https://publij.ir/ Research on Information Science and Public Libraries en daily 1 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0330 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0330 https://publij.ir/article_733240.html Purpose: The present study was conducted with the aim of assessing the readiness of public libraries affiliated with Iran Public Libraries Foundation for the implementation of lifelong learning programsMethods: The research method employed in this study was descriptive-survey in nature. The research population included all librarians and managers working in public libraries across Iran (a total of 7000 individuals). A sample of 364 participants was selected for the study. Ultimately, 223 individuals participated in completing the questionnaires. Data collection was carried out using a researcher-developed questionnaire comprising eight key components: basic lifelong learning skills, staff competencies, inter-organizational collaboration, learning infrastructure, personal and professional development, support for formal education, equal access to information resources, and promotion of reading culture. Results: The findings revealed that public libraries demonstrated above-average preparedness in areas such as basic skills, staff competencies, collaboration with organizations, learning infrastructure, support for formal education, and the promotion of a reading culture. However, in providing effective learning opportunities for personal and professional development, as well as ensuring equal access to information resources, their level of preparedness was below average.Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that public libraries affiliated with Iran Public Libraries Foundation possess a relatively suitable capacity for implementing lifelong learning programs. However, two critical areas—namely, users’ personal and professional development and equitable access to information resources—require greater attention, investment, and strategic planning. Accordingly, it is recommended that Iran Public Libraries Foundation enhance access to digital resources and offer diverse educational programs to better facilitate lifelong learning at the national level. https://publij.ir/article_730077.html Purpose and Introduction: Public libraries play a critical role in addressing the information needs of local communities, especially in supporting local economies and traditional occupations. This study explores the role of public libraries in empowering women in the Balochistan region by meeting their diverse information needs.Methods: This research used an exploratory qualitative approach as a case study with thematic analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 participants, including public librarians and experts in traditional handicrafts, selected through purposive sampling. To ensure credibility, interview transcripts were validated by participants, and inter-coder agreement confirmed the coding reliability. Data were analyzed in three stages using MaxQDA 2020: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding.Findings: Analysis identified 423 open codes, 20 axial codes, and 3 selective codes. Findings show that needlework women in Balochistan have diverse information needs, including access to updated techniques, skill training, raw material guidance, knowledge sharing, service training, marketing strategies, tailored services, awareness programs, and support from the government. Additionally, formal and informal education, along with digital literacy, are essential. Key challenges include financial barriers, limited services, lack of information awareness, and restricted access to reliable sources.Conclusion: Public libraries are vital for small-scale entrepreneurship and local development, especially in rural and underserved areas. They help meet the information needs of traditional artisan communities, like needlework women in Balochistan, preserving cultural heritage and empowering marginalized groups. Study provides insights for library administrators, policymakers, and researchers at the intersection of information services, gender, and local cultural industries. https://publij.ir/article_731124.html Purpose: The present study aimed to assess the feasibility of implementing financial literacy educational programs for children in public libraries and to formulate appropriate strategies for this purpose using the SWOT analysis model.Methods: This applied research employed a mixed-methods (qualitative-quantitative) approach. Data were collected through documentary studies and semi-structured interviews with 10 experts (including professors of library and information science, experts from the Iran Public Libraries Institution, children’s librarians, and a finance professor). Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis, and quantitative data were analyzed using the Delphi technique and a weighting process within the SWOT framework.Results: The findings indicated that the total weighted scores for internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities and threats) were 3.86 and 3.29, respectively, both exceeding the theoretical average of 3.00. This demonstrates the superiority of internal strengths (such as a commitment to public education, attractive children's spaces, and creative programming capability) and the dominance of external opportunities (such as family acceptance and their increased awareness) over threats and weaknesses. The most significant weakness was identified as limitations in educational facilities, and the most critical threat was the weak national infrastructure for financial literacy. Based on this analysis, the four strategic categories (SO, ST, WO, WT) were formulated.Conclusion: The results show that public libraries in Iran possess adequate capacity and a favorable strategic position to enter the field of children's financial literacy education. Success depends on initiating step-by-step, creative, and low-cost programs while simultaneously attracting partnerships and resources to address infrastructural barriers. https://publij.ir/article_730452.html Purpose: One of their major challenges