Applying Time Management Components in Updating Information, and Professional Planning of Knowledge and Information Science Specialists

Purpose: The present study aims to study time management in updating information, and professional planning of knowledge and information science specialists in public libraries of Kerman province.
Method: This survey research is an applied study. The statistical population includes all the employees of public libraries in Kerman province, numbering 82 people. The sample size was selected as 68 people based on Morgan's table and the stratified random sampling method. The study population was determined by the city, where from each, and based on the population the sample was selected. Two researcher-made questionnaires including time management and updating information were used to collect data. The time management questionnaire included 40 questions about the methods of monitoring and controlling time in performing professional activities. The updating information questionnaire was also designed including 15 questions regarding the up-to-date use of information sources, websites, media, databases, and access to specialized information. The face validity method was used to calculate the validity of the measurement tool. The reliability of the questionnaires was also evaluated using Cronbach's alpha test. The coefficients for time management and information updating questionnaires were determined as 0.845 and 0.948, respectively, which indicates the high reliability of the measurement tool. Data analysis has been carried out by SPSS software. Descriptive statistics were used, including mean and standard deviation as well as inferential statistics including Pearson-Spearman correlation coefficient and multivariate regression model.
Findings: The results showed that the correlation coefficients of the Pearson and Spearman tests between the two variables of time management and updating information are 0.412 and 0.318, respectively. As a result, there is a direct and meaningful relationship between staff time management and information updating in public libraries of Kerman province. Considering that the value of R2adj (adjusted R2) is equal to 0.174, therefore, the variance score confirms the updating of the information. Based on this, there is a significant linear relationship between goal setting, prioritization of goals and activities, operation planning, delegation of authority, management of communication and management of staff meetings, and updating of information. The multiple correlation coefficient is r=0.498, which shows the relationship between goal setting, prioritization of goals and activities, operation planning, delegation of authority, communication management and staff meeting management, and updating information. Considering that the significance level is equal to 0.006 and smaller than the α=0.05 level, therefore, this relationship is significant. Considering that the value of R2adj (adjusted R2) is equal to 0.174, then the variance score confirms the updating of the information.
Conclusion: The results showed that there is a direct relationship between employee time management and updating information in public libraries of Kerman province. The greater the ability of employees in time management, the greater their ability to update information and increase the quality of specialized work. In addition, there is a close relationship between planning operations by employees and updating information; That is, the more the employees plan operationally and objectively to deal with matters, the better they can update their information in specialized and general fields. Strong organization including delegation of authority and a suitable work environment is very important for managers to have effective time management and it is appropriate for managers to focus on beneficial activities. Therefore, it is suggested that library staff prioritize their goals according to their importance; allocate a specific time to plan and update their information; prepare short-term and long-term career goals; grade organizational goals; hold meetings at the right time; specify the start and finish of the work; specify the method of doing the work and have a specialized study program.