Journal of Studies in Library and Information Science

Abstract ABSTRACT



Objective: The purpose of this research is to study the relationship between social capital and reading habits of undergraduate students of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz.



Methods: The present research method is a survey and descriptive-correlation type. The research population is the students of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz at the undergraduate level in 1401-1402, whose number is 7495. Also, the research sample is estimated to be 384 people based on the table of Karjesi and Morgan. To select the subjects, the stratified-relative sampling method was used. The research tool is Bourdieu's social capital questionnaire and Abdul Karim and Hassan's reading habit questionnaire. To analyze the data from S. P. S. S. Version 25 and the Pearson correlation coefficient test was used.



Findings: The findings of the research have shown that social capital has an effect on the components of reading habits such as types of reading materials, reading time in minutes per day, channels of reading materials and places of reading, and they have a positive and significant relationship with each other. It has also been determined that social capital has not only influenced reading time.

Discussion: This study examines the relationship between social capital and reading habits of undergraduate students of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz and shows a significant correlation between them. It was found that social capital has an effect on improving students' reading habits. Our findings emphasize the influential role of social capital in shaping academic behaviors, , including students' reading. The consequences of this correlation are significant for for professors, educators, and universities. Understanding the interplay between social capitals and reading habits can provide targeted interventions and strategies to create a conducive learning environment. Educational institutions, by knowing and using social networks correctly, can potentially increase students' reading behaviors and, as a result, their overall academic success.

Abstract Purpose: Comparative study of copyright laws and regulations in Iran and leading countries in copyright (America, Australia, England, France).

Research method: The current research has investigated the copyright laws in some of the world's leading countries using a comparative method as well as a descriptive method.

Findings: The results of this research show that in order to analyze the copyright laws of documents in Iran, they should be considered from two angles. Some laws related to this issue that exist in our country have many flaws that should be revised and amended. In addition to the right to own documents, the use of documents and documents, such as their reproduction and supply, has rights, which are both material rights and intellectual rights. Comprehensive laws that are written in the field of copyright or intellectual creations of documents should have a copyright perspective.

Conclusion: The issues surrounding the ownership rights of documents and the nature of authors' rights have not been addressed and there are shortcomings in this area. Therefore, the special conditions of archival documents and the multiplicity of scientific and legal opinions in this field require that a part of the comprehensive archive law be dedicated to this issue.

Keywords: copyright, laws, documents, copyright and intellectual property.

Keywords: copyright, laws, documents, copyright

Abstract Background and Objectives: Knowledge application describes the practical use of knowledge that has been created, absorbed, and put into the knowledge management cycle. An important factor in knowledge management is knowledge sharing. Knowledge sharing in higher education institutions is a very important process. Universities play a significant role in the progress of societies by producing, storing, and disseminating knowledge through innovative and applied research. Academics, as agents of knowledge production and dissemination in society, must have the necessary motivation to share knowledge. Motivation is crucial for all knowledge-based work. Knowledge sharing is the core of innovation in universities and higher education institutions, as knowledge is shared specifically to improve organizational performance. Since knowledge sharing is voluntary, the process depends on the willingness of the individuals involved and involves active communication, dialogue with colleagues, and effective collaboration. Universities should seek ways to transfer knowledge from experts to non-experts in a timely manner. The process of knowledge transfer and knowledge sharing requires executive support to motivate employees. Knowledge sharing allows universities and higher education institutions to exploit knowledge-based assets. Universities and higher education institutions in developing countries such as Iran should prioritize knowledge sharing. Knowledge sharing preserves the knowledge of experienced academics and utilizes it. Therefore, knowledge sharing will be a vital part of the university's overall mission to advance the goals of society. Therefore, it is necessary to comprehensively identify the factors affecting knowledge sharing and analyze the levels of influence and impact of the identified variables in order to create a suitable context for strengthening knowledge management in universities. Accordingly, the present study has examined the factors affecting knowledge sharing among staff and academic members of Payam Noor University in order to answer the question in a theoretical dimension: what does knowledge sharing mean in universities and what factors affect it? And in a methodological dimension, it will answer the question: what are the cause-effect relationships and levels of influence and impact of factors affecting knowledge sharing among staff and academic members of universities? Methodology: Considering the main objective of this research, which is to explain the factors affecting knowledge sharing in universities, the present research is an applied research in terms of purpose and an exploratory research in terms of method. The statistical population of the research includes the faculty members of Payam Noor University. Using judgmental (purposive) sampling, 19 knowledgeable and opinionated experts in the field of knowledge management were selected as members of the expert panel with the following criteria: having sufficient expertise and experience, and deep knowledge of the research topic. The data collection method in this research is divided into two categories: library and field (questionnaire). In the library section, the results of previous research were studied. In this study, 15 indicators (including: self-efficacy, management support, reward system, university macro policies, intra-organizational relations, software infrastructure, hardware infrastructure, personal interaction, participatory management, trust, personal expectations, use of social media, willingness to share knowledge, knowledge workers, knowledge culture) were identified in three factors: individual, organizational, and technology. In the second stage, these indicators were evaluated using the fuzzy Delphi method. In the third part of the research, the structural-interpretive modeling technique was used to identify and design the pattern of relationships between the indicators. Findings: Based on the results, the variables of self-efficacy, managerial support, reward system, university macro policies, software infrastructure, hardware infrastructure, personal interaction, trust, personal expectations, use of social media, knowledge sharing tendency, knowledge staff, and knowledge-based culture Introduced as effective factors on knowledge sharing in Payame Noor University. The results indicate that macro-university policies, managerial support, and knowledge-based culture are the most influential factors. Self-efficacy and knowledge staff variables are the most influential factors identified in this study Discussion: So far, no similar research has examined the internal and external relations, determining the levels of influence and effectiveness of the effective factors in knowledge sharing in the university, and the present study is innovative in this regard.

