Research on Information Science and Public Libraries

A Study on the Social Responsibilities of Iranian Public Libraries

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Parnian Eisazadeh 1
Mehdi Shaghaghi 2

1 M.A. of Information Science, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Prof., Department of KIS, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

10.61186/publij.30.1.28
Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to identify, categorize and analyze the components of social responsibility in Iranian
public libraries. Specifically, it seeks to determine the extent to which these components are realized within Iranian
public libraries.
Methodology: This research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative
methods. In the qualitative phase, through a review of English-language research articles, the components of social
responsibility in public libraries were identified and categorized into 5 primary dimensions and 11 sub-categories. A
conceptual model was designed using a concept sorting method. In the quantitative phase, a questionnaire was developed based on the identified components. Content validity was established using the Content Validity Index (CVI),
with a mean CVI of .80 per item. Reliability was assessed through the split-half method, yielding a Spearman-Brown
coefficient of .891. Data collection occurred between January 2023 - June 2023. The sample size was calculated to
be approximately 160 participants using Cochran’s formula. Then, a systematic sampling technique was employed to
select 80 participantsfrom Hosseiniyeh Ershad Library and another 80 from Park-e Shahr Library, both located in Tehran. Data collection spanned a period of 45 days. For data analysis, a variety of statistical tests were utilized, including
binomial tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and structural equation modeling.
Findings: The study revealed a complex structure of social responsibility in public libraries, composed of five
primary dimensions and eleven secondary dimensions. These dimensions include popularization of critical rationality,
encompassing critical thinking and historical awareness; responsiveness, characterized by reasoned argumentation
and a commitment to justice; dialogical rationality, emphasizing freedom of expression and inclusive dialogue; social
inspiration, fostering social art and literature; and socialization, promoting privacy, community integration, and public
awareness. The findings indicated a general gap between the expected and actual levels of social responsibility in the
studied libraries. While no significant differences were observed between the responses of users from the two libraries, demographic factors such as age and income influenced perceptions of social responsibility. Younger individuals
(aged 31-40) were less likely to perceive social inspiration as fulfilled, while those with higher incomes (10-15 million
Tomans per month) reported lower levels of satisfaction in critical rationality, social inspiration and socialization. The
results of structural equation modeling indicated that the paths of critical rationality, social inspiration, and socialization were the only significant paths in the model, meaning that dialogical rationality is a factor influencing social
inspiration, and the combined effect of these two factors influences socialization. Furthermore, dialogical rationality
had the most powerful indirect effect on socialization, suggesting that popularization of dialogical rationality is the
most prioritized social responsibility of public libraries.
Originality/Value: This research contributes to the field by providing a comprehensive framework for understanding the components of social responsibility in public libraries. Additionally, it highlights the significance of
dialogic rationality in achieving the broader goals of social responsibility within these institutions.

Keywords

Social responsibility
Public library
Dialogic rationality
Critical rationality
Accountability rationality
Social inspiration
Community building
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Research on Information Science and Public Libraries
Volume 30, Issue 1
Spring 2024
Pages 46-28

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