Foresight of Information Technology in Iranian Public Libraries: Future studies approach

Abstract

Purpose: This research has been conducted to foresight the future of information technology in the public libraries in Iran and took advantage of future studies approaches. Methodology: The study is based on the survey analysis which has been done according to Delphi's method that was held in two turns. The statistical population of Delphi's panel in this study contains 25 individuals from the IT and information science experts in the foundation of Iranian public libraries. Findings: The results show that the public libraries will be developing their resources electronically and they will govern role of the public libraries in the field of IT infrastructure development and the use of competitive market and private corporations. On the other hand, information technologies will facilitate the use of public library services. Results indicate that future broadband Internet access in public libraries will increase and will benefit the local intranet. Conclusion: By 2025, the public libraries will use technologies such as RFID and Web 2 tools. The utilization of the cellular lines and networks in providing services for users as well as e-learning) in the public libraries will be expanded.