Mahshid Eltemasi; Fatima Fahimnia; Mohammad Abooyeeardakan
Abstract
Examining the services and programs expected by users of public libraries from their own perspective and examining the underlying points and factors affecting the demands of users. The main purpose of this article is to address services and programs provided by public libraries in developing countries ...
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Examining the services and programs expected by users of public libraries from their own perspective and examining the underlying points and factors affecting the demands of users. The main purpose of this article is to address services and programs provided by public libraries in developing countries based on the views of public libraries users, and not on the basis of recommendations from international forums and institutions. A qualitative approach is implemented and the grounded theory method is used in the case study of Iran as a developing country. Data collection involved the use of semi-structured interviews, the interviews varied between 20-and-60-minute duration. To support the semi structured interviewing process the researcher developed an interview guide with a formal question set. 1. Motivation and user satisfaction services such as all kinds of scientific, artistic and cultural competitions, specialized services for children and teenagers, free internet access and computers, changing library environment, laboratory facilities, and book reading groups, poetry groups, etc., convenience services, creativity enhancements services, up to date resources, cafes and restaurants, rest areas. 2. Education & teaching services such as all kinds of classes and workshops, information literacy training, literacy services, library tours, consulting services, mobile libraries. 3. Recreational and entertainment services: book cafes, workgroups and group programs, and a variety of fun resources (including movies, etc.), book reviews. 4. Reference and information services such as providing selective information, virtual information, in-person information, interlibrary loan and document delivery services, in-person and virtual update services. Therefore, public libraries of Iran can prioritize these services in order to improve the level of satisfaction and attract more and more users' in their planning and policy making.
