Objective: This study aims to extract an optimal model for the implementation, management, and publication of Iran's General Administrative Thesaurus based on semantic web standards (SKOS/RDF) using open-source software. Methodology: This research was conducted using the action research method within the framework of Lewin’s three-phase model (planning, execution, and evaluation). The research population comprises the Iran's General Administrative Thesaurus dataset. In the planning phase, the initial status of the thesaurus data was analyzed, and three models for data preparation were identified and evaluated. Following the analysis, an Excel template compatible with SKOS-Play was developed. In the execution phase, the data were organized in a spreadsheet and converted into RDF format. To ensure data validity, the SKOS-Play validation rules were reviewed, and identified errors were corrected. Subsequently, the thesaurus was uploaded into VocBench, processed, and exported in Turtle format. Findings: The research findings led to the development of a six-stage model for managing and publishing the Iranian Public Administration Thesaurus. This model consists of: (1) Data preparation, (2) Conversion of the thesaurus dataset to RDF,(3) Transfer of RDF data to VocBench, (4) Serialization of the thesaurus dataset in Turtle format, (5) Publication of the thesaurus dataset in Skosmos, and (6) Provision of access and retrieval services. The results showed that the thesaurus consists of 564 concepts, five main collections, and 18 sub-thesauri, comprising 3,136 RDF triples, with an average triple density of 5.56 per concept. Furthermore, three primary access methods were implemented: (1) Browsing via a web-based system, (2) Using a RESTful API, and (3) Executing semantic queries through SPARQL. Additionally, standard data formats including RDF, Turtle, N-Triples, and N-Quads were provided for data retrieval and integration into other systems. Conclusion: The developed model in this research is a comprehensive and process-driven approach that can be generalized to other thesauri. The results indicated that the average RDF triple density of 5.56 in this thesaurus demonstrates a well-structured conceptual relationship, contributing to enhanced semantic search and information retrieval in the semantic web. Moreover, the hierarchical structure, the assignment of globally unique identifiers (URIs), and the resolution of technical challenges related to Persian language processing significantly improved the accuracy and efficiency of the thesaurus compared to similar projects. Additionally, the availability of multiple data formats (RDF, Turtle, N-Triples, N-Quads) and access via REST API and SPARQL facilitates the integration of thesaurus data into knowledge management systems. One of the key applications of this study is the integration of the thesaurus into administrative automation systems across the country, enabling interaction and gradual standardization of terminology within governmental organizations. This study demonstrated that adopting semantic web standards and open-source tools provides a sustainable and operational model for managing and publishing national thesauri, serving as a framework for future national projects in this domain.
Objective: The present study aims to investigate the developments related to the users' virtual questions and their impact on the determination of answerers.Methodology: This study is qualitative in nature and has been conducted using the scoping review method. To this end, a total of 61 final works related to the research objective were analyzed and examined.Findings: The majority of studies have focused on "chat transactions" in the reference sections of "academic libraries", with researchers striving to classify questions based on content analysis of these transactions. This has led to the development of diverse classification schemes for identifying question types, making it difficult to compare research findings. However, the findings related to the types of reference questions can be divided into two groups: the first group includes studies that categorize user questions based on common classification systems such as Katz (1997, 2002), Warner (2001), and Sears (2002). A comparison of these studies’ results indicates that the most frequent types of questions are "specific search," "directional," and "research" questions. The second group consists of studies based on researcher-developed classifications of reference questions, where comparisons were made based on the category names and the definitions provided for them. The results showed that "ready reference," "directional and library policy," and "research" questions were the most frequently asked by users. Furthermore, studies suggest that if reference questions require little to no resources and can be answered with minimal effort and time, they may be handled by trained non-specialist staff and student library assistants. These include "ready reference," "specific search," "directional," and "library policy" questions. Among these, research questions (or "consultation questions" according to Warner, 2001) were identified as a category requiring librarians’ expertise and skills, making them more suitable to be answered by specialist librarians.Conclusion: Transformations in the nature of reference questions are occurring, warranting careful consideration. While Katz (1997) firmly believed that all reference questions should be answered by librarians, he later acknowledged that "most questions are directional and simple ready reference inquiries; in general, the questions and the resources used are straightforward and comprehensible; therefore, most questions can be answered by a well-trained staff or a bachelor's degree." In line with this perspective, the present study highlights the emerging face of reference services, where a tiered response model is implemented. This approach allows specialist librarians to avoid spending time on non-specialized and simple queries, enabling them to focus on more complex tasks and the development of new services.
