Study of Image Retrieval Behavior in Architecture Field of Shahid Beheshti University

Access to the required information in all available scientific disciplines is one of the most important factors in the survival of that field. In the architecture field, the type of information format differs from other disciplines. The purpose of this study was to identify the behavior of images in the architecture of Shahid Beheshti University. The present study is an applied target and uses a descriptive survey method. The statistical population of the study consists of two groups of students and professors in the architecture major of Shahid Beheshti University. To determine the sample size, the Cochran formula was used and the sample size in this formula was 296 people. The results showed that the architects mainly used images for identifying creative ideas and taking advantage of the details of architectural structures. The type of image content they used was mostly photos, maps, and charts, which could be found in engines and image databases by limiting the size of the image and following related links as long as the image was taken. One of the major obstacles in finding images for architects was the lack of familiarity with the way they were searched. Creativity, proximity to the subject, credibility, and quality of the images were the criteria for selecting content. Considering the library's share in retrieving research-based images, it is suggested that library and library librarians conduct awareness-raising activities at the university's research groups such as brochures, conferences, library visits, and workshops.