gonabad. The data was collected by a researcher made questionnaire and the Census method was utilized. Data was analyzed by Wilcakson Test.
Results: Mass media and social networks have their own unique abilities and both are used for information and knowledge transffering. The cost of social media networks is cheaper than media. Most of the participants claim that social networks do a better job of transferring information today.
Conclusion: Media and social networks overlap in most aspects of dissiminating information. In general the strength and capabilities of social networks was much higher than social media. The results will help select a better media and work better in the field of information transferring.
Khadijeh Gholami, Shahnaz Mohammadi,
Volume 1, Issue 4 (3-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Pregnant women are the most active users of health information with regard to the growing use of the Internet as an important source of information. This research studies the information interactions of pregnant women in Ninisite forum, andis to create awareness of pregnant women. This site is the largest Persian-language site for women's issues, pregnancy and parenting.
Methods: This applied research uses qualitative content analysis and semiotic analysis techniques. Content analysis method was used to identify the topics of the exchanged messages. Semiotic method was used to explore the dimensions of trust between users. All messages in the two sections of before and during pregnancy in a 6-month period (from October to March 2013) were studied.
Results: Analyzing two forums related to before and during pregnancy showed that users talk about different aspects of life. Medical, sales, education, recreation, friendships and communing, religion and lifestyle and empathy were the main themes of discussions. Most common information needs of women are: infertility disorders, diagnosis and treatment, the symptoms and complications of pregnancy, the fetus disorders, the pregnancy and delivery and birth. Cognitive and affective dimensions were the main components of trust among users.
Conclusion: Results reveals the potential of forums for information exchange, therefore, applying forums for the dissemination of health information is recommended. It is also important that health officials control the quality of health information on the web.