Abstract Background and Objectives: In the era of digital transformation, AI stands out as one of the most advanced technologies, playing a crucial role in enhancing productivity, innovation, and service quality within organizations. Despite growing investments in this domain, many organizations—particularly public and knowledge-based institutions—still face challenges in effectively leveraging AI technologies. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between artificial intelligence and organizational performance, with a focus on the mediating role of organizational creativity in the libraries of the University of Tehran. Methodology: This research is descriptive and survey-based in nature, and applied in terms of purpose. The statistical population consists of the staff of the University of Tehran libraries, all of whom were included in the study through a census method, totaling 158 individuals. The data collection tool for assessing artificial intelligence was the questionnaire developed by Chen et al. (2022), which includes 22 items and was chosen for its coherence, brevity, and comprehensive coverage of various dimensions of AI. Organizational performance was measured using the questionnaire by Khalik (2020) with 10 items, and organizational creativity was assessed using the questionnaire by Durrabji et al. (1988) with 10 items. The reliability of the instruments was confirmed through Cronbach's alpha, and validity was established using convergent and discriminant validity. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics (such as frequency distribution) and inferential statistics through structural equation modeling with Smart PLS software. Findings: The results indicated that AI had a significant impact on both organizational creativity (β = 0.758) and performance (β = 0.704). Furthermore, organizational creativity also showed a significant impact on performance (β = 0.691). The mediating effect, assessed using the VAF index, revealed that creativity fully mediates the relationship between AI and organizational performance. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of developing AI capabilities to enhance both creativity and organizational performance in academic libraries. Discussion: The results revealed that AI technologies not only have a direct effect on improving organizational performance but also indirectly contribute by fostering employee creativity, thus enhancing efficiency, effectiveness, and agility. These findings align with previous research, which suggests that AI facilitates innovation through optimized decision-making, task automation, and uncovering hidden patterns in data. Organizational creativity was also found to have a strong positive relationship with performance, indicating that creative organizations are better equipped to utilize emerging technologies effectively. Additionally, AI creates new cognitive spaces, strengthens analytical capabilities, and reduces repetitive workloads, thereby motivating and enabling employees to engage in creative endeavors. These findings support perspectives that advocate for the integration of technological capabilities with human potential to improve performance. Based on these results, it is recommended that organizations—particularly academic libraries—adopt AI technologies within a strategic and goal-oriented framework, emphasizing their synergy with organizational creativity. Key actions in this regard include investing in technological infrastructure, empowering human resources through interdisciplinary training, and fostering a culture of innovation. Moreover, utilizing AI for performance monitoring, organizational data analysis, and the design of innovative projects can guide organizations through digital transformation and help them achieve sustainable competitive advantages.

Abstract Background and Objectives: The Human Library was initiated as a social movement in Copenhagen in 2000 with the aim of providing a positive framework for dialogue and interaction, challenging stereotypes and prejudices, and creating acceptance of differences and promoting inclusion. The aim of the present study is to review the Human Library in the news. Methodology: The present study is a narrative review, for which purpose, a search was conducted in various Persian and English databases using relevant keywords, and 2570 news articles were retrieved. After initial studies of the identified news and screening of sources based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, the research sample was 65 news items, which were combined in a narrative form and presented in the form of tables. Findings: The concept of a human library has been introduced as “a way to share information, experiences, and personal stories in order to reduce prejudices, stereotypes, and create understanding and understanding in society.” Its most important application is “increasing empathy, and understanding in order to accept diversity and social inclusion and to modify attitudes and beliefs.” The main topics discussed in a human library are “minority group experiences,” “social issues,” and “individual experiences.” The requirements for setting up a human library include seven general categories, including “regulations and bylaws.” Discussion: The results of this study can provide a mechanism for interested parties, health policy makers, librarians, and information providers to understand the overall situation of this event in society and, by taking appropriate action to launch a human library, improve interaction and empathy in society.