lies in securing adequate funding and adopting innovative entrepreneurial approaches to ensure organizational development and long-term sustainability. This study aims to identify strategies for diversifying financial resources and fostering entrepreneurship in public libraries, drawing on both domestic and international experiences to propose an effective framework for enhancing their financial and managerial capacity. Method: This qualitative study was conducted through a systematic review, following the seven-step method of Sandelowski and Barroso (2006). The study population included domestic studies published between 2009 and 2021, and international studies published between 2010 and 2021, focusing on financial diversification and entrepreneurship in public libraries. After a multi-stage screening process, 30 studies were selected for final analysis. Results: The results reveal 42 strategies for diversifying the revenue streams of public libraries, categorized into six overarching themes: cultural and economic initiatives in specific regions, public library governance, development of infrastructure and information technology, enhancement of library services, cultural programs and activities, and commercial and entrepreneurial initiatives. Key strategies include AI-driven needs assessment and targeted resource distribution, encouraging philanthropic contributions, securing legal budget allocations, designing digital libraries, collaborating with artistic organizations, establishing book cafés, strategic planning, organizing trade exhibitions, and promoting e-commerce.Conclusion: Diversifying the financial resources of public libraries requires a comprehensive approach that simultaneously strengthens infrastructure, modern technologies, public participation, and entrepreneurial initiatives. Implementing these strategies can enhance the financial sustainability of libraries and position them as dynamic and influential institutions in cultural and educational development. https://publij.ir/article_733597.html Purpose: This study aims to identify the components of a health information services framework through a systematic review of the literature and to validate these components using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) from the perspective of public librarians in Iran.Methods: An exploratory mixed‑methods design was employed, consisting of two phases: a systematic literature review and confirmatory factor analysis. In the first phase, relevant databases and citation indexes were systematically searched using the PRISMA framework to locate sources related to health information services. Following multiple stages of screening and data refinement, 61 eligible documents were identified. The research team conducted a thematic analysis of the extracted data. Based on the resulting themes, a questionnaire was developed and administered to 300 Iranian public librarians. The collected data were analyzed using CFA to assess the validity of the proposed framework.Results: The systematic review revealed a broad spectrum of health information services offered in public libraries worldwide, leading to the identification of three major functional categories and 19 specific services. The CFA results confirmed the validity of these three categories within the Iranian context: informational functions (8 services), educational functions (8 services), and social functions (12 services). These findings demonstrate that the structure of health information services identified globally aligns with the perceptions and experiences of Iranian public librarians.Conclusions: The systematic review identified diverse health information services implemented in public libraries internationally. The confirmatory factor analysis further demonstrated that Iranian public libraries possess both the capacity and willingness to contribute to community health promotion. The validated framework provides a practical foundation for developing, organizing, and expanding health information services in Iranian public libraries. It can guide policymakers, library administrators, and practitioners in designing evidence‑based programs that enhance public access to reliable health information and support informed health decision‑making. https://publij.ir/article_730920.html Purpose: This study is applied in approach and utilizes a mixed-methods design. Initially, the Fuzzy Delphi method was employed to identify and screen the factors affecting the level of organizational commitment. Subsequently, the Marcus normalized weighted decision matrix technique was used to prioritize these factors.Methods: This study was conducted in terms of an applied approach and a mixed method. To conduct the study, first, using the Fuzzy Delphi method, the factors affecting the level of organizational commitment were identified and screened, and then the Marcus Normalized Decision Matrix technique was used to prioritize these factors.Results: The results indicated that the factors influencing the level of organizational commitment among librarians and staff in public libraries, in order of priority, are: familiarity with work procedures, job satisfaction, compensation and benefits systems, motivational incentives, career/organizational goal setting, organizational justice, and the existence of a coherent performance appraisal system. Conversely, factors such as clarity of the decision-making process and workplace health and safety, while important, received lower scores and thus occupy lower priority rankings.Conclusion: The results of the study demonstrate that the most significant factors influencing organizational commitment include familiarity with work procedures, job satisfaction, compensation and benefits systems, motivational incentives, and career goal setting. Accordingly, organizations should focus on improving job training, motivational systems, and enhancing professional communication. https://publij.ir/article_734172.html Purpose: The purpose of this research is to identify users' perceptions and experiences regarding why and how they keep and leave personal information items in public libraries in South Khorasan