Objective: Academic library services play a prominent and valuable role in the information resources and solutions of scientific researchers. Considering these services, academic libraries are expected to use innovative methods and attract and increase their users. "Gamification services" of academic libraries is one of the new methods and studies in this field. The program, gamification as a new attractive feature in improving and increasing users in various services, has attracted the attention of libraries. According, the main purpose of this research is to identify and analyze the elements and components of gamification for academic library services in Iran, so that quality of services can be improved and more attention is paid to users.Methodology: This study is applied in nature and employs a mixed- methods approach (qualitative- quantitative) conducted in two stages. In the first stage, a systematic review was performed following the PRISMA guidelines to identify relevant sources related to the research topic. In the second stage, the Delphi technique was used to design a questionnaire aimed at identifying a suitable gamification framework for university library services in Iran. This questionnaire was then distributed to panel members. The research population consisted of two groups: 1- Relevant studies, including articles and theses on the gamification of university library services both domestically and internationally, from which 44 sources were ultimately selected based on the PRISMA 2015 screening criteria; 2- Delphi panel members, with 7 participants in the first stage and 6 in the second stage. Data were collected through the analysis of sources and questionnaires. Content analysis was conducted using MAXQDA 2020 software.Findings: The review of relevant research led to the identification of the Octalysis framework (eight- sided) and Scaffolding Designs Theory as suitable frameworks for the gamification of Iranian university library services. Furthermore, stakeholder feedback highlighted several key elements: emotions, narrative, progress, and connection from the dynamic category; collaboration, feedback, interaction, competition, and rewards from the mechanics category; and achievements, avatars, levels, leaderboards, badges, and points from the components category. The application of the Octalysis framework, Scaffolding Designs Theory and appropriate gamification elements can enhance the delivery of university library services, thereby attracting and engaging more users.Conclusion: The incorporation of gamification elements and frameworks into university library services is a novel approach aimed at increasing user engagement and enriching scientific resources. This approach has garnered significant attention from libraries. By integrating gamification elements and framework with existing services, university libraries can create an interactive and engaging learning environment. Identifying and balancing operational frameworks of effective gamification elements, while managing the potential for errors and failures in gamification projects, can significantly contribute to the success of such initiatives in Iranian university libraries.
Objective: This study seeks to explore the potential for enhanced collaboration, convergence, and integration among libraries, archives, and museums as institutions with shared societal objectives. Therefore, the research aims to identify the state of cooperation between libraries, Archives and museums in IranMethodology: This study adopted an applied research design with a qualitative approach, utilizing grounded theory methodology. Semi-structured interview was employed as the primary data collection tool. The research population comprised managers and experts in the fields of librarianship, museology, and archival science, with a sample of 24 participants selected through snowball sampling until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis was conducted in three phases: open coding, axial coding and selective coding, adhering to a structured grounded theory approach.Findings: In this study, 399 initial codes were extracted from content analysis of the interviews, which were categorized into 53 secondary codes and 5 main categories including "current situation", "existing grounds for cooperation", "factors affecting cooperation", "benefits of cooperation" and "challenges of cooperation". These were further classified into 6 main categories based on the grounded theory approach: causal conditions, central phenomenon, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, strategies and consequences. A theoretical model was developed based on these categories. The findings indicated limited, occasional and fragmented cooperation among libraries, museums and archives. This was attributed to inadequate technological infrastructure, lack of common and comprehensive resource description standards, absence of independent associations and organizations responsible for cooperation, lack of clear and systematic policies, absence of overarching laws supporting cooperation, lack of skilled and competent human resources, and lack of transparency in financial matters and budget allocation. On the other hand, the results showed that implementing a comprehensive and sustainable cooperation plan would lead to savings in financial resources, reduced costs of providing and organizing resources, increased service efficiency and user satisfaction, reduced use of primary sources, increased access to information resources, and deepening research activities. Macro policies, weak technological infrastructure, organizational structure and culture, financial resource provision, and human resource provision were identified as the main challenges in cooperation among libraries, museums, and archives.Conclusion: Considering the research findings, it can be said that cooperation and convergence between libraries, museums, and archives as three organizations preserving society's cultural and historical heritage is a necessity. Organizations will gain many organizational, financial, human resource and competitive advantages from this. In this regard, it is necessary to provide technological, economic and human resources infrastructures and design and implement the necessary standards, regulations, policies, laws and policies.
Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of quantum management skills on the work engagement of employees in public libraries in Isfahan County, with the mediating role of managers' motivational language. The research seeks to identify the relationships between these variables and their significance in enhancing organizational performance. Methodology: This study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-survey in terms of data collection. The statistical population included 308 employees of public libraries in Isfahan in the second half of 2022, with 200 questionnaires distributed using simple random sampling, and 169 questionnaires were fully analyzed. Standard questionnaires were used to measure quantum management, work engagement, and motivational language. The validity and reliability of the questionnaires were confirmed using Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM), and the results indicated a good model fit and confirmed the validity and reliability of the indicators. Findings: The research highlights the impact of quantum management on workplace interactions and motivational language. It involves a demographic analysis indicating that most participants are men aged 31-40, with 48.5% holding a bachelor's degree and 43.8% having less than ten years of work experience. Using structural equation modeling in Smart PLS, four hypotheses were tested. The findings confirmed that quantum management positively influences work interaction and motivational language, with significant path coefficients (0.234 and 0.604, respectively). Additionally, motivational language was found to mediate the relationship between quantum management and work interaction, enhancing employee interactions through effective motivational strategies. This underscores the importance of managerial approaches in fostering a collaborative work environment. Findings: The present study investigates the role of quantum management skills on workplace interactions, considering motivational language as a mediating variable among public library employees in Isfahan. The findings highlight the critical importance of quantum management skills in fostering effective communication between managers and staff. This innovative management approach enables leaders to enhance workplace interactions and improve employee performance through the use of motivational language, which serves as a powerful tool for emotional support and stress reduction. The research confirms four hypotheses, all of which were validated, indicating that both quantum management skills and motivational language have direct effects on workplace interactions. This underscores the necessity of these skills in enhancing service quality in public libraries and creating a collaborative work environment. Furthermore, the study emphasizes that attention to motivational language and quantum management can significantly contribute to achieving library objectives and improving overall service efficiency. Ultimately, fostering a dynamic and supportive atmosphere in libraries not only enhances employee engagement but also leads to greater user satisfaction and better quality of library services.
