Research on Information Science and Public Libraries

The role of public libraries in the preservation of indigenous knowledge: A meta-synthesis

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Leili Seifi

Department of KIS, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.61882/publlij.2025.2064842.1002
Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to identify and analyze the role of public libraries in the preservation of indigenous knowledge based on international scholarly literature.
Methods: This applied qualitative research employed the meta-synthesis method. A systematic search was conducted in databases including Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar search engine. Inclusion criteria were English-language studies published between 2005 and 2022 that addressed the role of public libraries in preserving indigenous knowledge. Non-relevant articles, conference proceedings, books, and non-English sources were excluded. After duplicate removal and initial screening based on titles, abstracts, and keywords, 20 full-text documents were reviewed, of which 10 studies (articles and theses) were selected. Data analysis using MaxQDA involved open, axial, and selective coding, resulting in 394 open codes, 15 concepts, and 5 core categories. Validity was assessed using a critical appraisal tool with ten qualitative criteria, and reliability was confirmed through inter-coder agreement, with 90% of codes validated by a second coder.
Results: Public libraries perform five key roles in preserving indigenous knowledge: enhancing community well-being through knowledge dissemination; conducting internal tasks such as documentation and classification; engaging with indigenous communities to foster trust; collaborating with cultural and educational institutions; and addressing barriers such as digital divides and limited resources.
Conclusions:. The study offers a conceptual framework demonstrating how public libraries can preserve indigenous knowledge through documentation, targeted engagement, and institutional collaboration. This model serves as a practical guide for information professionals, library managers, cultural planners, and policymakers, and may also empower indigenous communities by increasing awareness and participation in knowledge preservation.

