A Study on the Social Responsibilities of Iranian Public Libraries

Eisazadeh, Parnian and Shaghaghi, Mehdi A Study on the Social Responsibilities of Iranian Public Libraries. Research on Information Science and Public Libraries, 2024, vol. 30, n. 1, pp. 46-28. [Journal article (Paginated)]

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English 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.

Persian abstract

Item type: Journal article (Paginated)
Keywords: Social Responsibility,Public library,Dialogic rationality,Critical Rationality,Accountability rationality,Social inspiration,community building
Subjects: D. Libraries as physical collections. > DC. Public libraries.
Depositing user: rispl journal Journal
Date deposited: 30 Jan 2026 17:47
Last modified: 30 Jan 2026 17:47
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10760/47480

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