E-readiness assessment of academic libraries: a case study in Iran

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the e-readiness status of libraries in the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in terms of four dimensions - human resources, electronical infrastructure, network services and programs and enhancers of the networked world. Design/methodology/approach The study population consists of 11 libraries of the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, including the central library and 10 faculty libraries. The data collection instrument is a questionnaire prepared by the researchers that has been designed on the basis of the e-readiness assessment of Iranian academic libraries model. Depending on the respondents there are three parts to the questionnaire: questionnaire for managers, staff and information and communication technology (ICT) officials. Their reliability and validity have been proved. Findings The libraries of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences had an average to high status in terms of human resources with a score of 2.32, electronic infrastructure with a score of 2.48, network services and programs with a score of 2.09 and networked world enhancers with a score of 2.37 out of 4. In total, these libraries had an average to high status in terms of e-readiness, with a score of 2.29. Originality/value The findings of this study can help the library administrators and officials of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences to plan improvements to the situation of ICT.