Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
2 Health Information Technology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
BACKGROUND: One of the most important responsibilities of today’s university libraries is supporting
research activities. The present research is aimed at explaining the librarians’ competencies in
providing research services for researchers of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed in 2018 with a qualitative approach and
conventional content analysis. The participants were 18 faculty members, students, and librarians
selected by purposive sampling. Data collection was done by 18 semi‑structured interviews.
Continuous data analysis was performed by conventional content analysis.
RESULTS: According to the participants’ experiences, two major categories were recognized,
including “general competencies” and “specialized competencies.” The general competencies
category included three subcategories of communication skill, professional ethics, and basic abilities.
The specialized competencies category included six subcategories of information resource retrieval
and evaluation, using research software, research assistance, intellectual property literacy, scientific
publication literacy, scientometrics, and altmetrics.
CONCLUSION: According to the participants’ experiences, university librarians need specialized
competencies in addition to basic and transdisciplinary abilities. It is suggested for research managers
and policymakers to plan for empowering librarians regarding the results of the present study.
Keywords
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