Objective: This article seeks to provide a comprehensive conceptualization of the role of Movable-Type printing houses in shaping the cultural, political, and media landscape of the city by examining the process of the introduction and consolidation of Movable-Type printing technology in Mashhad during the late Qajar period. Furthermore, it addresses the challenges of indigenization, the role of key actors, and the interactions between the Toos and Khorasan printing houses with local traditional institutions.Methodology: The research employs a descriptive-analytical methodology, grounded in the collection and analysis of original archival documents and specialized library resources. Initially, financial records, contracts, correspondence, publications, and books pertaining to the Tus and Khorasan printing houses were purposefully collected and categorized. Subsequently, the amassed data was evaluated using a qualitative content analysis approach and comparative analysis. This process aimed to elucidate the trajectory of the technology's localization, the role of human networks, and the socio-cultural impact of typographic printing in Mashhad. This methodology has enabled a precise reconstruction of the introduction and consolidation of Movable-Type printing, clarifying the roles of technical and social factors in the formation and evolution of Mashhad's typographic industry during its first two decades.Findings: The belated introduction of Movable-Type printing to Mashhad in 1902 CE saw the Tus and Khorasan printing houses act as primary agents in restructuring the city's print culture and information landscape. Through technical innovation and engagement with traditional institutions, these establishments successfully overcame the initial challenges. Typographic printing paved the way for significant developments, including the expansion of newspapers, a greater diversity of published content, and the proliferation of texts with predominantly political and social orientations. This printing paradigm, often reliant on local human capital and community networks rather than state support, played a fundamental role in creating a dynamic, modern communicative sphere for disseminating post-Constitutionalist ideas in Mashhad. The thematic diversity of the published works reflects this, demonstrating the proliferation of varied perspectives and the emergence of new intellectual discourses. Conclusion: The transition from lithographic to Movable-Type printing in Mashhad was emblematic of the broader shift from tradition to modernity. The growing preference for Movable-Type printing, driven by the need to meet administrative and press requirements, accelerated transformations within the media landscape. With printing houses such as Toos and Khorasan at its forefront, Movable-Type printing emerged as a key element in the city's cultural, civic, and political developments, significantly influencing Mashhad's public discourse. These establishments played a pivotal role in shaping the public sphere and generating social criticism. This advent and consolidation formed an integral part of the larger process of cultural reconstruction, representing a confluence of technology, power, and identity on the path to modernization.
Objective: The collage art is one of the branches of book layout in Islamic civilization entered Iran from the East and during the Timurid period; however, this research revealed that the history of the art of cutting dates back to the Seljuk period and the beginning of the sixth century AH. This art can be identified in the endowment pamphlets of the Yahya Hibatullah al_Husayni family to the library of the Razavi Holy Shrine. The purpose of this research is to identify and analyze the oldest collage art used in the manuscripts and illuminations of the Quran in the Quran Museum of Quds Razavi Province, which is related to the Seljuk period. Methodology: The research is applied in terms of purpose conducted in a descriptive and analytical manner with purposeful sampling. Given the lack of access to the original sources, the data collection tool is library-based, and a checklist of manuscript information was prepared, then analyzed through tables, and finally, the findings were presented in the form of conceptual passages. Findings: It showed that all the manuscript elements of the Qurans, including their writing and illumination, were done by the Hibatullah al_Husayni family or under their supervision. By comparing the manuscript elements of these booklets, it was found that all the booklets were arranged in the same way; therefore, both booklets 4240 and 82 were written and illuminated in the same period. The findings showed that two patterns were used in the sectoral art papers: one protective in booklet 4240 and the second protective and decorative pattern in booklet 82. Conclusion: The findings obtained from the manuscript analysis of the collection of Quranic pamphlets revealed that the sectorial art used in these Qurans was created by the Hibatullah al_Husayni family at the Bayhaq calligraphy center in Khorasan, and that the artist or master responsible for the sectorial art worked in this calligraphy center. Another result of this research is the identification of the oldest sectorial art related to the Seljuk period, which was executed in a simple form or with geometric knotting designs. It was also discovered that geometric motifs were not incorporated into the sectorial art patterns of the Timurid and Safavid periods. The patterns obtained indicated that sectorial art was also employed in other Qurans from the Seljuk period, and by identifying the sectorial art in Quranic manuscripts, the place of their creation can be determined. Finally, it was concluded that this art was frequently utilized during the Seljuk period, and the origin of this art can be attributed to that era.
