Issues, Challenges and Thematic Areas of the Future of Knowledge and Information Science in Iran: An Analysis of Experts' Perspectives

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. in Knowledge and Information Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

2 Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Regional Information Center for Science and Technology, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Purpose: The roots of most shortcomings and problems related to problem-finding, topic selection, and part of the damage of studies in knowledge and information science can be caused by the uncertainty of the basic issues and challenges of this field, and the lack of attention to current and future study needs and fields. This makes obvious the necessity of studying and researching issues and future research needs in this field. In this regard, the current research aims to identify the issues and challenges ahead and future study areas in the field of knowledge and information science from experts' viewpoints.
Method: The approach of the current research is qualitative in terms of the type of data. An electronic interview based on an open-response questionnaire was used to collect data. The studied population included Ph.D. students and graduates, and faculty members of public and private universities affiliated with research institutes in this field in Iran. In order to determine the sample size, the purposeful sampling method was used. The criteria for selecting the samples were willingness to participate in research and having at least 5 years of service experience in educational and research centers related to the field of knowledge and information science. According to the final purpose regarding the study of issues and leading subject areas, it was checked that the people participating in this research have, as much as possible, the research backgrounds related to the study of issues, research areas of knowledge and information science, needs, and problems. At the end of the questionnaire, by using the snowball sampling method, the aforementioned people were requested to introduce other people with experiences and views on the issues, challenges, and subjects of the field, to participate in the study. Until theoretical saturation and reaching repetitive information, sampling was continued. Finally, the opinions of 22 experts in knowledge and information science were used. The interpretive analysis method was used to analyze qualitative data and identify components. Data management and coding were done using MaxQda 2020 software. To ensure the reliability of the results, the retest reliability method (coding stability index) was used, and its value was 83%.
Findings: The analysis of transcripts of interviews led to the identification of 54 problems in this field. According to these findings, many of the challenges identified in the current research are not only specific to knowledge and information science, and some of them are also relevant in other fields, especially humanities and social sciences.
The origin of some of these problems goes back to environmental conditions including social, cultural, economic, technological, etc. factors, and in general, to the policies and conditions governing the society, and some others are affected by the conditions governing the field itself. Among the identified issues and challenges, experts in knowledge and information science put special emphasis on issues related to education and the higher education system. Most of the problems raised by them were related to the state of the scientific outputs of this field. In addition, considering the rapid process of changes today and their continuation in the future, one of the most important concerns of specialists in this field is the ability to accompany and adapt to the process of comprehensive changes and manage them in order to achieve their goals and missions. The subject areas of the future were categorized by the specialists of this field in 10 main areas including education, research and science production, user studies, information organization, information retrieval, virtual libraries, knowledge management, information services, librarians and information specialists, and theoretical and philosophical foundations. According to the results regarding future issues and subject areas in the field of knowledge and information science, it can be acknowledged that, in general, the focus of future studies will be on 6 main axes: Issues related to users and their interaction with information and information systems; Topics related to information science and content management in cyberspace, including big data organization and digital content recovery; Training graduates and information specialists for effective employment in the changing work environments of the future and preparation for entrepreneurship and self-employment; Evaluation and development of science and research; Developing the relationship between information science and epistemology with other related fields including computer science, information technology, artificial intelligence, management; Futuristic studies and the use of their achievements in order to improve and keep pace with future developments; Digitization and virtualization of libraries and information centers, services and activities related to knowledge and information science.
Conclusion: On the one hand, these results can help policymakers and scientific, educational, and research planners in allocating financial resources to basic issues and topics, and on the other hand, they can be a guide for researchers in problem-finding and choosing practical and problem-oriented topics. These results can also provide a basis for the supervisors of this field to pay attention to the upcoming issues and challenges and plan to smooth them out.
