Overriding selection criteria for library softwares in National libraries: librarians’ point of view 1 Sepideh Fahimifara* Nastaran Poursalehi Saeed Nezareh * Corresponding author.

Introduction IT librarians play significant role on selecting library software. Efficiency of any library software depends on numerous factors included needs of users and librarians and library functions so the librarians should observe them precisely and select the most suitable library software according to their library needs.

Intro(cont) IT librarians should try to know added values of each software than another and select the best one with focus on their libraries. In any kinds of libraries, librarians try to select library software based on main criteria and indicators (sub-criteria).

Problem statement It seems that kinds of libraries (such as National libraries, academic libraries, etc), with the same purposes select library software with the same reasons. National libraries: preserving knowledge heritage in any country. acquiring any information resource So, the IT librarians should select the most completed software to support these functions.

Evaluation of Library Softwares selecting suitable software for every library depends on real needs of library existing resources Budget a large number of unique software's features

Various Kinds of Integrated Library Softwares Before selecting any library software, it is better the librarians consult with others who have already used the software. And focus on the reputation of library software experience of software vendor existing literature and documentation.

Research question What is the name of integrated library software in each National library? What are the features of the most popular National library softwares? What are the similar selection criteria for library softwares from the librarian's standpoint?

Survey Methodology searching the list of National libraries websites finding some of the contact icons such as contact us, contact, question from library and etc Send our request: "Subject of our research is about integrated library software in National libraries. We want to know about library software that your library uses such as name. Pleas say its name and guide us to access information about it. Moreover, express at least 10 reasons that are the most important factors to select your library software. If you can't response our questions, please forward questions to professional persons. I would like to thank you in advance for your kind attention and cooperation in this respect ".

Survey Methodology Process of data gathering was started from April 2009 to April 2010 (almost one year) Of the 50 librarians, only 17 responded completely.

Names of library softwares What is the name of integrated library software in each National library?

Features of library softwares What are the features of the most popular National library softwares?

Similar criteria to select National library software Saving money or free of charge of library software Previous experience of vendors with other National libraries vendor has the largest market share in the area of library integrated software credibility of vendor supporting various kinds of industrial standard such as MARC21, Z39.50. Supporting flexible functions For instance: librarians can be added photo ID at borrowers’ records sending email over dues changing loan periods, loan limits, etc multilingual and multi-script interfaces

Similar criteria to select National library software module-based (Acquisitions, Cataloging, Authority Records, OPAC and other information retrieval tools, Circulation, Administration) Openness to external user systems A high degree of client-defined configurability and highly configurable of OPAC haveing new functional extensions continually Ongoing training by phone and fax, email, CD attendance workshops can be held by highly educated and skilled personnel.

Similar criteria to select National library software Good security 24 hour support Meeting requirements of library software is included staff and client needs Time of searching Users want to search in multiple catalogs and retrieve the required resources at least time. What are the similar selection criteria for library softwares from the librarian's standpoint?

Overriding criteria of librarians’ standpoint In order to indicate overriding criteria, we illustrated the number of similar reasons Cost vendor supporting standard User friendly technical support 24 hour support full integration Customizable consistency migrated data good security meeting needs Marc format

Difference criteria to select National library software Fully matured Continuity familiarity searchable anytime manage a very large amount of data reduced hardware requirements and peace of mind about backups, quality, stability ,efficiency, compatibility with current systems already used in the library to have a series of productions about digital library to have a long-term association of user groups and communicate with each other be readily available

Difference criteria to select National library software library as a part of the cooperating team of developer local support and ease of maintenance Conformance with relevant legislation format of requests delivery of document ordering of items for consultation and for remote document supply replying to requests cataloguing items chasing items tracking items in ordering system providing solutions for acquisitions cataloguing serials control circulation and reporting the ability to create catalogue conceptual model selective dissemination of information (SDI) and Alert service allowing users to save searches, function well with legal deposit partly funded by the government.

Conclusion Various reasons have significant role to select the library software, but librarians should recognize priorities. cost is the most important same criteria This factor shows that the budget have very significant problem even in National libraries Vendor’s profile and consistency with standards MARC21, Z39.50 are known as top subsequent ranking to select library software Experience and innovation vendor in library software can be effective factor. Support of international library standards facilitates the interoperability of data between different library softwares.

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