Objective: The modern world, shaped by the spread of mass media, industrial progress and new technologies, faces deep challenges in maintaining cultural and ethical values. These changes have made the education of today's individuals a complex and challenging process. The lack of the cognitive skills needed to navigate large amounts of information and to engage in a multicultural context can have serious intellectual, ethical and social consequences. In these circumstances, education systems need to undergo fundamental changes to prepare children for life in a dynamic and changing society. The ineffectiveness of some educational models in nurturing thinking and responsible individuals has led to new pedagogical movements, such as philosophy for children (P4C), and teaching problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. At the heart of the Philosophy for Children programme is the 'Community of Inquiry', a dialogue space where students practice caring thinking and critical problem-solving through collaborative philosophical inquiry. The success of such research circles depends heavily on adequate educational resources, especially narratives that can inspire deep philosophical debate. Given the lack of emphasis on caring thinking in the P4C theoretical frameworks, the urgent need to reinvigorate the values of reflective dialogue in the world today and the need for appropriate literature to support caring thinking, a survey of widely-acclaimed children's stories is essential. This study therefore selected internationally best-selling and investigation-oriented stories for the age group C and used them as a trigger in the philosophical investigation community. This study aimed to address the following research issue: What is the impact of using foreign Age Group C narratives on the development of students' caring thinking and its subcomponents?Methodology: This study is a quasi-experimental research with a pretest-posttest design and a control group, and it is applied in terms of its purpose. The statistical population of the research consisted of male sixth-grade elementary school students in Isfahan during the 2024-2025 academic year. From this population, 60 students were selected using a two-stage cluster sampling method and subsequently assigned to two groups: an experimental group and a control group (n=30 per group). The intervention for the experimental group involved the use of inquiry-based and best-selling foreign storybooks from children's publications (published between 2016 and 2024) over 10 sessions within a community of inquiry framework. Data were collected using the Hedayati Caring Thinking Questionnaire (2018). The instrument's validity was established through confirmatory factor analysis, and its reliability was determined using Cronbach's alpha. To assess the significance of the intervention, one-way Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) were conducted using SPSS software (version 26).Findings: The findings obtained from univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed that the use of selected foreign stories in the experimental group significantly increased students' overall scores in reflective thinking. However, multivariate analysis indicated that these stories led to significant improvements in only two components - "value-oriented thinking" and "active thinking" - while not demonstrating statistically significant effects on all components of reflective thinking.Conclusion: It can be concluded that the use of foreign literary stories in the context of a community of inquiry may help to improve some aspects of caring thinking in children. However, influencing all components requires more extensive interventions and further research. It is therefore recommended that before using these stories, they are revised and adapted to bring them into line with cultural and local standards in order to strengthen their ability to address the components of caring thinking.
Objective: In addition to extracting the seventeen United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the present study also emphasizes the translation and localization of these goals. The study uses thesauruses from the Iranian Documentation Center (Irandoc) database and searches within the Islamic World Science & Technology Monitoring and Citation Institute (ISC) comprehensive database to enhance the vocabulary. It employs search terms from the Scopus database. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals are part of the 2030 Agenda, aimed at ending poverty, protecting the planet, improving lives, and achieving peace and prosperity by 2030. Methodology: The current research is an applied study and utilizes content analysis and document study to compile a five-stage list of phrases, keywords, and terms related to sustainable development indicators. The data collection method involved structured (systematic) observation, which was formal and non-participatory. The data collection tool included a researcher-made checklist, designed and validated using terms and keywords from the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is important to note that the expansion of vocabulary in this project was facilitated by Irandoc's specialized thesauruses, which offered electronic search capabilities. Scopus was utilized to extract related keywords and translate them into Persian, further enhancing the vocabulary associated with the SDGs. Findings: The current research has developed a vocabulary list including natural and controlled language terms for use in innovation and technology platforms. This list can be employed to label various ideas and needs. By mapping each idea and need to this vocabulary, we can align them with the needs and ideas in technology and innovation systems related to the SDGs. The separate lists created for each SDG are intended to facilitate matching innovation and technology platforms with these goals. The current list can be utilized across all databases and citations to index various sources, including articles and theses. By applying this list on multiple platforms and databases in the Persian language, it will be possible to observe and monitor national scientific publications concerning the SDGs. The Needs and Answers Network (NAN) has now completed the research, technology, and innovation chain, playing a crucial role in needs-oriented research activities. By using the list developed on this platform and aligning the identified needs and ideas with the SDGs, we may clearly understand the country’s research performance in this area. Conclusion: This research can serve as a basis for a new research direction and compare the effectiveness of indexing based on these lists in various innovation and technology platforms with other methods of scientific indexing and organization.
Objective: In today's highly competitive environment, knowledge-based value management serves as a strategic tool to enhance process efficiency and bolster the competitiveness of organizations. This method, through the effective utilization of available knowledge, improves organizational performance and contributes significantly to achieving long-term competitive advantage. This research aims to explore how knowledge-based value management affects process efficiency and investigate the mediating role of competitiveness in enhancing this relationship. Method: The study follows a positivist approach to establish causal relationships and measure the effects of variables within a scientific framework. It is primarily based on library research, complemented by field data collection techniques. Data analysis involves structural equation modeling and various statistical methods, such as Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and regression analysis. The sample consists of branches of Bank Gostaresh Iran, chosen through simple random sampling. The sample size was determined to be 165 individuals, according to Morgan’s table. Three questionnaires designed by the researchers were used for data collection: the knowledge-based value management questionnaire (5 dimensions, 20 items), the process efficiency questionnaire (6 dimensions, 18 items), and the competitiveness questionnaire (7 dimensions, 21 items). Experts confirmed the validity of these questionnaires, and their reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. The data was analyzed using LISREL software for structural equation modeling.Findings: The findings of the study highlight the critical role of knowledge-based value management in enhancing process efficiency within organizations. Specifically, the dimensions of knowledge-based value management - namely knowledge identification, auditing, organizing, and ranking values - are shown to be significant predictors of process efficiency, accounting for an impressive 95 percent of its variation. This suggests that effectively managing knowledge and values within an organization can lead to substantial improvements in how processes are executed.Furthermore, the study reveals a robust positive correlation between competitiveness and process efficiency, with a correlation coefficient of 0.979 (p<0.000). This indicates that as an organization's competitiveness increases, so does its process efficiency. Similarly, there is a strong positive relationship between knowledge-based value management and competitiveness, with a correlation coefficient of 0.951 (p<0.000). This finding underscores the importance of managing knowledge effectively to enhance an organization's competitive edge.Path analysis conducted in the study indicates that competitiveness acts as a mediator in the relationship between knowledge-based value management and process efficiency. This means that the impact of knowledge-based value management on process efficiency is, in part, facilitated through its influence on competitiveness. Key elements such as pricing strategies, innovation capabilities, customer service quality, and management practices are identified as significant factors that affect process efficiency.Conclusion: This study concludes that knowledge-based value management enables organizations to use their knowledge resources optimally, improving their value-creation processes. This approach strengthens the organization’s ability to generate value and enhances its competitive position in the market. Therefore, incorporating knowledge-based value management as a central strategy is vital for achieving success and long-term growth in a competitive landscape.