Keywords

Public libraries
Indigenous knowledge
Preservation of indigenous knowledge
Meta-synthesis
Byrne, A. (2005). Indigenous Knowledge and Libraries: An Afterword. Australian Academic & Research Libraries, 36(2), 201-205. https://doi.org/10.1080/00048623.2005.10721260
Catalano, A. (2013). Patterns of Graduate Student’ Information Seeking Behavior: A Meta-synthesis of the Literature. Journal of Documentation, 69(2), 243-274. https://doi.org/10.1108/00220411311300066
Chibuzor, L. D., & Ngozi, E. O. (2009). The Role of Public Libraries in the Preservation of Cultural Heritage in Nigeria: Challenges and Strategies. Journal of Applied Information Science and Technology, 3, 46-50. https://www.jaistonline.org/ChibuzoOsadebe_2k09.pdf
Dehvari, B., Riyahinia, N., & Mahmodi Topkanloo, H. (2019). Identification of indigenous knowledge items and presenting the knowledge management model of indigenous medicine in Makran district. Human Information Interaction, 6(1), 89-102. [in Persian] https://dor.isc.ac/dor/20.1001.1.24237418.1398.6.1.7.2
Duke, T. S., & Ward, J. D. (2009). Preparing Information Literate Teachers: A Metasynthesis. Library & Information Science Research, 31(4), 247-256. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr.2009.04.003
Eskandari, H., Borji, M., & Ghorbani, M. (2018). Local initiatives and indigenous knowledge in community-based water resources management (Case study: Roozkin Village – Sarduyeh- Jiroft District). Journal of Range and Management Watershed. 71(2), 321-340. [in Persian] https://doi.org/10.22059/jrwm.2018.133034.918
Ezekia, M., & Yousefi, J. (2004). Indigenous knowledge of using oak in Mamsani County. Anthropology Letters, 3(6), 15-37. [in Persian] https://ensani.ir/file/download/article/20110104154226-91.pdf
Forutnani, S. (2014). The role of rural libraries in documenting, preserving and disseminating indigenous knowledge of south khorasan rural residents and presenting the proposed protocol (unpublished master's thesis). Birjand University. [in Persian] https://ganj.irandoc.ac.ir/#/articles/fc490ced2ebc3be71698517101ec5670
Forutnani, S., Nowkarizi, M., Kiani, M. R., & Mokhtari Aski, H. R. (2018). The Role of Rural Libraries in Preserving the Indigenous Knowledge of Rural Residents: The Case of South Khorasan Province. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, 15(3), 245-256. https://doi.org/10.1108/WJSTSD-12-2017-0044
Ghasemipour, M. (2021). Identification of the role of librarians and libraries in indigenous knowledge management using the Meta-Synthesis method (unpublished master's thesis). Birjand University. [in Persian] https://ganj.irandoc.ac.ir/#/articles/6b1093eb279cbed6da2275f05fb21ef5
Isah, A., Bashorun, M. T., & Omopupa, K. T. (2012). Libraries and Preservation of Indigenous Knowledge in Developing Countries: The Nigeria Experience. In A. Tella & A. Issa (Eds.) , Library and Information Science in Developing Countries: Contemporary Issues (pp. 96-106). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-61350-335-5.ch008
Jauhiainen, J. S., & Hooli, L. (2017). Indigenous Knowledge and Developing Countries’ Innovation Systems: The Case of Namibia. International Journal of Innovation Studies, 1(1), 89–106. https://doi.org/10.3724/SP.J.1440.101007
Joranson, K. (2008). Indigenous Knowledge and the Knowledge Commons. The International Information & Library Review, 40(1), 64-72. https://doi.org/10.1080/10572317.2008.10762763
Kargbo, A. J. (2005). Managing Indigenous Knowledge: What Role for Public Librarians in Sierra Leone?. The International Information & Library Review, 37(3), 199-207. https://doi.org/10.1080/10572317.2005.10762681
Lilley, S., & Paringatai, T. P. (2014). Kia Whai Taki: Implementing Indigenous Knowledge in the Aotearoa New Zealand Library and Information Management Curriculum. Australian Academic & Research Libraries, 45(2), 139-146. https://doi.org/10.1080/00048623.2014.908498
Lwoga, E. T. (2011). Knowledge Management Approaches in Managing Agricultural Indigenous and Exogenous Knowledge in Tanzania. Journal of Documentation, 67(3), 407-430. https://doi.org/10.1108/00220411111124523
Maina, C. K. (2012). Traditional Knowledge Management and Preservation: Intersections with Library and Information Science. The International Information & Library Review, 44(1), 13-27. https://doi.org/10.1080/10572317.2012.10762911
Mhlongo, M. A. (2018). Integration Of Indigenous Knowledge Into The Services Of Public Libraries In South Africa [Doctoral dissertation, University of South Africa]. UnisaIR. https://uir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/23849
Mhlongo, M. A., & Ngulube, P. (2018). Public Libraries as Conduits for Indigenous Knowledge in South Africa. Library Philosophy and Practice, 1.https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/1757/
Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, J., Altman, D. G., & The PRISMA Group (2009). Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement. Annals of Internal Medicine, 151(4), 264-269. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-151-4-200908180-00135
