Public Libraries in Tehran (Iran): Conditions and Issues

This article investigates the conditions of public libraries’ in Tehran (Iran), which are managed either by the Municipality or the Iranian Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. A descriptive survey research was performed using a structured questionnaire and distributed for data gathering. The population of this study consists of public libraries in Tehran which are around 80 in number. Of these, 60 libraries were selected randomly and distributed among these identified sixty libraries. Of these sixty libraries, 38 libraries responded and returned the filled questionnaires. Findings of the survey reveal that these libraries do not have any independent policy. Library managers of these libraries believe that public libraries need more professional manpower to organise effective library services. As of today most of the public library buildings are not suitable for organising library services. At the end, some suggestions are made for improving the prevalent condition of public libraries in Tehran.