Journal of Knowledge-Research Studies

Identification and Ranking of Digital Transformation Components in Medical Sciences University Libraries in Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD Candidate, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

3 Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

10.22034/jkrs.2025.19967

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to identify and rank the key components of digital transformation from the perspective of librarians working in Iranian medical sciences university libraries (IMSU).
Methodology: Adopting a descriptive-survey design, the study population consisted of 220 librarians from IMSU, selected through a complete census method. Data were collected using a 46-item Likert-scale questionnaire after confirming its validity and reliability. The data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) as well as Friedman and Wilcoxon tests in SPSS version 26.
Findings: The results of the EFA revealed eight components that together accounted for 76.630% of the total variance: (1) Intelligent services and process digitization, (2) staff competencies, (3) digital resource access and management, (4) information security and user interaction, (5) technical capabilities for data analytics and digitization, (6) legal awareness related to digital content, (7) digital leadership and innovation, and (8) technological infrastructure. The Friedman test indicated that “professional competencies of staff” had the highest mean rank (3.69), suggesting it as the most important component , while “technological infrastructure” had the lowest mean rank (2.92), reflecting a lower priority from the librarians' perspective. Post hoc Wilcoxon tests, adjusted using the Bonferroni correction, confirmed significant pairwise differences among these components.
Conclusion: Successful digital transformation in IMSU libraries requires an integrated approach that simultaneously emphasizes digital leadership and innovation as strategic dimensions, while strengthening technological infrastructure, enhancing professional staff competencies, and advancing process digitization as operational dimensions.
Value: By identifying the core factors influencing digital transformation in IMSU libraries, this study provides a f practical framework to support the design, implementation, and evaluation of digital transformation initiatives in academic library setting.

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Main Subjects

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Journal of Knowledge-Research Studies
Volume 4, Issue 3 - Serial Number 13
November 2025
Pages 92-120
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