Analysis of Research Trends in the Field of Archives Reflected in Archival Studies Theses at Iranian Public Universities

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 MA in Archival Sciences, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Iran, Tehran

2 Associate Professor. Department of Information Science, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Iran, Tehran

3 Associate Professor, Department of Information Science, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.

10.30484/ganj.2025.3280

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this paper is to explore the status and characteristics of research conducted in the field of archives as reflected in the postgraduate theses in archival studies at Iranian public universities.
Method and Research Design: The nature of this applied research is systematic review according to the PRISMA guideline. The statistical population in this study includes all defended theses in archival studies at public universities in Iran. Data collection was done using the PRISMA checklist. Data analysis was performed in Excel and using MAXQDA software. Qualitative data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding techniques.
Findings and Conclusion: In the field of archival studies, 119 theses were found. Of these, 88.3% were by female and 11.7% by male students. The most recurring themes were related to “National Archives of Iran” (n=33), “Digital Archives” (n=21), and “Archival Standards” (n=19). The main research population targeted was comprised of experts and practitioners in the field of archives (40.7%). The most widely used data-collection tools were questionnaires (44.1%), checklists (25.9%), and interviews (20.1%). Quantitative approaches were dominant, while qualitative content analysis yielded 111 concepts. The findings highlight an over-emphasis on historical themes and call for increased interest in newly emerged topics, pluralism in methodology, and policy-making coordination for conceptual unification in archival research carried out in Iran.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 06 April 2025
  • Revise Date: 13 April 2025
  • Accept Date: 25 May 2025

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