Critical Success Factors of Digital Libraries in Iran: A Qualitative Research

Background and Aim: Myriad of IT projects failed in recent years. Digital libraries (DLs) as the product of the usage of IT in the library organization followed a similar trend. This paper studies the critical success factors (CSFs) of DLs in the context of Iran, with special focus on the Iranian Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology. CSFs, in this paper, are those factors that if followed on a daily basis will result in the success of the DL. Methods: The research approach in this paper is qualitative and the methodology is grounded theory. A non-probability snowball and theoretical sampling method was used for selection of eight DLs with their subsequent parent organizations and 29 interviewees. In addition to semi-structured deep interviews tool, direct observation by residing in the field, and field note taking were among other research tools for data gathering and analysis. Results: Six CSFs "good leadership and management practice", "having suitable change plan", "recruiting and safeguarding expert manpower", "selecting suitable DL software", "correct selection of digital objects", and "correct organization of digital objects". Conclusion: This research can be of value to the stakeholders who seek insights on the factors which would influence the success of digital libraries.