Province.Methods: This study was conducted using an interpretive phenomenological approach. The sample was selected through purposive sampling from among active users of public libraries in South Khorasan Province with a bachelor's degree or higher. The data collection tool was a semi-structured interview.Results: Personal information items were categorized into two groups: print and digital resources. The participants valued keeping information resources in both categories. Regarding leaving them, they believed it posed certain challenges but in some cases proceeded due to an inability to make decisions. The most important reasons for keeping print information resources, according to the respondents, were: personal interest, perceived future need, informational, historical, or religious value, study purposes, research activities, reminiscing, lack of access to the internet and digital resources. The most important reasons for keeping digital information items were cited as: ease and prevalence of using such resources, greater accessibility compared to print resources, saving time and cost, personal interest and need, and educational purposes.Conclusion: Based on the findings, users place great importance on keeping and securely managing their personal information, whether in print or digital form. Most users have had positive experiences accessing their personal information and believe that keeping it offers more benefits than leaving it. However, in cases where personal information holds no value to them, they are willing to leave it. https://publij.ir/article_730510.html Purpose: Introduction and purpose: Today, people's lives are under the influence of the ever-increasing changes of the digital world, in such a way that the physical and cyber spaces in people's lives are no longer separable, and the provision of human needs has changed so much that people's lifestyles have changed in different areas. Since public libraries are considered as one of the social and cultural indicators, they must move in line with responding to this change in the path of digital transformation, therefore, changes in the building and space of the library and paying attention to the emerging needs of public libraries' audience are essential. set. Considering this necessity, the impact of digital transformation on the design and architecture of public libraries was measured.Methods: The present research method is based on the purpose of applied type. Based on the method of data collection, this research is of mixed type. In this research, qualitative data and then quantitative data were collected and analyzed first, and priority is given to the qualitative phase. Therefore, first, the data obtained from the qualitative method was collected and analyzed using a focus group consisting of experts and specialists in the fields of digital transformation and information technology, information science and epistemology, and architecture. In the quantitative stage, 20 experts and specialists in the mentioned fields and employees of Hosseinieh Irshad Public Library were selected by the focal group, 8 people in 4 groups, including the information science and epistemology group, and 4 people from other groups based on their experience. , experience and knowledge were present in the subject of the research. Results: The findings showed that the variable of digital transformation on the design and architecture of public libraries has a mean of 4.20 and a standard deviation of 0.486 and has a higher mean than the average. All the investigated components are above the average and also the entrance space with an average of 4.25 and the game and entertainment space with an average of 4.23 have the highest average scores. Surveys showed that the average of the digital transformation components in the design of library spaces is higher than the average of the Likert spectrum. A significant level of 0.000 was obtained, which is smaller than the alpha error level (0.05). Coclusion: As a result, the components of digital transformation have an impact on these designs. Also, the impact of digital transformation components in the design of library spaces was investigated and confirmed according to the observed average. In this research, the impact of digital transformation on the design and architecture of public libraries was investigated from the perspective of relevant experts. According to the results of this research and findings and according to the observed average, the components of digital transformation were found to be effective in the design of library spaces. https://publij.ir/article_733914.html Purpose: The manner of evaluating information literacy can enhance the quality of education and the assessment of information literacy within educational environments. It is essential for an information literacy instructor to be able to obtain an appropriate assessment of an individual's basic competency level and the effectiveness of the instruction provided, as well as to deliver feedback effectively to the learner. This paper aims to construct three types of rubrics and provide an opportunity to compare them through a pilot implementation for assessing students' information literacy. Methods: This research was conducted a qualitative action research on assess students' information literacy. Three types of rubrics were developed by studying textbooks and interviewing 16 teachers. A comparative pilot implementation of these rubrics was then carried out to assess the information literacy of 19 upper primary school studentsResults: The results elucidate the capabilities of each type of rubric—holistic, point-based, and descriptive-analytical—in explaining the student's status. The holistic rubric expresses the status in a single word. The descriptive-analytical rubric provides a more precise description of the status by selecting descriptive components. The point-based rubric offers a more precise opportunity for the student to solve problems and improve their status.Conclusion: Comparative findings indicate that the holistic rubric can provide a suitable overall view of the skills. Descriptive-analytical rubrics more accurately