Online Public Relations in University Libraries

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

• zahra rajaei
• mozafar cheshme sohrabi
• ebrahim afshar zanjani

university of Esfehan

10.22067/riis.v4i1.17540

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this research was to assess the online public relations activities of libraries in world’s top universities. It also aimed to suggest a pattern for academic libraries in Iran.
Methodology: This research used a descriptive- analysis method. A checklist was used to collect data from university library websites in world’s top universities in the year 2011 based on Shanghai Jiao Tong Academic Ranking of World Universities. Online public relations activities assessing in four indexes: communications, Advertising, Researching, and Publications.
Findings: From the communications aspect, most number of libraries websites provide facilities such as comments and suggestion links, FAQ, make donations, contact the library, chat, and RSS. For the advertising aspect, most numbers of libraries organize events and ceremonies information, introducing central library, branch libraries, services, new book showcase, staff directories, publish library policies, and online exhibits. For the publications, most number of libraries use news and past news links. Based on the research findings, the majority of libraries, however, do not use the web surveys and do not analyze the received comments. We suggest a model of structural and conceptual for academic libraries in Iran.

Keywords

• Public Relations
• Academic libraries
• online public relations
• Universities

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