 

Keywords

References

Asadnia, A., CheshmehSohrabi, M., Shabani, A., Asemi, A. & Taheri Demneh, M. (2020). Future of Textual Information Retrieval Systems. Librarianship and Information Organization Studies, 31(3): 12-26. https://doi.org/10.30484/NASTINFO.2020.2365.1908 [in persian]
Ashiq, M., Rehman, S. & Mujtaba, G. (2020). Future challenges and emerging role of academic libraries in Pakistan: A phenomenology approach. Information Development, 37(1): 158–173. https://doi.org/10.1177/0266666919897410
Azimi, M. (2018). Future research and explanation of the role and position of information technology in the field of university libraries in 1404. PhD. Dissertation. University of Tehran. [in persian]
Azizi, N. (2008). Investigating the Challenges and Disadvantages of University Education in the Field of Humanities Reflecting on Students' Opinions. Higher Education, 1(2): 1-29. [in persian]
BahmanAbadi, A. (2002). Fundamentals, history and philosophy of information science. Tehran: National Library of the Islamic Republic of Iran. [in persian]
Balaghat, S. (2011). Study of Humanities and its Interdisciplinary Fields Development Challenges in Iran: The Case Study of Educational Science Course With 3 Lnterdisciplinary Fields, Comparative, Preschool and Primary Education. Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities, 3(4): 117-129. [in persian]
Dayani, M. (2008). The prevalence of problem-solving and the decline of problem-solving in library research. Library and Information Science, 41(1): 1-3. [in persian]
Dayani, M. (2010). Method of expression and explanation of problem statement in research. Mashhad: Computer Library. [in persian]
Dayani, M. (2011a). Challenges of implementing a new undergraduate librarianship program: with emphasis on new courses. Information, Communication and Science, 14(9): 20-27. [in persian]
Dayani, M. (2011b). Foresight for the implementation of a new undergraduate program in library and information science. Library and Information Science, 14(3): 5-8. [in persian]
Fadaie G. (2009a). Is the library and information science just waiting for a name change? Research on Information Science & Public Libraries, 15(2): 11-32. [in persian]
Fadaie G. (2009b). The Future of Librarianship and Information Science. Academic Librarianship and Information Research, 43(1): 13-34. [in persian]
Fadaie, G. (2013a). From library and information science to knowledge and information science. Tehran: Chapar. [in persian]
Fadaie, G. (2013b). Editor-in-Chief Lecture: Research injuries. Research on Information Science & Public Libraries, 19(2): 163-168. [in persian]
Fadaie, G. (2015). This field needs expertise to survive. Research on Information Science & Public Libraries, 21(1): 7-11. [in persian]
Fadaie, G. (2019). Editorial: Once Again, What is Identity of LIS?. Research on Information Science and Public Libraries, 25(4): 547-552. [in persian]
Faiz, D. (2006). Investigating the position of humanities in the educational, research and management system of the country and presenting strategies for its promotion using the SWOT model. In: Tehran: National Conference on Humanities Today's Situation, Tomorrow Perspective.
[in persian]
Fatahi, R. (2005). New Master's Program in Library and Information Science. Library and Information Science, 8(2): 6-29. [in persian]
Fatahi, R. (2007). From ideals to reality: An analysis of the most important challenges and approaches to organizing information in the present age. Library and Information Sciences, 10(40): 5-26. [in persian]
Fatahi, R. (2009). Creativity in research: Analysis of elements and factors of innovation in research in the framework of creativity theories. In: Library and Information Research Conference: Approaches, Procedures and Applications. Tehran: Tarbiat Moallem University: 9-29. [in persian]
Fatahi, R. (2011). The story of the practical use of research in Iran. Journal of Science and Information Technology, 46(4): 777-779. [in persian]
Fattahi, R., Beglo, R. & Akhshik, S. (2014). A Review of the Past, Present and Future of Library and Information Science in Iran: A Look at the Formation, Achievements, and Challenges of the Development of Information Science. Shiraz: Persian letter. [in persian]
Feret, B. & Marcinek, M. (2005). The futue of the academic library and the academic librarian: a delphi study reloaded. New Review of Information Networking, 11(1): 37-63.      