Abstract Background and Objectives: Surrogacy, defined as an arrangement in which a woman carries and delivers a child for intended parents, is increasingly used worldwide as a reproductive solution for infertile couples. Despite its medical and social significance, surrogacy remains controversial, often entangled in cultural, ethical, and psychological debates. In many societies, including Iran, the practice is surrounded by taboos, secrecy, and judgment, creating complex challenges for both surrogate mothers and commissioning families. These complexities underline the crucial role of the media in shaping public understanding. According to the Information Agenda-Setting Theory, media may not dictate people’s opinions directly but strongly influence which issues audiences consider important and how they prioritize them. By repeatedly emphasizing certain aspects of a topic, the media construct collective frames of meaning that shape social discourse. When applied to sensitive issues such as surrogacy, this theoretical perspective highlights the responsibility of media in either reinforcing stigma or facilitating acceptance. The Iranian Films Motherless (2020) and Titi (2021) offer compelling examples of how surrogacy is represented in popular culture. Both films portray surrogate motherhood in emotionally charged contexts, often emphasizing hardship, stigma, and moral ambiguity. This study therefore investigates how such cinematic portrayals highlight specific themes and how audiences internalize these messages in their attitudes toward surrogacy. Methodology: This research adopted a qualitative phenomenological approach, appropriate for exploring under-researched, emotionally complex phenomena. Seventeen participants, aged between 18 and 60 and representing varied educational backgrounds from high school diploma to PhD, were selected using purposive and theoretical sampling. Both men and women were included to capture diverse perspectives. As a prerequisite, all participants viewed Motherless and Titi. In-depth semi-structured interviews were then conducted, enabling participants to share reflections on the films and on surrogacy more broadly. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis informed by grounded theory principles, involving open, axial, and selective coding. Through iterative comparison, recurring categories were identified and refined. To ensure rigor, Lincoln and Guba’s trustworthiness criteria—credibility, transferability, and dependability—were applied. This included prolonged engagement with the data, systematic coding, and peer debriefing. The methodological framework thus allowed for rich, nuanced exploration of how media portrayals shaped participants’ attitudes. Findings: Analysis revealed six central themes emphasized by the films and echoed in participants’ responses: Poverty and Economic Pressures: Surrogacy was predominantly framed as a response to financial hardship. Both films depicted women undertaking surrogacy to escape poverty or fund urgent needs, such as medical expenses or housing. Participants frequently described the practice as a desperate act rather than a voluntary reproductive choice. Control by Commissioning Parents: The intended parents were portrayed as exerting excessive control over the surrogate’s lifestyle, movements, and decisions. This dynamic reinforced perceptions of surrogacy as a process that diminishes women’s autonomy, casting surrogate mothers as subordinate to clients’ authority. Portrayal of Surrogates as Abnormal: The films suggested that women willing to rent their wombs were eccentric, naïve, or psychologically unstable. In Titi, for instance, the surrogate was associated with mystical beliefs, contributing to the perception that surrogacy is inherently deviant or unnatural. Temptation of Betrayal: Both films dramatized risks of infidelity and jealousy between surrogates and intended fathers. While fictionalized, these portrayals fueled participants’ suspicions about hidden dangers in surrogacy, reinforcing negative moral judgments. Emotional Dependence and Escape: Participants noted the recurring theme of surrogates developing strong emotional bonds with the fetus, sometimes imagining keeping the child or fleeing with it. Although rare in real-life surrogacy, such narratives resonated strongly, raising questions about whether maternal instincts could ever allow relinquishment. Social Stigma: Finally, stigma emerged as a dominant theme. Surrogates were shown as objects of gossip and moral disapproval, perceived by society as women who transgress norms of motherhood. Participants, especially from older or less-educated groups, emphasized secrecy, shame, and the fear of judgment. Taken together, these categories indicate that media depictions focused heavily on conflict, stigma, and risk. Positive dimensions such as altruism, compassion, and the joy of helping infertile couples were rarely emphasized, producing a largely negative framing of surrogacy. Discussion: This study demonstrates how media representations, through agenda-setting mechanisms, profoundly shape public perceptions of surrogacy. By prioritizing themes of poverty, abnormality, and stigma, Iranian films contributed to reinforcing social anxieties and taboos, rather than fostering open discussion. Such portrayals risk narrowing the public’s understanding of surrogacy to a set of negative stereotypes, thereby limiting acceptance of the practice as a legitimate reproductive option. The findings affirm the relevance of Information Agenda-Setting Theory: when media repeatedly highlight selected aspects of an issue, these become central in audience cognition, influencing both personal attitudes and broader cultural narratives. In the case of surrogacy, audiences were led to associate the practice with exploitation, secrecy, and moral ambiguity, while overlooking more positive or balanced perspectives. The study thus calls for more responsible and diverse media coverage. Narratives of altruism, supportive legislation, and successful surrogacy experiences could counterbalance negative portrayals, reducing stigma and fostering informed decision-making. Balanced framing would also empower surrogate mothers by affirming their dignity and acknowledging their contributions to family creation. In conclusion, media hold a dual capacity: they can reinforce prejudices or serve as agents of social understanding. By adopting the latter role, media could play a transformative part in normalizing surrogacy, addressing misconceptions, and supporting the rights and well-being of all parties involved.