Volume & Issue: Volume 23, Issue 2, Spring 2025 
Public Library

How Green Are the Public Libraries of Tehran?

Pages 1-18

https://doi.org/10.22034/ijism.2025.1977998.0

Zahra Hassanian, Atefeh Sharif, Behnaz Bagherpour, Zainab Sabbaghi Bidgoli

Abstract  Libraries and information centers are one of the main pillars of sustainable development and include various dimensions such as green building, green management, green services, green information systems, and green resources. The environmental tasks of green libraries are not limited to having a green building but also include educating and promoting sustainability through appropriate information resources. The present study evaluates the public libraries of Tehran based on green public libraries and green information management indicators. This paper is an applied study that employs a survey approach. The study population comprised all the librarians and managers of public libraries of Tehran during the years 2019-2020. There were 168 people, out of which 118 people were randomly selected. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire, including green library indicators and green information management. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by the face validity method, and its reliability was determined using Cronbach's alpha test of 0.864. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, one-sample t-test, pair t-test, and Friedman tests. The findings of the study indicate that 20 out of 28 indicators for assessing the status of using the indicators of green public libraries are in a position above average with 95% confidence; Of these, 3 indicators are above 90%, 3 indicators are above 80%, 7 indicators are above 70%, 7 indicators are above 50%, 6 indicators are above 30%, and 4 indicators are below 30%. The results of this part of the study can be generalized to the statistical population with 95% confidence according to the Chi-square test results. The current status of green information management in public libraries in Tehran is lower than average and does not have a good status. Components of culture building, planning, developing online and remote services, human resource management and development, acquisition and resource sharing, information dissemination and raising awareness, collaboration with other green organizations, using eco-friendly equipment, and evaluation of information and services have obtained ranks 1-9 respectively in the current state of green information management. There is a significant difference between the current and desired status of each component of green information management. The most significant mean difference is related to human resource management and development, collaboration with other green organizations, developing online and remote services, evaluation of information and services, planning, and using eco-friendly equipment. The results of this study show that the level of compliance of public libraries in Tehran with green management indicators is not satisfactory and is lower than the average. Most of the activities in the field of green management in libraries are the result of the individual efforts of librarians and decentralized programs rather than organizational efforts. From the point of view of green information management, the public libraries of Tehran city are in an inappropriate situation and the need for culture building in this field is felt.
 
 

Social Networks

Bridging the Digital Frontier: The Integration of Social Media Strategy and Promotion in India's Top 10 Institutes of Technology

Pages 19-38

https://doi.org/10.22034/ijism.2025.2025764.1477

Arumugam Pitchai, Kuna Sriram, R Rega

Abstract  
The rise of globalization has elevated standards for higher education and intensified competition among universities. As a result, higher education institutions increasingly turn to online visibility to gain a competitive advantage. This study examines the social media engagement strategies of India's top 10 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), chosen based on their prestigious rankings in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). Utilizing a quantitative analysis approach, the research employs social media analytics tools like SocialBlade and Phylanx, alongside manual data collection, to analyze data from platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter (now X). The study thoroughly examines metrics including subscribers, likes, posts, views, followers, and engagement rates, revealing the profound impact of social media on higher education institutions. The findings indicate that YouTube, followed by Instagram, leads in user engagement rates among these platforms. Conversely, Facebook, despite having the highest number of followers, shows a relatively lower engagement rate. This detailed analysis offers critical insights into the digital landscape of higher education, emphasizing the role of professional data collection and analysis in crafting effective social media strategies. Such strategies are crucial for enhancing the brand value of educational institutions and navigating the competitive online environment.
 
 

Library and Information Science

Exploring the Challenges of Mobile Phone Utilization for Library Service Delivery: The Librarians’ Perspectives

Pages 39-54

https://doi.org/10.22034/ijism.2025.2030037.1510

Qudus Ajibola Bankole

Abstract  This study explored the challenges of utilizing mobile phones for library service delivery from the perspectives of librarians. With the growing use of mobile devices, libraries increasingly integrate mobile technologies to enhance accessibility and service delivery. However, the implementation faces significant challenges that need to be addressed. The study employed a survey research design with a sample of 143 professional librarians across seven university libraries in North-Central Nigeria. A self-developed questionnaire was used to collect data, which was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that librarians can provide services such as self-help, selective dissemination of information, inter-library loans, current awareness services, library information services (news, opening hours changes, and notices of recent acquisitions), loan services (including book renewals and overdue reminders), making reservations, checking the availability of short-term borrowing items, and Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) access. However, several challenges were identified, including limited bandwidth, content ownership, licensing and digital rights management, privacy and security concerns, high costs of service provision, inadequate user education, restrictive library policies on mobile device usage, maintenance issues, and the need for better staff training on technology. The study concluded that addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including improving infrastructure, developing comprehensive policies, enhancing user education, and investing in staff training among librarians in university libraries in North-Central Nigeria. Recommendations included enhancing network infrastructure, establishing clear digital content policies, implementing robust security measures, developing cost-effective mobile services, providing user and staff education, updating policies to support mobile access, and ensuring routine maintenance and technical support
 
