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

Seifi, Leili The role of public libraries in the preservation of indigenous knowledge: A meta-synthesis. Research on Information Science and Public Libraries, 2025, vol. 31, n. 1, pp. 35-52. [Journal article (Paginated)]

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English 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.

Persian abstract

Item type: Journal article (Paginated)
Keywords: Public Libraries,Indigenous Knowledge,preservation of indigenous knowledge,Meta-synthesis
Subjects: D. Libraries as physical collections. > DC. Public libraries.
Depositing user: rispl journal Journal
Date deposited: 30 Jan 2026 17:30
Last modified: 30 Jan 2026 17:30
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10760/47447

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