The Department of Medical Library and Information Science

Overview

The activities of the Department of Medical Library and Information Science were commenced at the School of Allied Medical Sciences of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences with the admission of undergraduate students in the initial semester of the academic year 1998-1999. Subsequently, the admission of students to the master’s program of medical library and information science took place during the first semester of the scholastic year 2011-2012. At present, the department consists of two associate professors and two assistant professors and only accepts students for the master's degree program.

It is noteworthy to state that the Department of medical library and information science, in partnership with the central library of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, launched and distributed an academic journal in the English language, titled "Journal of Medical Library and Information Science."

Mission statement

The mission of the Department of Medical Library and Information Science is to train and prepare competent and committed individuals who can assume roles in the management and leadership of medical library and information centers within academic institutions, research organizations, and healthcare establishments. The aim of the department is to cultivate experts who possess the necessary competencies to effectively manage libraries, engage in scientometric procedures, promote information and health literacy in the individual and public levels, manage research data, and contribute to the field of clinical librarianship.

Vision statement

The vision of the Department of Medical Library and Information Science is to rise to a position of immense importance in the realm of medical library and information science education at a national level by consistently striving for self-improvement.

Goals

1.The provision of education and training for proficient and successful individuals who will serve as valuable assets in libraries and information centers focused on medical sciences, specifically in the roles of academic librarians, clinical librarians, data librarians, research librarians, and scientometric specialists.

2.The enhancement of the department, faculty, and university's standing in national and international rankings by means of educational and research endeavors.

3.The expansion of postgraduate programs.

4.The cultivation of an entrepreneurial mindset.

5. Assisting in the establishment of evidence-based practice through associated educational and research endeavors, including the training of clinical librarians, the implementation of research projects, and the creation of student theses, as well as the publication of books and articles within this domain.

6. Engagement in the advancement of education and research within various scientific fields by offering courses in medical information systems and undertaking interdisciplinary research in areas such as cardiovascular diseases, neurology and neurosciences, endocrinology and metabolism, traditional medicine, rehabilitation, and more. 

7.Improving the quality of "Medical Library and Information Journal" at the national and international level.

8. Assisting in the prevention or management of health information pollution by conducting research on health literacy and infodemiology.

9.Ensuring the ongoing enhancement of knowledge and professional abilities of the faculty members of the Department of Medical Library and Information Sciences.

10.Involvement in macro-discipline policies through membership in the specialized board for medical librarianship and information.