Evaluating the effect of digital literacy on the efficiency of librarians (case of study: librarians of public libraries of Kermanshah province)

Document Type : Research َ Article

Authors

1 PhD. Student in Science of Information and Knowledge Studies, specializing in Knowledge Management,, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran

2 Master of Science in Information and Knowledge Studies, Head of the Cooperation Affairs Department of the General Directorate of Libraries of Kermanshah Province

3 PhD Candidate of Information and Knowledge Studies, Islamic Azad University, Hamadan Branch, Head of the Public Libraries Department of Dalahu County

4 PhD Candidate of Information and Knowledge Studies, Islamic Azad University, Hamadan Branch, Librarian of the Ibn Sina Public Library of Sahneh County

Abstract

Purpose: Digital literacy comprises a set of essential skills that enable individuals to effectively navigate the digital environment and critically understand, evaluate, and utilize digital information. As such, it plays a crucial role in daily life, job performance, and personal activities. Enhancing digital literacy can significantly reduce workplace challenges and increase employee efficiency. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of digital literacy on the efficiency of librarians working in the public libraries of Kermanshah Province.
Method: This applied study employed a descriptive–survey method using a researcher-made questionnaire. The statistical population consisted of 170 librarians working in public libraries across Kermanshah Province. Based on the Cochran formula, a sample size of 118 participants was determined. Data analysis was performed using SPSS and AMOS software. To examine the presence or absence of relationships between variables and to generalize the findings to the population, simple and multiple regression models with latent variables, along with a one-sample t-test, were applied to evaluate the research hypotheses.
Findings: The results of the four tested hypotheses indicate that librarians’ digital literacy has a 20% impact on their efficiency in public libraries. The dimensions of digital literacy (digital competence, digital usage, and digital transformation) explained 22% of the variance in librarians’ efficiency. The digital literacy skill level of public librarians in Kermanshah Province was reported as 3.64, which is 0.64 points above the average level (3), indicating a desirable condition. Likewise, librarians’ efficiency scored 3.64, also 0.64 above the community average. Overall, all measured components were evaluated at an optimal level, and the examined dimensions showed a significant relationship with librarians’ efficiency.
Conclusion: In today’s complex world, and considering the vital importance of digital literacy, libraries must modernize their processes and provide continuous training for librarians instead of relying on outdated methods. Such training enhances employees’ energy and self-confidence, improves their knowledge and skills, and ultimately increases organizational efficiency. Therefore, capable librarians with strong digital literacy contribute significantly to achieving the goals of public library institutions, as their performance reflects their competencies and skills.

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References

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History

  • Receive Date: 13 October 2024
  • Revise Date: 28 December 2024
  • Accept Date: 01 February 2025
  • Publish Date: 22 December 2025

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