depict the student's status. The method for improving the status and addressing deficiencies is more apparent in the point-based rubrics. https://publij.ir/article_730509.html Porpuse: The present study aims to describe the discourse of reading in the "Book Reading Meetings" organized by the Iran Public Libraries Institution.Methods: The research method is discourse analysis. Linguistic tools from the descriptive level of Fairclough's approach to discourse analysis were applied to analyze 28 texts produced about the "Book Reading Meetings." The analysis was conducted using MaxQDA 2020 software.Results: The discourse of "reading therapy" was identified in the "Book Reading Meetings." Within this discourse, the reading practice is represented as purposeful reading intended to treat mental and social illness. The reader is portrayed as an individual who reads to cure or prevent an illness. Printed books are represented as appropriate and beneficial reading materials, while public libraries are depicted as social clinics.Conclusion: The dominance of the "reading therapy" discourse marginalizes other interpretations and practices of reading. As reading is solely represented as purposeful reading of printed books for treatment or prevention, other perspectives on reading, such as reading for pleasure, relaxation, or empowerment, are sidelined. Similarly, other reading resources, like magazines, and tools, such as digital reading devices, are concealed. Alternate interpretations of public libraries, such as centers for lifelong learning and empowerment, are excluded. Furthermore, other conceptions of the reader, such as someone who reads for leisure or someone with obsessive reading tendencies, are dismissed. https://publij.ir/article_730449.html Porpuse: The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of high-performance work systems on the innovative work behavior of librarians in public libraries in Markazi Province, with an emphasis on the mediating role of psychological empowerment and the moderating role of support from supervisors and colleagues. Methood: This study is of an applied type and was conducted using a descriptive-survey method. The statistical population of the study included librarians working in public libraries in Markazi Province, from whom 120 people were selected using a stratified random sampling method. Standard questionnaires were used to collect data, and data analysis was performed at two levels of descriptive and inferential statistics, using SPSS (version 25) and Smart-PLS (version 3.3) software. Results: The results of the study showed that high-performance work systems have a positive and significant effect on the psychological empowerment and innovative work behavior of librarians. The positive effect of psychological empowerment on innovative work behavior was also confirmed. In addition, the mediating role of psychological empowerment in the relationship between high-performance work systems and innovative work behavior was proven. The results also showed that supervisor and colleague support as a moderating variable strengthens the relationship between psychological empowerment and innovative work behavior. Conclusion: By providing a comprehensive model, this study identifies and explains the individual and organizational dimensions that affect innovation in library environments and can provide a scientific basis for policymaking and improving the human resource management system in public libraries. https://publij.ir/article_730453.html Purpose: The present study aimed to design an entrepreneurial revenue model for endowment libraries in Iran. To achieve this goal, the components of the revenue model were identified and prioritized.Methods: This research was applied and conducted using an exploratory mixed method (qualitative, quantitative). The statistical population included academic experts, managers, and librarians of endowment libraries in Iran. Sampling was done using the snowball method, and 14 experts in the field of revenue generation and marketing for endowment libraries were surveyed. In the qualitative section, thematic analysis was used to extract the main themes and blocks of the business model. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used in the quantitative section to prioritize the components. Data collection tools included interviews and questionnaires. The validity and reliability of the data were confirmed using valid methods.Results: Based on the business model, the proposed model consisted of 45 main components and 9 blocks. The main blocks included revenue streams, cost structure, distribution channels, key partners, key resources, key activities, customer segments, customer relationships, and value propositions. Based on the results, the "key resources" component was ranked first, while "distribution channels" were ranked last. Other components, such as value propositions, revenue streams, and customer relationships, were prioritized accordingly.Conclusion: The proposed model can help improve the management of endowment libraries and address their financial challenges. This model will lead to financial independence, cultural and educational development, and increased stakeholder engagement.Keywords: Endowment Libraries, Revenue Generation Model, Business Model. https://publij.ir/article_730450.html Purpose: determining appropriate components to assess the status of the children and adolescents in the country's public libraries.Method: This applied study was conducted using a mixed-method survey-analytical method. In the quantitative part, library and document studies were used to collect data and design researcher-made questionnaires. In the qualitative section, the Delphi method was used to review and confirm the components extracted from the quantitative section with the opinions of seventeen members of the expert panel. Data analysis was performed with SPSS software using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (Kendall, Friedman, and Chi-square tests).Results: The findings showed that with the Kendall coordination coefficient (0.294) in the fourth Delphi stage, relative consensus among members was