Volume 28, Issue 4 (3-2026)
jha 2026, 28(4): 85-98 |
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Zarea Gavgani V, Mahami-Oskouei M, Nemati-Anaraki L, Panahi S, Zare-Farashbandi F, Ashrafi-Rizi H, et al . Curriculum review and redesign of internship programs in graduate medical library and information science. jha 2026; 28 (4) :85-98
URL: http://jha.iums.ac.ir/article-1-4667-en.html
URL: http://jha.iums.ac.ir/article-1-4667-en.html
Vahideh Zarea Gavgani1 
, Mina Mahami-Oskouei2 , Leila Nemati-Anaraki3 , Sirous Panahi3 , Firoozeh Zare-Farashbandi4 , Hasan Ashrafi-Rizi4 , Maryam Okhovati5 , Maryam Shekofteh6
, Mina Mahami-Oskouei2 , Leila Nemati-Anaraki3 , Sirous Panahi3 , Firoozeh Zare-Farashbandi4 , Hasan Ashrafi-Rizi4 , Maryam Okhovati5 , Maryam Shekofteh6
1- Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
2- Department of Medical Library and Information Science, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. ,mmahami24@yahoo.com
3- Department of Medical Library & Information Sciences, School of Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4- Department of Medical Library and Information Sciences, School of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
5- Department of Medical Library and Information Sciences, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
6- Department of Medical Library and Information Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Medical Library and Information Science, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. ,
3- Department of Medical Library & Information Sciences, School of Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4- Department of Medical Library and Information Sciences, School of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
5- Department of Medical Library and Information Sciences, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
6- Department of Medical Library and Information Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (32 Views)
Introduction: The professional landscape of Medical Library and Information Science (MLIS) has undergone significant transformation, extending beyond traditional libraries to encompass information management, research support, clinical practice, technological innovation, and virtual environments. Revising the MLIS curriculum, particularly the internship program, is essential to meet contemporary professional and societal demands. This study aimed to revise the MLIS internship curriculum based on current field requirements.
Method: This mixed-method study included two phases. In the quantitative phase, a researcher-developed questionnaire was administered through a nationwide 360-degree survey to MLIS students, graduates, faculty members, and internship supervisors (December 2023–February 2024). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS version 28. In the qualitative phase, three focus group discussions were held with 16 educational policymakers, guided by the Krueger and Casey framework. Thematic analysis was performed to identify key domains and formulate a comprehensive internship model.
Results: Participants strongly agreed that internship bridges academic education and professional practice. High agreement supported developing clinical-medical librarianship and evidence-based practice for Master’s students (mean: 4.59±0.67) and executive, managerial, and policymaking roles for Ph.D. students (mean: 4.59±0.74). Students endorsed expanding internship sites (mean: 4.33±0.78) and implementing multi-site internship experiences (mean: 4.40±0.73). Qualitative findings supported a three-phase internship across four domains: clinical-medical, technology and communication, research, and traditional libraries/information centers.
Conclusion: A persistent gap exists between practical training and real-world professional needs. Addressing this gap requires fundamental revision of internship curriculum, including detailed guidelines, diverse practical opportunities, and supportive environments to effectively prepare students for academic progression and professional success.
Method: This mixed-method study included two phases. In the quantitative phase, a researcher-developed questionnaire was administered through a nationwide 360-degree survey to MLIS students, graduates, faculty members, and internship supervisors (December 2023–February 2024). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS version 28. In the qualitative phase, three focus group discussions were held with 16 educational policymakers, guided by the Krueger and Casey framework. Thematic analysis was performed to identify key domains and formulate a comprehensive internship model.
Results: Participants strongly agreed that internship bridges academic education and professional practice. High agreement supported developing clinical-medical librarianship and evidence-based practice for Master’s students (mean: 4.59±0.67) and executive, managerial, and policymaking roles for Ph.D. students (mean: 4.59±0.74). Students endorsed expanding internship sites (mean: 4.33±0.78) and implementing multi-site internship experiences (mean: 4.40±0.73). Qualitative findings supported a three-phase internship across four domains: clinical-medical, technology and communication, research, and traditional libraries/information centers.
Conclusion: A persistent gap exists between practical training and real-world professional needs. Addressing this gap requires fundamental revision of internship curriculum, including detailed guidelines, diverse practical opportunities, and supportive environments to effectively prepare students for academic progression and professional success.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Medical Librarianship and Information Science
Received: 2025/06/6 | Accepted: 2026/02/21 | Published: 2026/03/1
Received: 2025/06/6 | Accepted: 2026/02/21 | Published: 2026/03/1
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