Nakata, M., Hamacher, D., Warren, J., Byrne, A., Pagnucco, M., Harley, R., Venugopal, S., Thorpe, K., Neville, R., & Bolt, R. (2014). Using Modern Technologies to Capture and Share Indigenous Astronomical Knowledge. Australian Academic & Research Libraries, 45(2), 101-110. https://doi.org/10.1080/00048623.2014.917786
Nakata, N. M., Nakata, V. S., Anderson, J., Hunter, J., Hart, V., Smallacombe, S., McGill, J., Lloyd, B., Richmond, C., & Maynard, G. (2007). Libraries and Knowledge Centres: Implementing Public Library Services in Remote Indigenous Communities in the Northern Territory of Australia. Australian Academic & Research Libraries, 38(3), 216-231. https://doi.org/10.1080/00048623.2007.10721297
Naseri. Z., & Noruzi, A. (2018). Content Marketing Process Model: A Meta - Synthesis of the Literature. Webology, 15(1), 8-18. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327014105_Content_Marketing_Process_Model_A_Meta-Synthesis_of_the_Literature
Ngozi Anasi, S., Ibegwam, A., & Olubukunmi Oyediran-Tidings, S. (2013). Preservation and Dissemination of Women's Cultural Heritage in Nigerian University Libraries. Library Review, 62(8-9), 472-491. https://doi.org/10.1108/LR-11-2012-0126
Ngulube, P. (2017). Embedding Indigenous Knowledge in Library and Information Science Education in Anglophone Eastern and Southern Africa. In P. Ngulube (Ed.) , Handbook of Research on Social, Cultural, and Educational Considerations of Indigenous Knowledge in Developing Countries (pp. 92-115). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-0838-0.ch006
Ojei, L. N., & Owojuyigbe, A. A. (2019). Libraries as Driving Access to Indigenous Knowledge (IK). Research Journal of Library and Information Science, 3(2), 1-7. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344294264_Libraries_
as_Driving_Access_to_Indigenous_Knowledge_IK
Okorafor, C. N. (2010). Challenges Confronting Libraries in Documentation and Communication of Indigenous Knowledge in Nigeria. The International Information & Library Review, 42(1), 8-13. https://doi.org/10.1080/10572317.2010.10762837
Owolabi, K. A., Ovwasa, D. E., Ajayi, T. B., & Odewale, M. O. (2022). Preservation and Use of Indigenous Knowledge Practices in Public Libraries in Nigeria. Public Library Quarterly, 41(5), 485-502. https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2021.1938897
Pilot, J. (2005). Developing Indigenous Knowledge Centres. Australian Academic & Research Libraries, 36(2), 37-43. https://doi.org/10.1080/00048623.2005.10721247
Rao, S. S. (2006). Indigenous Knowledge Organization: An Indian Scenario. International Journal of Information Management, 26(3), 224-233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2006.02.003
Raseroka, K. (2008). Information Transformation Africa: Indigenous Knowledge – Securing Space in the Knowledge Society. The International Information & Library Review, 40(4), 243-250. https://doi.org/10.1080/10572317.2008.10762789
Sandelowski, M. & Barroso, J. (2007). Handbook for Synthesizing Qualitive Research. Springer Publishing Company. https://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Synthesizing-Qualitative-Margarete-Sandelowski/dp/0826156940
Sarah, E. A. (2015). The Role of Libraries in the Preservation of Indigenous Knowledge in Primary Healthcare in Nigeria. International Journal of Digital Library Services, 5(2), 43-54. https://ijodls.in/uploads/3/6/0/3/3603729/vol-5_issue-2.43-54.pdf
Seifi, L., & Soltanabadi, M. (2020). Iranian Public Libraries’ Capacities in Preserving and Disseminating Intangible Cultural Heritage. IFLA Journal, 46(4), 359-368. https://doi.org/10.1177/0340035219886608
Seifi, L., Ghasmeipoor, M., & Ayati, M. (2024). Identifying the Role of Libraries in Indigenous Knowledge Management: A Meta-Synthesize Study. Librarianship and Information Organization Studies, 36(2), 7-30.[in Persian] https://doi.org/10.30484/nastinfo.2024.3624.2283
Sen, B. (2005). Indigenous Knowledge for Development: Bringing Research and Practice Together. The International Information & Library Review, 37(4), 375-382. https://doi.org/10.1080/10572317.2005.10762695
Soltanabadi, M. (2017). Capacities of preservation and disseminating intangible cultural heritage resources by Iran's public libraries: Strategies and solutions (unpublished master's thesis). Birjand University [in Persian] https://ganj.irandoc.ac.ir/#/articles/32aebe7e93d048281946f977472830be
Tella, R. D. (2007). Towards Promotion and Dissemination of Indigenous Knowledge: A Case of NIRD. The International Information & Library Review, 39(3-4), 185-193. https://doi.org/10.1080/10572317.2007.10762748
Thorpe, K., & Galassi, M. (2018). Diversity, inclusion & respect: Embedding Indigenous priorities in public library services. Public Library Quarterly, 37(2), 180-194. https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2018.1460568
Younes, F. (2017). Preservation of Indigenous Knowledge by Public Libraries in Westcliff, Chatsworth, Durban [Master's thesis, University of the Western Cape]. UWC Online - University of the Western Cape. https://etd.uwc.ac.za/xmlui/handle/11394/5839?show=full
Research on Information Science and Public Libraries
Volume 31, Issue 1
Spring 2025
Pages 35-52

Home

Submit Manuscript

Reviewers

Contact Us