Objective: The aim of this paper is to analyze the co-occurrence of the vocabulary of academic publications of the school experiences of entrepreneurs using scientometric techniques to show the extent to which the experiences of the entrepreneurs' school period have been considered and studied by researchers and what role different countries and universities have played in investigating this issue. Also, this study reveals what concepts are considered in this field and how they are related. Methodology: The present type of research is applied which has been done using the co-occurrence method of words and scientometric indicators. The data of 2132 scientific articles from 1970 to 2023 were extracted from the Scopus database and analyzed using Vosviewer software. Findings: The trend of growth of scientific articles published in the field of school experiences of entrepreneurs started in 2000 and is still continuing. The United States, the United Kingdom, and Indonesia are the leading countries in this field of science. Also, the main thematic clusters include practical entrepreneurship training, educational strategies in entrepreneurship, psychological aspects of entrepreneurship, and integration of education and entrepreneurship. The results can contribute to a better understanding of the current and future status of this field. Scientometric analysis, on the one hand, reveals the topics under investigation and those that have been neglected, and on the other hand, clarifies research areas and collaborations among researchers. This revelation helps identify important and neglected issues and provides researchers with opportunities for collaboration. Conclusion: Research in the field of entrepreneurship is an interdisciplinary practice that requires the collaboration of multiple scientific groups, and this activity has increased significantly during the twenty-first century and is still in the process of growth. However, little research has been conducted by Iranian researchers. Entrepreneurial activities promote social and economic development in several ways; because they increase individual incomes, create more jobs, and mobilize the creative power of society. The school experience of entrepreneurs plays a fundamental role in shaping their theoretical knowledge and skills for starting and managing a business.
Objective: With the expansion of digital technologies, the methods of reading and user interaction with information sources have changed. Digital reading, as one of the most significant consequences of this transformation, has brought new opportunities and challenges. While digital tools enable faster access and greater interaction with content, factors such as distractions, superficial reading, and perceptual challenges also influence this process. Understanding these factors is essential for optimizing the digital reading experience and improving the quality of information processing. This study, aiming to identify the factors influencing digital reading behavior, was conducted to better understand and comprehensively explore the individual, environmental, technical, and content-related dimensions of this behavior in light of advancements in digital technologies.Methodology: This study used the meta-synthesis method. In this regard, relevant articles were identified, evaluated, and finally analyzed using Sandlowski and Barroso's seven-stage model. A systematic review of the scientific literature, coding of key concepts, and content analysis were used to examine the findings.Findings: The findings showed that digital reading behavior is shaped by a combination of personal, environmental, technical, and psychosocial factors. Personal factors, including digital literacy, cognitive characteristics, and individual motivation, significantly affect how users interact with digital reading materials. People with high digital literacy tend to interact more effectively with digital texts and use features such as search tools, annotations, and hypertext navigation to enhance comprehension. However, those with lower digital literacy often struggle with information overload and shallow reading patterns. In addition, cognitive characteristics, such as attention span and reading habits, determine how deeply users process digital content. Environmental and technical factors also play an important role in shaping digital reading behavior. Internet quality, user interface design, and data security affect how users access and interact with digital materials. A well-designed user interface with customizable fonts, background colors, and easy navigation enhances readability, while poor design can hinder user experience and comprehension. In addition, privacy concerns and cybersecurity issues can affect users’ willingness to engage in digital reading, especially in environments where the security of personal data is uncertain. Psychological and social factors further contribute to digital reading behaviors. The increasing presence of digital distractions, such as pop-up notifications, social media, and advertisements, can disrupt users’ focus and reduce their ability to read deeply. In addition, cognitive fatigue due to prolonged exposure to screens affects reading comprehension and efficiency. At the societal level, family and peer influence can encourage or discourage digital reading habits. Supportive academic and professional environments enhance digital reading engagement by providing structured access to high-quality digital resources. Finally, the structure of content and presentation of digital texts significantly affects user engagement. Features such as multimedia integration, hyperlinked texts, and interactive elements can enhance comprehension and retention when used appropriately. However, overreliance on multimedia can lead to cognitive overload and reduce the effectiveness of the reading experience. In addition, the format of digital texts, including font size, contrast, and paragraph structure, affects user readability and comfort, especially for long reading sessions.Conclusion: Strengthening digital literacy education, optimizing reading technologies, addressing privacy concerns, and minimizing distractions can improve digital reading experiences. Policymakers should develop structured educational policies, and more research is needed on their long-term cognitive effects. Implementing these strategies could make digital reading more engaging and effective in a variety of contexts.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the experiences of visually impaired users when interacting with the Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology (IRANDOC) systems and to identify the challenges they encounter.Methodology: The research employed a qualitative approach using interviews and concurrent think-aloud protocols to observe visually impaired users interacting with IRANDOC systems using assistive technologies. The interactions of 24 visually impaired users were analyzed while performing defined tasks within these systems. The study population consisted of visually impaired individuals with university degrees who could independently interact with the screen using a keyboard or assistive technologies such as screen readers and magnifiers, and had the necessary knowledge to use search engines and websites. MAXQDA software was used to summarize and analyze the qualitative data. The observation notes and participant statements were analyzed using qualitative content analysis, resulting in 394 initial codes categorized into 9 categories and 28 subcategories. Guba and Lincoln's criteria were used to ensure the reliability and validity of the data.Findings: Challenges were identified in information structure and relationships (logical headings, structure of boxes, buttons, radio buttons, checkboxes, and comboboxes, clear and descriptive labels, serial reading of content, and meaningful sequence), text alternatives for graphic and non-text content and security codes/CAPTCHAs, functional principles, design of tables, content in accessible formats, keyboard navigation (shortcuts and cursor cancellation), input assistance (error identification, error suggestion, error prevention, form control labels, and reduced keystrokes), content compatibility with screen reader software (status messages), navigability of pages (page titles and link purpose), predictable performance of page elements (conventional operation and guidance and support), sensory features (accessibility menu, contrast, magnification, use of color, and alignment of options), and time constraints (moving content).Conclusion: This research emphasizes the importance of ongoing efforts to improve the usability of IRANDOC systems for all users, including those with visual impairments. By addressing the identified challenges outlined in this study, IRANDOC can strive to create a more inclusive and equitable information environment for all researchers. This study is one of the first systematic investigations into the interaction of screen reader users with IRANDOC systems. Improving the usability of these systems requires serious efforts to address the identified challenges and implement research recommendations. Much work remains to be done. The issues identified in this study need to be investigated. Design is an iterative process. Redesign and usability testing should continue until we are confident that the new design meets our goals.
Objective: Despite the considerable potential of digital libraries to broaden access to knowledge, libraries in Iran encounter significant legal obstacles in reproducing and representing book resources. These challenges arise from legal restrictions and the lack of clear frameworks for obtaining permissions from publishers, thereby limiting access for researchers and users. The aim of the current research is to analyze the legal obstacles to the reproduction and representation of book resources in digital libraries in Iran in order to provide legal solutions to overcome these obstacles. Methodology: In the present research, a qualitative approach and methods of document analysis and thematic analysis were used for the collected data. In this context, relevant literature, previous studies, and 15 international laws and legal instruments were examined and analyzed. Furthermore, interviews were conducted with specialists and professionals to identify potential legal barriers and propose practical solutions. Considering the discussions in the digital domain in libraries and its relation to libraries, initially, 8 specialists and professors in copyright were identified, of which 5 experts in this field agreed to participate in the interviews. In the thematic analysis, all data sources, including interviews and resource analysis, were extracted, analyzed, and interpreted in three formats: basic themes, organizing themes, and global themes. Findings: Data analysis showed that three global theme of legal protections for technical measures, legal barriers, and legal solutions that shape the themes of reproduction and distribution of book resources. Additionally, 26 basic themes related to the organizing themes of technological protection measures (TPM) and legal supports were derived under the global theme of legal protections for technical measures in the analysis of laws. The findings indicated that the determination of copyright policy is one of the issues that was repeatedly mentioned both in the resources and from the perspective of the interviewees. Barriers such as the lack of infrastructure and legal frameworks, along with the absence of legal contracts, were identified as the most significant and frequently mentioned obstacles. Exceptions and exemptions for libraries, legal contracts, legal protections for technical measures, information related to the management of intellectual property rights, collective management organizations for copyright, lending, and public leasing, among others, were suggested as strategies that should be considered by lawmakers. Conclusion: The use of legal metadata for documenting the status of copyright, incorporating collective management organizations for copyright and outlining their responsibilities in the law, allowing libraries by collective management organizations for copyright to reproduce and distribute book resources after more than six months of registration; by searching in the National Library of Iran's opac, and including "information related to the intellectual property rights of the work" in the draft bill instead of the electronic identification of the work are part of the proposals of this research. The use of the results of this research can significantly help overcome the obstacles faced by digital libraries in Iran and reform the laws. The use of copyright in libraries for restoration, lost and damaged copies; the inclusion of temporary reproduction as an integral part of the technical process in the digital environment; allowing libraries, museums and archival centers to reproduce, representation anonymous works for the purposes of digitization, accessibility, cataloguing, preservation and restoration; reproduction for library activities and tasks such as access, indexing, cataloguing, preservation and restoration for a limited period are other recommendations of this research.
Objective: Despite the production and organization of a lot of cultural and social information in the country, students avoid this information. The purpose of this research was to identify the causes and factors of avoiding this type of information among the country's students and also to design a theoretical model of information avoidance behavior. It is cultural and social information among students.Methodology: This qualitative research was conducted using the grounded theory approach. It was done with detailed semi-structured interview method. The samples included 12 students in different academic levels of the country's universities. In the sampling, we tried to select students who have a brief knowledge of cultural and social information. The data of the six components were extracted during three stages of coding from interviews, open coding, axial coding, and selective coding with the help of MaxQDA software version 2020.Findings: 526 primary codes were extracted from the open coding, 77 codes were extracted from the axial coding, and 23 core categories were extracted from the selective coding. In the final model, the causal conditions of avoiding scientific and cultural information were: cognitive causes, psychological casual skill, cultural and social causes and invasive causes. Also, resource infrastructure, political factors, socio-cultural factors, environmental factors of the university, information system, educational system, and the attitude and approaches of the university are the interfering conditions of this information behavior. The background conditions of this information behavior were: background knowledge of information, background knowledge of the person, nature and characteristics of information and information source, information models and policies, and the cost of information. And favoring intellectual and intellectual information and disfavoring instinctive information, helping comprehensive growth and preventing one-dimensional growth and development of students, increasing comprehensive analysis of the state of oneself and the country, cultural and social development of students, cultural self-confidence and lack of orientation towards culture It was alien to the strategies resulting from this interview.Conclusion: Considering the impact of cultural and social information on the growth and development of students and the prevalence of information avoidance behavior among students, by knowing this behavior and coping strategies, the harms and negative effects of this behavior can be created with factors such as explaining the value of cultural information. The feeling of need to this type of information, reforming the educational system, and preventing the one-dimensional growth of students can be reduced by requiring the consumption of cultural data, improving the quality of information and the information platform (information system), and removing behavioral inertia against the flow of cultural information.
