Conceptual Model to design a Virtual Library for Iranian Universities of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Current developments in the area of technology and the formation of a web network and widespread use of the Internet have brought about numerous changes in the realm of education. In Iran, the increase of demand for continuing education and the variety of fields and lack of adequate resources in universities along with several issues in the constant medical education, in-service education of employees and the necessity of communicating with the graduate students in order to hold short-term and long-term educational courses have all led the Ministry of Health and Medical Education to take advantage of the required information and communication substructures and provide virtual education through establishing a virtual university. Virtual universities operate regardless of spatial and temporal limitations and provide flexible learning opportunities. One of the main requirements of virtual universities is the learners’ access to educational materials and contents. Since the current study aimed to present a comprehensive model for the library in cyberspace, all aspects of the topic were examined. In this regard, the researchers collected print and electronic sources and took notes of the existing texts and standards and scrutinized all dimensions of the problem. Moreover, the fundamental commonalities and differences for defining intervening dimensions in designing the library were considered through identifying and comparing active virtual libraries in the educational area affiliated with various universities. The factors which might intervene in the virtual library were examined through using the Delphi technique and the expert’s comments and the first draft of the comprehensive model was prepared. In addition, the required data were gathered and evaluated through using a survey and were confirmed for being implemented. Finally, a model will be presented for designing a virtual library in the university in the area of medical education in cyberspace.