https://doi.org/10.1080/13614570500268381
Gerae, E. (2016). Strategic foresight of knowledge and information science education in Iran with a scenario-based planning approach. PhD. dissertation. Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. [in persian]
Geraei, E., Heidari, G. & Kokabi, M. (2018). A Bibliographic Approach to Fundamental Issues of Knowledge and Information Science (KIS) Education in Iran. Research on Information Science & Public Libraries, 24(1): 51-80. [in persian]
Hafez Nia, M. (1998). Introduction to research methodology in humanities. Tehran: SAMT. [in persian]
Hassanzadeh, M. (2016). A review of the challenges of knowledge and information sciencein in Iran. Accessed on February 11, 2020, In: http://www.ibna.ir/vdcgu79xuak9wx4.rpra.html. [in persian]
Hatami, J. (2016). The challenge of teaching humanities in Iranian universities: a qualitative study. Journal of Research in Educational Science, 10(32): 234-273. [in persian]
Heidari, G. (2006). Basic questions in library and information science. In: Conference on Professional Foundations of Library and Information Science in Iran, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Tehran: Librarian. [in persian]
Heidari, G. (2011). Library and Information Science Education in Iran: Barriers and Solutions. Library and Information Sciences, 14(2): 71-105. [in persian]
Heidari, G. (2019). Challenges of knowledge and information science. Lecture presented at: Department of Information Science and Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Razi University of Kermanshah. Held on 16 May. [in persian]
Hejazi, R., Heydari, G. & Geraei, E. (2021). Scenarios for the Future of Iranian Library Catalogs. Librarianship and Information Organization Studies, 31(4): 74-93.              
https://doi.org/10.30484/NASTINFO.2021.2736.2014 [in persian]
Higuchi, K. (1990). A Delphi study on the future of academic-libraries. Library and information science, 28: 21-59.
Hilt, K. (2017). What Does the Future Hold for the Law Librarian in the Advent of Artificial Intelligence? Canadian Journal of Information and Library Science, 41(3): 211-227.
Hori, A. (2005). Challenges and strategies of librarianship education in conversation with Abbas Hori. Interviewer: F. Dadarsi. Information, Communication and Knowledge, 8(6-7): 6-17. [in persian]
Hori, A. (2006). Information Science: Attitudes and Research. (Second edition). Tehran: Librarian. [in persian]
JafariMoghadam, S. & Bineshpour, S. (2012). Revising the Curriculum of Bachelor s Program in the Field of Library Science and Information Technology for Developing Entrepreneurial Attitude. Journal of Higher Education Curriculum Studies, 3(5): 49-68. [in persian]
Jokar, A. & Hamdipour, A. (2001). The need for change in undergraduate library and information science curricula. Library and Information Sciences, 4(2): 9-25. [in persian]
Khastar, H. (2009). A Method for Calculating Coding Reliability in Qualitative Research Interviews. Methodology of Social Sciences and Humanities, 15(58): 161-174. [in persian]
Khoshnevisan, F., Abbaspour, A., Fazeli, N., Neyestani, M. (2018). The Requirements and Challenges of Humanities Entrepreneur: Phenomenological Analysis of the Situation of Humanities in Iranian Academic System. Sociological Cultural Studies, 9(3): 1-28. [in persian]
Kumar Sinha, M. (2016). Scenario of Changing Trends in Library and Information Science Education and Research an Analytical Study of Brochures of Seminars, Conferences and Workshops Organized during January 2012- July 2014. Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 21(7): 20-43.
Levine-Clark, M. (2014). Access to Everything: Building the Future Academic Library Collection. Libraries and the Academy, 14(3): 425–437. https://doi.org/10.1353/PLA.2014.0015
Lewis, J.K. (2015). The academic library in the 21st century: Competencies library directors and senior managers must possess to successfully lead their organizations into the future. Doctor Dissertation. University of Maryland, United States of America.
Madge, O.L. (2016). The Current Role of Librarians and Future Challenges for Academic Libraries in Romania. Library & Information Science Research, 20: 61-68.
Manouchehri, R., Isfandyari-Moghaddam, A. & Zarei, A. (2019). An Overview of Iran’s Public Libraries in 2025 Vision. International Journal of Information Science and Management, 17(1): 97-107.