Objective: Literacy encompasses various aspects, including education, research, schools, and universities. It refers to the ability to read, write, and understand information. Achieving literacy is crucial for individual excellence, family well-being, and national progress. It also fosters meaningful connections between individuals, their families, and society. This study examines the conceptual structure of literacy-related research in the Islamic World Science Citation Database (ISC) and identifies subdomains and important dimensions of the literacy concept.Methodology: The research employs bibliometric techniques and co-occurrence analysis of terms. The documents from the ISC Database were extracted. The extracted data over the past 25 years (from 1999 to 2023) consisted of 1137 documents. After extracting keywords, standardization and normalization of concepts were performed. For example, singular and plural words were unified, acronyms were transformed into complete phrases, and so on. Following standardization, 4514 unique keywords remained. To create a co-occurrence map, the software VOSviewer was utilized. Cluster analysis and strategic diagrams were used to visualize the conceptual structure of literacy research.Findings: Ten clusters related to literacy were identified: Information literacy, Digital literacy, Media literacy, Health literacy, Environmental literacy, Literacy assessment tools, Health literacy, Critical thinking, Combination of information literacy and health literacy, Lifestyle and health literacy. Additionally, through content analysis of articles published during the 25-year period, emerging topics in the field of literacy were identified. The results obtained from analyzing data related to literacy indicate that a total of 1137 documents with the word “literacy” in their titles have been published. Concepts such as "health literacy", "information literacy", and "media literacy" were ranked first, second, and third in terms of frequency, respectively. The keyword “health literacy” has the highest frequency, indicating that it is a central concept in literacy-related texts. Other keywords include financial literacy and environmental literacy. The frequency of the health literacy concept is influenced by researchers’ attention to health issues in society, as well as the impact of communicable diseases such as COVID-19 and other conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is essential for individuals to receive education and awareness related to this topic.Conclusion: The results of this study can contribute to a comprehensive understanding of current research domains and provide guidelines for researchers to initiate new studies. Furthermore, this research showed that health literacy has garnered the most attention and holds significant importance among researchers. Persian studies are aligned with international research in the fields of information literacy, digital literacy, and environmental literacy. However, financial literacy, despite its importance in global research, requires more attention in Persian studies.
Objective: One of the emerging problems and challenges that appeared with the growth and expansion of new technologies and the emergence and growth of new philosophical schools, including post-structuralism, is information anxiety. Post-structuralism is one of the emerging schools that has outstanding views on knowledge and the growth of the rhizomatic knowledge. This type of anxiety, which is mainly a type of epistemological crisis, has arisen in the shadow of the expansion of rhizomatic thinking. The purpose of this research is to analyze the perceptions and experiences of Tabriz University faculty members from information anxiety and its dimensions and consequences.Methodology: The method used in this research is qualitative paradigm and interpretive phenomenology. The participants in this research were 20 faculty members of Tabriz University who were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected according to in-depth, individual and semi-structured interviews, and the interviews continued until data saturation. After the written implementation of the interviews, the data of the interviews were analyzed based on the hermeneutic approach and based on the method of Dickelman, Tanner and, Allen (1989).Findings: From the analysis of the experiences of faculty members of Tabriz University, 513 codes, 4 main themes: the nature of the profession (job culture, job promotion, professional interaction, knowledge production), Intervening factors of information anxiety (large volume of information and lack of time, emergence of new technologies, fear of losing important information, inability to manage the cognitive system, culture of sharing knowledge and achieving findings) Consequences of information anxiety (anxiety and mental anxiety, feelings of loneliness, decision-making crisis, professional performance and accumulation of professional duties) and information anxiety management strategies (improving cognitive and metacognitive skills, improving information evaluation skills, improving media literacy, self-care and self-restraint and skill management) were achieved.Conclusion: Considering the job nature of university faculty members and the fact that this group is more exposed to information anxiety and this anxiety can affect their job performance, it is possible to adopt strategies such as the development of cognitive and metacognitive skills, information management. So, the promotion of the epistemological system can reduce information anxiety in them.
