Identifying and Analyzing the Awareness and Informing Needs of the Arabic-Speaking Communities of Khuzestan Province in Public Library Services

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

• Mansoor Kohi Rostami ¹
• Sara Nildarar ²
• Mojtaba Jahanifar ³

¹ Assistant Professor., Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran (Corresponding Author)

² Master's degree in Knowledge and Information Science of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

³ Assistant Prof., Department of Education, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

10.22067/infosci.2024.87306.1202

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to identify and evaluate the information needs and awareness levels of Arabic-speaking communities within Khuzestan Province with a specific focus on public library services. Recognizing the distinct cultural, linguistic, and social characteristics of these communities, this research seeks to understand how their information requirements differ from those of other population groups. Given the pivotal role of public libraries in fostering knowledge, culture, and public consciousness, this study endeavors to determine the specific needs of these communities and to provide recommendations for enhancing library services accordingly. Moreover, the research explores the potential of public libraries to serve as authoritative and current information hubs, not only fulfilling the educational and cultural aspirations of these communities but also contributing to the formation of their cultural identity.
Methodology: The study adopted an exploratory mixed-methods approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions conducted in selected cities within Khuzestan Province. These discussions provided in-depth insights into the target community's information and awareness needs. Thematic analysis was employed to identify and categorize key themes within the qualitative data. To quantitatively validate these findings, a quantitative phase was implemented. A structured questionnaire was administered to a statistical sample of 517 Arabic-speaking members of public libraries in Khuzestan Province, selected from a total population of 20,000. By comparing the qualitative and quantitative results, the researchers were able to generalize the identified needs to the broader population.
Findings: Qualitative findings revealed four primary informational and awareness requirements among Arabic-speaking communities in Khuzestan Province: 1) Identity-Building Environments: A strong need exists for spaces that foster and strengthen the cultural and linguistic identity of these communities; 2) Identity-Centric Information Dissemination: The provision of information reinforcing the cultural and social identity of these communities is essential; 3) Comprehensive Resource Collections: A wide array of informational resources is required to meet the diverse needs of these communities; 4) High-Profile Media Engagement: The utilization of various media platforms to enhance awareness and information dissemination is crucial. Quantitative analysis determined that "identity-focused information dissemination" was the paramount priority, emphasizing the critical role of culturally and linguistically appropriate content for target community members. Subsequent in importance were prominent media activities, comprehensive resource collections, and identity-building spaces. Furthermore, the data analysis unveiled substantial disparities in specific informational requirements across age and gender demographics. For example, pronounced differences emerged in the demand for identity-building spaces among various age groups, whereas no appreciable variation was detected in the preference for prominent media activities between men and women.
Conclusion: The findings of this study emphasize the critical role of public libraries in fostering awareness, culture, and social identity among Arabic-speaking communities in Khuzestan Province. Functioning as both cultural and educational hubs, as well as reliable and contemporary sources of information, public libraries can substantially bolster the cultural and social identity of these communities. The research delineates four key areas for enhancing library services: identity-affirming spaces, identity-centered information dissemination, comprehensive resource collections, and high-profile media initiatives. These findings offer public library administrators practical strategies for enhancing services to Arabic-speaking communities. Such strategies encompass the curation of culturally relevant collections, the development of Arabic-language programs, and the implementation of targeted information dissemination initiatives. By leveraging these recommendations, libraries can more effectively fulfill the informational and cultural needs of Arabic-speaking residents in Khuzestan Province, ensuring equitable access to library resources for all community members.
Originality: This research constitutes one of the first comprehensive examinations of the informational and awareness requirements of Arabic-speaking populations in Khuzestan Province. Through the identification and analysis of these needs, the study furnishes public library administrators and managers with practical instruments and methodologies to enhance and expand their services. The research is particularly noteworthy in illustrating the potential of public libraries to function as multifunctional hubs, contributing significantly to the fortification of the cultural and social identity of local communities.

Keywords

• Information needs
• awareness needs
• public libraries
• library services
• public library programs
• Arabic speaking communities
• Khuzestan province

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