achieved and all 33 indicators in 6 components were above the total average. The Friedman test showed a significant difference between the highest ratio related to "equipping the library with tables, chairs, and ergonomic furniture for children and adolescents" (4.59) and the lowest ratio related to "planning counseling services for adolescents" (3.06). Also, the priorities of the components were most related to "library factors" (33.71) and the least related to "library environmental factors" (10.71).Conclusion: Scientific and authoritative studies, including 33 indicators in 6 categories, have been compiled and approved based on the institution's services, specialized human capital, and intellectual development in improving the quality of children's and adolescents' libraries, which can serve as a practical and managerial guide for decision-makers and managers to improve and develop this and play an important role in developing a reading culture. https://publij.ir/article_730454.html Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the digital literacy skills of public librarians in Sistan and Baluchestan provinces based on the components of the GISC framework.Methods: The research adopts an applied mixed-methods approach, combining descriptive-analytical survey techniques. In the qualitative phase, the elements of the DigComp digital literacy framework were analyzed using a checklist tool and guided qualitative content analysis (GAL method), resulting in categorized themes. Quantitative data were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS software, applying the Bazargan et al. desirability level scale and mean difference comparisons. The study population consisted of 60 public librarians from Sistan and Baluchestan (excluding central administrative staff), surveyed via a census method without sampling.Results: The qualitative analysis identified 44 indicators and 5 core components of the GISC digital literacy framework. Quantitative results revealed that librarians' proficiency in "Creating and Developing Digital Content" was moderate (mean: 3.22), while their competency in "Problem-Solving in Digital Environments" was low (mean: 2.245). No significant difference was found in digital literacy levels between librarians in Sistan and Baluchestan, with the overall skill level assessed as moderate.Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for targeted in-service training programs to enhance librarians' digital literacy, particularly in problem-solving and content creation. Addressing these gaps can empower public librarians, fostering continuous skill development and enabling them to educate patrons using modern international digital literacy frameworks. https://publij.ir/article_730456.html Porpuse: Analyzing studies in reading can provide valuable insights into research trends and conceptual developments within this domain. This study aims to present the scientific structure of the reading domain from 1999 to 2023, using bibliometric techniques to identify key research clusters and emerging topics.Methods: This research employs a bibliometric approach and co-word analysis. 597 documents were extracted from the Islamic World Science Citation Center (ISC) database to examine the trends in reading-related research over the specified period. Cluster analysis and strategic diagrams were used to map the conceptual structure of research in reading.Results: Eleven clusters in the reading domain were identified, including: reading skills (1), reading comprehension (2), literacy (3), text comprehension (4), specific learning disorder (5), reading performance (6), cognitive reading deficit (7), cognitive rehabilitation (8), reading disorder (9), functional reading impairment (10), and learning disability (11). Additionally, through content analysis of articles published over the past 25 years, emerging topics were identified as potential future research directions for reading.Conclusion: The results can contribute to a comprehensive understanding of current research areas and provide guidelines for researchers to start new studies. This paper will help researchers gain a holistic understanding of the concept of reading and identify potential areas for future research. https://publij.ir/article_733479.html AbstractPurpose: Toys play an important role in children’s cognitive, social, and physical development, and through incorporating them into library services, public libraries can become dynamic learning centers. This study aims to identify the principles and criteria for selecting toys in public libraries.Method: This applied research adopted a qualitative approach using thematic analysis. The study population consisted of experts, librarians, and specialists in childhood and toy-related fields, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 27 participants until theoretical saturation was reached. The data were analyzed through thematic analysis at three levels: open, axial, and selective coding.Findings: A total of 97 open codes, 13 subcategories, and 3 main categories were identified. The main category, “the necessity of using toys,” included transformation in teaching and learning, enhancement of the library’s status, service improvement, development of children’s skills, and strengthening the social role of libraries. The category “principles and criteria for toy selection” comprised five dimensions: physical characteristics, functional features, indigenous–cultural considerations, spatial–contextual factors, and toy typology. The category “toy collection development” included acquisition, development of guidelines, and attention to special groups.Conclusion: The findings show that toys in public libraries are not merely recreational tools but multidimensional resources with educational, cultural, social, and institutional functions. The results indicate that toy selection and collection development in Iranian public libraries require a comprehensive and indigenous approach that simultaneously considers safety, developmental, cultural, and institutional criteria, providing a basis for informed decision-making by librarians, managers, and cultural policymakers.