Awareness and use of digital resources in the libraries of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran

The survey aims to investigate the relationships between awareness and use of digital resources among students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.

A descriptive method has been used and users of the medical libraries and information centers affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences have been surveyed in the research. A total of 250 students were selected randomly as a sample. A structured questionnaire was designed for collecting data.

The results were that 70 percent of students were aware of digital resources, but only 69 percent of them have used them; 62 percent were aware of offline databases, whereas only about 19 percent used them through the Central Library LAN network. About 70 percent were aware of online databases, accessible via the Central Library web site, and about 53 percent of respondents have used them. A total of 64 percent were aware of the “CLBJ Database”, while over half of them made use of it. In total 87 percent of students felt that the available data resources met their information needs. Students had less use of offline databases, attributed to factors such as infrequent periodic orientation and lack of education on use of offline databases and fewer terminals connected to the server in the Central Library. Users are faced with problems like low speed connectivity and shortage of hardware facilities.

When the user is aware of one resource, it will lead to more use of that resource. Isfahan University of Medical Sciences is aiming to develop new information centers and it needs to increase the extent of discovery of knowledge. On this base the paper has examined awareness, use and information retrieval of available digital resources and thus will be of benefit to others in a similar position.