Information literacy in public libraries from the perspective of policymakers of Iran Public Libraries Foundation: An exploratory study

The role of public libraries as one of the infrastructures of the information society and an important center in lifelong education to the society and the development of information literacy skills to the audience; It is always very important. The present paper aims to conduct an exploratory study on the status of information literacy in upstream documents and curriculums of Iran public libraries institutions for public libraries.

This is a developmental exploratory-qualitative study in terms of purpose. Research data were collected using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with policymakers and officials of public libraries. Data were coded and analyzed using thematic analysis and Colaizzi methods through MaxQDA 12. Items validity was verified using content validity by information literacy experts, and the coding reliability coefficient was measured using the Holsty formula.

A total of 313 codes were extracted from interviews, among which 69 open-ended codes for the three items of information literacy significance, 39 open-ended codes for three items of upstream documents, 55 open-ended codes for the three items of information literacy training plans for the target audience, 118 open-ended codes with two main items, and two sub-items of information literacy gaps and causes of gaps, and 32 open-ended codes with four items of information literacy improved status strategies were categorized. Lack of coherent and integrated educational programs in the institution’s upper level documents, passing and limited references to information literacy skills, slow revision of upper level documents and notices, lack of presence of librarians and information literacy experts in the country in compiling documents, lack of upper level view of concepts Information literacy skill-oriented, in the institution’s upstream documents, are among the most important deficiencies in relation to information literacy skills in the programs of public libraries of the country.

Originality/value:

 Research findings showed that planning and implementing information literacy skill development programs in Iran public libraries suffer from poor status in practice and upstream documents. Hence, it is necessary to use a comprehensive plan to deal with information literacy skills in upstream documents of Iran public libraries. Therefore, it is necessary for the institution of public libraries of the country to improve its strategic policies, organizational structure and culture, operational plans and current measures in this field. Adding new issues to the upstream documents and revisions of relevant rules would lead to achieving the desired condition and deepening information literacy status in Iran public libraries. Thus, it effectively contributes to training and improving information literacy skills among Iran public libraries attendees. The result of these efforts will be giving place and creating value to the concepts and skill components of information literacy in Iran’s public libraries in order to empower the audience.