Volume 19, Issue 5 (12-2025)
payavard 2025, 19(5): 470-491 |
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Ethics code: IR.TBZMED.REC.1403.134
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Mohajel Nayebi S, Daei A, Gavgani Zarea V. Developing an Educational Specialization in Medical Librarianship and Information Science: A Multi-Methods Study with Policy Recommendations. payavard 2025; 19 (5) :470-491
URL: http://payavard.tums.ac.ir/article-1-7954-en.html
URL: http://payavard.tums.ac.ir/article-1-7954-en.html
1- Master of Science in Medical Library and Information Science, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
2- Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Library and Information Science, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
3- Professor, Department of Medical Library and Information Science, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
2- Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Library and Information Science, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
3- Professor, Department of Medical Library and Information Science, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
Abstract: (107 Views)
Background and Aim: The continuous specialization and rapid evolution in medical and health sciences, combined with the growing influence of information and communication technologies, have created an urgent need for specialized education in Medical Library and Information Science (MLIS). As universities transition toward the fourth and fifth-generation models, characterized by innovation, networking, and entrepreneurial orientation, academic disciplines are expected to become more dynamic and responsive to technological and societal change. This study aimed to identify emerging community-based educational specializations, explore the related challenges and enabling factors, and develop policy recommendations for establishing a new specialization in MLIS.
Materials and Methods: This multi-methods research was conducted with the goal of informing educational policy and curriculum development. In the first phase, a scoping review following the Arksey and O’Malley framework and guided by the PRISMA-ScR checklist was carried out to identify existing and emerging specializations in health-related information sciences. In the second phase, a focus group discussion (FGD) involving eight domain experts explored perceived challenges, influencing factors, and potential strategies for specialization development. Finally, in the third phase, a simple Delphi technique was applied with ten policymakers in Medical Library and Information Science to prioritize the proposed specialization options. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically, using coding and categorization to identify recurrent patterns and themes.
Results: The scoping review included 22 eligible studies, from which 11 educational specializations related to health information and librarianship were initially extracted. After merging overlapping domains, eight distinct specializations remained. Following expert and policymaker prioritization, four educational specializations were selected as feasible and necessary for integration into the MLIS curriculum. The main challenges identified were: Ensuring disciplinary sustainability in the face of rapid scientific and technological change; Promoting structural and curricular reform to align educational programs with real-world health information needs; Overcoming institutional and cultural resistance to organizational change. Policymakers emphasized curriculum modernization, specialized educational tracks, and needs-based program design as essential strategies for strengthening MLIS education and its alignment with health system priorities.
Conclusion: The study recommends that universities establish new educational specializations or formal short-term programs tailored to national and regional needs in health information science. Implementing the proposed policy options can enhance the long-term sustainability, relevance, and innovation capacity of the MLIS discipline while increasing the employability and professional competence of graduates. Strengthening educational responsiveness to societal and technological transformation will position Medical Librarianship and Information Science as a key enabler in evidence-based health systems and digital health development.
Materials and Methods: This multi-methods research was conducted with the goal of informing educational policy and curriculum development. In the first phase, a scoping review following the Arksey and O’Malley framework and guided by the PRISMA-ScR checklist was carried out to identify existing and emerging specializations in health-related information sciences. In the second phase, a focus group discussion (FGD) involving eight domain experts explored perceived challenges, influencing factors, and potential strategies for specialization development. Finally, in the third phase, a simple Delphi technique was applied with ten policymakers in Medical Library and Information Science to prioritize the proposed specialization options. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically, using coding and categorization to identify recurrent patterns and themes.
Results: The scoping review included 22 eligible studies, from which 11 educational specializations related to health information and librarianship were initially extracted. After merging overlapping domains, eight distinct specializations remained. Following expert and policymaker prioritization, four educational specializations were selected as feasible and necessary for integration into the MLIS curriculum. The main challenges identified were: Ensuring disciplinary sustainability in the face of rapid scientific and technological change; Promoting structural and curricular reform to align educational programs with real-world health information needs; Overcoming institutional and cultural resistance to organizational change. Policymakers emphasized curriculum modernization, specialized educational tracks, and needs-based program design as essential strategies for strengthening MLIS education and its alignment with health system priorities.
Conclusion: The study recommends that universities establish new educational specializations or formal short-term programs tailored to national and regional needs in health information science. Implementing the proposed policy options can enhance the long-term sustainability, relevance, and innovation capacity of the MLIS discipline while increasing the employability and professional competence of graduates. Strengthening educational responsiveness to societal and technological transformation will position Medical Librarianship and Information Science as a key enabler in evidence-based health systems and digital health development.
Keywords: Specialization, Medical Librarianship and Information Science, Medical Librarianship, Health Librarianship, Educational Challenges
Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
Medical Library & Information Sciences
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