Examination and Evaluation of the Use of Toys in Iran Public Libraries

Abstract Purpose: Due to the importance of using toys in libraries and its unreasonable role in the development of individual and social personality of children, today many libraries around the world, as well as in Iran by the Iran Public Libraries Foundation, use this possibility. Continuation of the process of sending toys by the Iran Public Libraries Foundation requires a thorough review of the activities performed and identification of their weaknesses and strengths. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the current status of the use of toys and its related factors in Iran public libraries. Method: This is an applied study that was carried out using the survey method. The statistical population of the study included all librarians of Iran public libraries, 899 of whom participated in the study. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect data. To assess the validity of the questionnaire, face/content validity was used. A number of experts, including professors of Knowledge and Information Science and researchers in the field of educational sciences and toys, reviewed the questionnaire and after correcting their opinions, the validity was confirmed. Cronbach’s alpha method was used to assess the reliability of the questionnaire. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the whole questionnaire was 0.918 and for each part of the questionnaire, the alpha coefficient was higher than 0.8, which indicates the high reliability of the questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics and SPSS software. Findings: The findings showed that the use of toys in the country’s public libraries is above average. Most of the clients in the toy sector are children aged 5 to 9 years and 3 to 5 years. In terms of gender, the female clients were more than twice as many as the boys. In terms of using the type of toys, the tendency to use group toys is more than individual toys, among which the two categories of intellectual and educational toys were most welcomed by clients. A survey of users’ satisfaction with the toy sector showed that although the overall satisfaction with this sector was above average, the low variety, quantity and quality of toys and also not having enough space for the toy sector and the lack of working hours of this section is one of the factors leading to dissatisfaction with the toy section. The findings also showed that from the librarians’ point of view, using toys in public libraries has been very effective, has recorded a positive experience of the library in the minds of clients, and has strengthened the spirit of collectivism in children and increased library visits. Finally, the findings indicated that librarians have little knowledge and skills in the field of toys and are not qualified to work in the toy sector. Originality/value: The present study examines the current status of the use of toys in Iran public libraries and identifies the strengths and weaknesses related to the toys, toys section and librarians of the toy section, providing accurate information to the managers and experts of the Iran Public Libraries Foundation in order that they can plan more precisely and eliminate the shortcomings in this field. It is also a basis for further research in this area as well as for the development of its theoretical foundations.