The Mediating Role of Communication Literacy in the Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Library Anxiety (Case Study: Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University)

Document Type : Original Article

Author

• Rahim Shahbazi

Associate Professor, Department of Knowledge & Information Science, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran.

10.22067/infosci.2025.94845.1247

Abstract

Introduction: Today, alongside the efforts made by libraries and information centers to provide, organize, and make scientific resources accessible, it is also necessary to identify the factors affecting the quality of services and improve them. For this reason, various studies have identified and introduced variables affecting the quality of individual performance (including emotional intelligence, stress and anxiety, communication skills, information literacy, and the status of resources and facilities). Feelings of stress and anxiety in educational environments are one of the factors affecting individuals' performance and are considered barriers to accessing needed information. In educational environments, library users may experience various levels of unpleasant emotions (such as fear and anxiety). Facing the library building and space, new technologies, the huge volume of information resources, lack of research skills, problems interacting with students, and such things can turn using libraries and information centers into an unpleasant experience, which is called library anxiety. Library anxiety causes people to be less motivated or unmotivated to go to the library or even leave the library before reaching the needed services. One of the factors affecting people's library anxiety is emotional intelligence. In various educational centers, students' use of the library becomes effective when, in addition to appropriate conditions and facilities, students' mental peace is also provided to the greatest extent possible. Providing such a platform requires understanding the psychological characteristics and emotional complexities of individuals. Emotional intelligence, since it is related to behavior, mental and psychological peace of mind of individuals, can affect library anxiety. Emotional intelligence leads to optimal communication with others, behavior control, and adaptation to new conditions (such as being in a new environment such as a university). The emotional intelligence of individuals is related to the skills of communicating with others. People who have higher emotional intelligence will avoid emotional and irrational behaviors in different environments. Communication skills are defined as the ability to effectively send and receive information, thoughts, feelings, and attitudes. Communication skills are also one of the factors affecting the reduction of individual anxiety. All humans need to learn communication skills to achieve a better life. Communication skills help people convey their thoughts, feelings, and information to others and, in turn, better understand the thoughts, feelings, and information of the other party. Communication skills will improve the quality of friendships, increase trust, better interaction in the workplace, reduce anxiety, and reduce friction with others. A review of various backgrounds indicates that, in general, emotional intelligence plays a pivotal role in many processes. In other words, emotional intelligence is a predictor of various outcomes in people's lives. However, the type and intensity of the relationship between emotional intelligence and library anxiety is not very clear; therefore, conducting research on the role of emotional intelligence in the level of library anxiety seems important and necessary. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence, communication skills, and library anxiety among students of Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University.
Methodology: This study was a descriptive correlational study based on structural equation modeling. The statistical population of the study was postgraduate students of Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University in 1402 (2218). The statistical sample of the study was 340 people who were selected by simple random sampling. To collect data, the emotional intelligence questionnaire of Schott (1998), the communication skills questionnaire of Zadbod (1401) and the library anxiety questionnaire of Shahbazi et al. (2022) were used. The reliability of the questionnaires was obtained using Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.89, 0.85 and 0.81, respectively. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics methods and SPSS and AMOS software.
Findings: The findings of the study showed that the average emotional intelligence, communication skills, and library anxiety of postgraduate students of Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University were 3.13, 3.33, and 3.08, respectively. Also, the findings indicated a significant relationship between emotional intelligence, communication skills, and library anxiety. Also, the variable of communication skills plays a mediating role in the relationship between emotional intelligence and library anxiety by a coefficient of -0.23 units (-0.52 × 0.45). The results of the structural equation modeling test indicated the fit of the conceptual model presented regarding the relationship between emotional intelligence, communication skills, and library anxiety of students.
Discussion & Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, it can be claimed that communication skills not only directly affect library anxiety but can also act as a mediator between emotional intelligence and library anxiety. Accordingly, weakness in communication skills can have a negative effect on the indirect effect of emotional intelligence on library anxiety. By strengthening students' emotional intelligence and communication skills and making extra efforts, it can be expected that library anxiety will decrease further. The result of this work will be improved student learning and performance, as well as the entry of qualified graduates into the labor market. What is certain is that the existence of competent and efficient human resources in various fields can enhance the likelihood of a country's success and greater prosperity.

Keywords

• Communication skills
• Graduate students
• Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University
• Structural equation modeling

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