 
 

Scientometrics

Brain Death and Organ Transplant around the World and the Factors Affecting Organ Donation: A Scientometrics Study

Pages 55-71

https://doi.org/10.22034/ijism.2025.2018757.1341

Mansoureh Feizabadi, Esmaeil Vaziri, Hamideh Yazdimoghaddam

Abstract  
Today, organ transplant from brain-dead patients is unavoidable for patients for whom other medical treatments do not work. Therefore, identifying the factors affecting organ donation can be an essential step in increasing the number of organ transplants. Using a quantitative approach and Scientometrics techniques, the present study investigated scientific products indexed in brain death and organ donation in three databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The statistical population of this study consisted of 9018 articles on brain death and organ donation. We used Bibexcel, Vos Viewer, and Netdraw software for data analysis and map drawing. The transplanted organs were grouped based on the ICD-10 version of 2019. In terms of transplanted organs, the highest number of articles related to kidney transplants (13.5%), lung transplants (9.75%), and heart transplants (7.21%). Among the factors affecting organ transplant, ethical aspects (15.09%), law and legal issues (14.07%), and attitude and belief (8.95%) were in the first to third ranks. Analysis of keywords showed that before 2000, keywords related to factors affecting organ donation, including ethical issues, family role, legal issues, and informed consent, were among the 20 most frequent. After 2000, articles addressed the type of transplant tissue and post-transplant issues such as transplant survival and transplant recipient. Results showed various factors affecting organ donation, and societies are involved in multiple issues in the organ transplant field, as well as donors' encouragement. Identifying these issues following such research, while encouraging more researchers, can help increase the number of organ donations worldwide.
 

Citation Analysis

Mapping the Landscape: A Bibliometric Analysis of Global Trends in Smart Library Research (1992-2023) Using Scopus

Pages 73-93

https://doi.org/10.22034/ijism.2025.2018586.1339

Samira Guechairi

Abstract  Using the Scopus database, this study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global trends in smart library research between 1992 and 2023. One hundred thirty-two documents were retrieved and analyzed through the biblioshiny package in R-Studio and VOSviewer for visualization and mapping. The findings highlight that the Journal of Library Science in China leads the field with 20 articles, and Wuhan University emerges as the most prominent contributor. China is the most productive country with 129 documents and the highest citation count at 389, while Zhang Y is the most prolific author. Co-authorship and citation analysis further illustrate collaborative networks, with a growing interest in the topic in recent years. These insights offer valuable implications for librarians, researchers, and funding agencies by providing a nuanced understanding of key contributors and trends in smart library research. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first bibliometric study to map global smart library literature within the Scopus database, offering a foundation for future research and collaboration.
 

Informatics and Information Technology

Archivist Readiness to Adopt Blockchain Technology in Managing Digital Archives

Pages 95-121

https://doi.org/10.22034/ijism.2025.2029750.1492

Aviazka Firdhaussi Azmir, Nina Mayesti

Abstract  The adoption of blockchain technology within archival management systems has become increasingly relevant, prompting archivists to adapt their practices to accommodate its implications for digital object management. Although many countries have begun integrating blockchain technology into their archival systems, Indonesia holds the potential for more extensive and impactful applications. Despite this potential, research on the influences of blockchain technology on archives, especially about archivists’ readiness, remains limited. This study assesses the influences of archivists’ readiness to adopt blockchain technology for digital archives management within Indonesia. This study uses a quantitative research approach. Data were collected via random questionnaires distributed to 367 archivists across 22 Ministries and 23 Non-Ministry Government Agencies, covering 70.3% of the total population of interest. The study's findings indicate that archivists’ readiness positively and significantly influences blockchain adoption for digital archives management. Both cognitive and affective aspects of archivist readiness play a partial role in facilitating this adoption. These findings underscore the importance of fostering organizational environments that empower archivists as essential human resources in the face of blockchain technology's challenges and opportunities for long-term growth. A primary limitation of this study is its focus on individual readiness, excluding broader organizational factors that could shape adoption strategies and policies. Future research should consider the role of institutional commitment, belief systems, and organizational culture in supporting technology adoption.Additionally, expanding the sample to include regional archivists may enhance understanding, as differences in technology access could significantly impact readiness levels. Future studies should also encompass various archivist roles to provide a more comprehensive view of archivist readiness for blockchain in digital archives management. Finally, examining work groups within institutions actively adopting blockchain could yield practical insights into the challenges and successes associated with this technological transition.
 
