Investigating the Status of Ancillary Services Provided in Public Libraries Based on IFLA and UNESCO Standards from the Perspective of Librarians : A Case Study of Public Libraries in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran)
نویسندگان
1 Department of Information Science, faculty of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
2 Information Science Department, faculty of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Iran, Tehran
doi
10.22034/jkrs.2025.19944چکیده
Purpose: The objective of this research is to investigate the ancillary services provided in the public libraries of West Azerbaijan Province, Iran, based on IFLA standards and from the perspective of librarians.Methodology: The research employed a survey and analytical method. The statistical population consisted of 300 librarians working in the public libraries of West Azerbaijan Province, Iran. The data collection tool was a questionnaire developed based on IFLA standards and UNESCO guidelines regarding ancillary services of public libraries.Findings: The findings indicated that the mean scores for extra-library services, storytelling programs, and study group formation were 2.93, 3.61, and 3.36, respectively. The results of the one-sample t-test showed that, from the librarians' perspective, all three components significantly contribute improving the ancillary services of public libraries. Furthermore, the results of Hotelling's T² test revealed a significant difference among the components influencing the enhancement of these services.Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that, from the librarians’ point of view, all components of ancillary service in public libraries are effective - with slight variations- in improving service delivery. However, it appears that offering ancillary services without considering the role and engagement of librarians, who are directly responsible for delivering these services, may alter the outcomes.Value: The findings of this study provide practical solutions and policy recommendations for enhancing ancillary services in Iranian public libraries.