Mansoorian, Y. (2013). Unwanted Surrender: The Pathology of Academic Research. Book of the Month of Generalities, 16(5): 3-7. [in persian]
Mansourian, Y. (2011). One Hundred Occupations for Librarians: New Organizational Posts in Libraries and Information Centers. Librarianship and Information Organization Studies, 22(3): 88-103. [in persian]
Mohammadi, M. (2005). Modern librarianship and its challenges. Librarianship and Information Organization Studies, 16(1): 137-144. [in persian]
Neshat, N. (2016). Editorial Note: Service and betrayal research. Librarianship and Information Organization Studies, 26(4): 7-12. [in persian]
Niknia, M., Jamali Mahmuei, H., Alimohammadi, D. (2018). Organizing Cultural Heritage Information: Previous Developments and Future Perspective. Librarianship and Information Organization Studies, 29(3): 61-91. https://doi.org/10.30484/nastinfo.2018.2265 [in persian]
Oroji, M., AliMohammadi, D. & Akhshik, S. (2019). Capacity Assessment of Curriculum Information Science and Knowledge Studies to Support Students for Getting Job Opportunities in Research Data Management. Librarianship and Information Organization Studies, 30(1): 55-79. https://doi.org/10.30484/nastinfo.2019.2308 [in persian]
Osareh, F., Asadnia, A. & Jalilpour, P. (2015). Compilingthe strategic program of the department of knowledge and information science (Shahid Chamran University), using SWOT analysis. Knowledge and Information Management, 1(2): 13-30. [in persian]
Pedersen, L. (2016). The Future of Public Libraries: A Technology Perspective. Public Library Quarterly, 35(4): 362-365. https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2016.1245013
Pourkazemi, M.H. (2009). A Survey of Employment of State Universities ' Graduates in Humanities. Journal of Research and Planning in Higher Education, 15(2): 127-150. [in persian]
Powell, R. (2010). Basic Research Methods for Librarians. Trans.: N. Hariri. Tehran: Nafis. [in persian]
Rahadoost, F. (2007). Philosophy of Library and Information Science. Tehran: Librarian. [in persian]
Rahmanzadeh, S., Pishvaei, M. & Rasouli, M. (2020). A decision support model to distribute the benefits of open innovation process. Innovation Management Journal, 9(3): 79-100. [in persian]
Ramesha, R. & Ramesh Babu, B. (2007). Trends, Challenges and Future of Library and Information Science Education in India. DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology, 27(5): 17-26. https://doi.org/10.14429/djlit.27.5.136
Sadrabadi, Z. & Mohamadi, M. (2020). Survey of the employment status of knowledge & Information Science graduates of Qom University. Library and Information Sciences, 23(4): 130-154. https://doi.org/10.30481/LIS.2020.245230.1757 [in persian]
Samanian, M. (2000). Library Users: How to Make them Regular Patrons. Librarianship and Information Organization Studies, 11(2): 126-136. [in persian]
Sandlian-Smith, P. (2016). The Future of Public Libraries: Anything Is Possible. Public Library Quarterly, 35(4): 311-317. https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2016.1245002
Singh, J. & Kaur, T. (2009). Future of Academic Libraries in India: Challenges and Opportunities. In: International Conference on Academic Libraries (ICAL) held at the University of Delhi, India.
Tahavori, Z. (2006). Necessity for revision of library and information sciences educational programs, regarding new skills needed by librarians and information scientists. Librarianship and Information Organization Studies, 17(1): 143-162. [in persian]
Tanloet, P. & Tuamsuk, K. (2011). Core competencies for information professionals of Thai academic libraries in the next decade (AD 2010–2019). The International Information & Library Review, 43(3): 122-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iilr.2011.07.005
Taşkın, Z. (2021). Forecasting the future of library and information science and its sub-fields. Scientometrics, 126: 1527–1551. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-020-03800-2
Thomas, R. (2017). Future of academic libraries: Opportunities and Challenges. Scholarly Research Journal for Humanity Science & English Language, 4(24).
Wagner, G. & Ulten, S. (2000). Future of education for library and information science: Views from Australia. Education for Information, 18(3): 123-129.       
https://doi.org/10.3233/EFI-2000-182-303
Williams, P.S. & Catherine, A.H. (2011). Information Management Issues and Challenges in an Enterprise 2.0 Era: Imperatives for Action. BLED 2011 Proceedings, 53: 56-67.
ZakeriFard, F. (2002). Survey of library and information science students about the status of English language courses in this field. Library and Information Sciences, 5(4): 51-60. [in persian]
Zali, N. (2009). Regional Development Foresight with Scenario-Based Planning Approach, Case Study: East Azarbaijan Province. Ph.D. dissertation. University of Tabriz. [in persian]
Zins, Ch. (2007). Knowledge map of information science. Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, 58(4): 526-535. https://doi.org/10.1002/asi.20505
Send comment about this article
CAPTCHA Image
Sciences and Techniques of Information Management
Volume 9, Issue 2
July 2023
Pages 85-132

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics