Access to printed and electronic information sources as means of continuing professional development of Iranian agricultural staff

Introduction. The professional staff of agricultural organizations need to obtain information from multiple sources for their continuing professional development to communicate with their stakeholders effectively and facilitate agricultural development. Aim. This study examines the accessibility of professional printed sources and information and communication technologies for the development of Iranian agricultural professionals. Method. The research utilises a focus group and a self-completion questionnaire using a random sample of the agricultural professionals working in the public sector of one of the south-west provinces of Iran. Results. Overall, the professionals, particularly the practitioners, had limited access to electronic and printed sources as self-directed learning methods for their continuing professional development. Access among higher educated professionals, such as researchers and subject specialists, mostly located at provincial level, was greater than their other colleagues, particularly those at district and county levels. International sources were poorly accessible to most staff. Conclusions. Management should be aware of the unequal access to these sources among different staff because of factors such as geography, language, education and type of profession. CHANGE FONT Page 1 of 19 12/09/2012 http://informationr.net/ir/17-3/paper528.html