 

Citation Analysis

The Twenty-First Century Social Media Research: A Bibliometric Review

Pages 123-151

https://doi.org/10.22034/ijism.2025.2013374.1273

Anthony Kofi Mensah, Peter Awonnatemi Agbedemnab, Nasir Koranteng Asiedu

Abstract  This study investigated the intellectual framework of literature on social media and highlighted the new trends in social media research. The search for relevant publications on the topic on May 28, 2023, began with the use of the Scopus database, which resulted in the retrieval of 157,474 documents covering the years 1941 to 2024. Following filtering, the total number of records, which covered the years 2000 through to 2022, was reduced to 50,872, and the same was used for the data analysis using VOSviewer. The analysis involved co-word analysis and citation analysis, which made it possible to uncover the patterns of research topics and aided the identification of influential publications and authors. The findings of the study therefore revealed that research on social media has received significant attention from scholars globally, with 2022 recording the highest number of publications. Results from the country analysis indicated that the geographical closeness of countries does not create collaborative advantages for authors. The institutional analysis also revealed that the ESCP Business School and North-West University are the top two leading institutions by reference to the number of citations. Regarding the most cited publication, the paper, “Users of the World, Unite! The Challenges and Opportunities of social media,” authored by Kaplan, A. M., & Haenlein, M., in 2010, received the most citations within the period under review. The study therefore recommends that future studies should use the two academic database,s which are Scopus and Web of Science to conduct an in-depth survey on social media research in the 21st century.
 
 

Library and Information Science

Visibility of Library and Information Science and Science Communication in Iran

Pages 153-171

https://doi.org/10.22034/ijism.2025.2009544.1226

Zahra Ojagh, Golnessa Galyani Moghaddam

Abstract  
This study examines how newspapers in Iran have presented library and information science (LIS) to society; how the media understand library and information science as a discipline; and how authors of articles in LIS journals collaborate with members of other disciplines. Three public newspapers (Hamshahri, Iran, and Jam-e-Jam) together with eleven peer-reviewed LIS journals approved by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology were included in this study. The results show that LIS as a discipline is not visible enough in Iranian public media. However, recognition and understanding of LIS in specialized journals is better. We concluded that the communication between LIS professionals and journalists is less than optimal in Iran. The paper provided original information about the picture of library and information science in Iranian society.
 
 

Library and Information Science

Trends of Social Impact of Medical Research Utilization in the Web of Science Database

Pages 173-198

https://doi.org/10.22034/ijism.2025.2023502.1408

Najmeh Nazeri, Ali Shabani, Mostafa Hossini Golkar, Alireza Noruzi

Abstract  
The social dimension is crucial when evaluating initiatives and policies requested or promoted by public and private organizations and society. This research aims to investigate the social impact of medical research utilization based on the Web of Science database from 1990 to 2022.The scientometric method and co-word analysis were used to analyze the data. The Web of Science database was used to collect the data. VOSviewer, HistCite, Bibliometrix R package, and Excel software were employed. There has been an upward trend in the publication of scientific articles on the social impact of medical research utilization, peaking in 2021. Most of these records were published between 2017 and 2022, indicating that the significance of the social implications of research reached its zenith during this period, coinciding with the emergence of fourth-generation universities. The United States (U.S.) and Canada have the highest number of scientific articles on this topic. The countries with the highest coefficients of collaboration in this field are the U.S., Canada, England, and Australia. Graham, Legare, Lewis, Strauss, Stabrooks, and Grimshaw authored the most prominent scientific articles. Notably, "Graham" is the most influential author in this field, having garnered 4,846 citations. Key conceptual terms in this field include knowledge translation, public health, healthcare, knowledge management, quality of life, knowledge transfer, quality improvement, science implementation, dissemination, evidence-based medicine, primary care, health politics, medical education, health promotion, social media, social value, and facilitators. This research serves as a roadmap for future researchers interested in social impact assessment. It contributes to advancing research into social impact and medical research utilization.
 
 

Library and Information Science

Thematic Analysis of Iranian Medical Library and Information Theses and Dissertations: Applying Text Mining Techniques

Pages 199-211

https://doi.org/10.22034/ijism.2025.2027507.1469

Shadi Asadzandi, Atieh Sadat Hosseini Ghahjavarestani

Abstract  With the development of Internet technology, the amount of data has increased astonishingly. This article aims to determine the thematic trend of theses and dissertations in librarianship of postgraduate courses in the universities of medical sciences. The study analyzed 110 theses from five Iranian universities in Medical Library and Information Science (MLIS) between 2017 and 2021. A Python script processed Persian text to create a word cloud and extract significant keywords using TF-IDF. Data was preprocessed, normalized, and filtered, and keywords were grouped by year and university for analysis. Results show key research topics in MLIS from 2017 to 2021, including information-seeking behavior, Altmetrics, health, and information services, as shown in the word cloud. Common themes included information-seeking behavior, digital literacy, and health literacy, indicating stable research trends in medical library science topics. Each university emphasized different areas: Isfahan focused on clinical aspects, Tehran on foundational issues, Shahid Beheshti on scientometrics, while Hamadan addressed information retrieval. Trends showed limited variation in keywords over the years. The study highlights evolving Medical Library and Information Science (MLIS) topics, emphasizing a shift towards patient information and health literacy. However, a gap exists in addressing issues like AI and big data. Limited collaboration and data hindered the research scope, suggesting that future studies should explore faculty and student topic selection interests.