Objective: Social entrepreneurship is a new approach to solving social problems that helps improve the quality of life of society by strengthening social interactions and providing support services. Public libraries, as information centers, play an effective role in developing social businesses and improving the economic conditions of society by providing specialized services to social entrepreneurs. This study aimed to investigate the effect of knowledge sharing on social entrepreneurship, considering the mediating role of social responsibility of public libraries in Markazi Province.Methodology: The type of research was a descriptive survey with a correlational design and the statistical population was all librarians working in public libraries in Markazi province, and the statistical sample was determined by stratified random sampling method using the Cochran formula, 120 people. The measurement tools included knowledge sharing questionnaires from Van den Hooff & de Leeuw van Weenen (2004), social entrepreneurship from Arab (2010), and social responsibility from Carroll (2008). The validity of the questionnaires was confirmed in terms of construct, convergent, and divergent, and their Cronbach's alpha coefficients were higher than 0.7. SPSS software version 25 was used to analyze the data.Findings: The results of the research showed that at an error level of less than 0.01, knowledge sharing has a positive and significant effect on social entrepreneurship (0.249) and social responsibility (0.401) of public libraries, as well as a positive and significant effect on social responsibility. It was confirmed on social entrepreneurship (0.627) of public libraries.. Finally, social responsibility plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between knowledge sharing and social entrepreneurship of public libraries in Markazi Province.Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, public libraries can help promote social entrepreneurship by creating spaces such as book clubs, workshops, and online communities. These spaces enable knowledge exchange and support disadvantaged groups by providing free access to information and reducing the digital divide. Knowledge sharing is a fundamental foundation for social entrepreneurship and equips individuals with the necessary tools to address social challenges. Libraries promote their social responsibility by ensuring equal access to information and by providing digital literacy workshops and high-speed internet, enabling inclusive participation. Also, creating a diverse set of resources and collaborating with cultural organizations creates an inclusive space for knowledge exchange. It is recommended that library officials, through regular needs assessments, create programs such as mentoring, networking events, and co-working spaces to connect social entrepreneurs to resources and collaboration opportunities. These actions strengthen the role of libraries as centers for social cohesion and equitable access to information.
Objective: Cognitive biases are a kind of cognitive errors that affect human cognitive processes and take the form of thought patterns and play a role in people's evaluation and decision-making and lead to incorrect attitudes, beliefs, judgments and decisions. The aim of the current research is to identify cognitive biases in Iranian children's visual story books.Methodology: The present research was carried out using an evaluative method. The research community is authored visual fiction books of age group (b), (c) and (b and c), which include 20 books published by the Center for the Intellectual Development of Children and Teenagers (2020 to 2023) and 17 best-selling books for children and teenagers (2023) and a total of 37 illustrated works under 120 pages were selected as sample. The standard checklist of ACAPS Institute was used to evaluate fiction books. The aforementioned checklist was translated and with the help of cognitive science experts, the way of representing bias in fiction books was added to the checklist. Then, using the CVI method, its validity was checked and confirmed after modification, and the reliability of the tool was checked and confirmed using the split-half method and the Spearman-Brown index.Findings: A comparative analysis of children's and teen books from the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults (Kanoon) and best-selling titles revealed a significantly higher prevalence and diversity of cognitive biases in the latter. While Kanoon books exhibited 11 distinct biases, best-selling works contained 13, but it seems there is no significant difference between Kanoon and best-selling titles. Moreover, the findings highlighted confirmation bias as the most frequent cognitive bias present in stories aimed at children and teenagers. Other biases identified in these works, such as stereotype bias, overconfidence, and wishful thinking, were found to be conceptually intertwined with confirmation bias, potentially reinforcing its influence on young readers.Conclusion: Although the number of cognitive biases identified in Canon works was 11 and in best-selling works was 13, this difference doesn't seem significant. It appears that the orientation of some Canon works towards success and the orientation of some best-sellers towards both success and role modelling have led to cognitive biases in certain works. However, it's likely that works evaluated through specific and well-defined procedures would have a better record regarding attention to errors. Therefore, it's necessary to examine the issue of cognitive biases, especially confirmation bias, during the pre-publication evaluation of works, and to refine narratives from this perspective.
Objective: This study aims to identify the ideological dimensions of reading promotion and to explore how subjectivity and practice are discursively and ideologically constructed in the "book reading meetings".Methodology: The research method is discourse analysis. The data were extracted from 21 texts related to reading promotion in the "book reading meetings", which were purposively sampled. Data analysis was conducted in MaxQDA 2020, using Fairclough’s tools for text and metatext analysis, in three levels: description, interpretation, and explanation.Findings: The "presenter" subject is capable of identifying and accessing information, knows the methods to treat and prevent illness, and is familiar with the type of illness and the information required for the treatment and prevention of the "audience" subject. In contrast, the "audience" subject which is a potential or actual patient in need of treatment or prevention through information lacks the ability to identify relevant information, the nature of their illness, and the necessary information for treatment and prevention. As a result of the application of the "presentation" genre, the "presenter" subject positions themselves at a higher level than the "audience" subject, has control over the meeting process, and manages the flow of speech and turn-taking. The "presenter" subject is predominantly the speaker and conveys and introduces information to the "audience" subject. On the other hand, the "audience" subject occupies a lower position relative to the "presenter" subject, has limited control over the meeting process, is mostly a listener, and improves or gains immunity by receiving information about their illness.Conclusion: Through the ideology of "reading promotion", the content of reading materials is represented as "information", whereas, in reality, the content of reading materials can contain both information and disinformation. The "presenter" subject is represented as the sole source of information, and the "audience" subject lacks this information; consequently, the "presenter" subject exerts dominance over the "audience" subject. The historical possibilities of the "audience" subject are disregarded. The possibility of critical engagement for the "audience" subject is rendered impossible. The transmission of disinformation, control of information, and manipulation of the "audience" subject's thoughts for the reproduction of social relations based on domination are facilitated. The social cause of what is represented as a person's illness is concealed. Although acquiring information cannot significantly affect what is represented as the person's illness, it is portrayed as if the lack of information is the cause, and that receiving information will treat and prevent the illness.
