Studying the Viewpoints of Librarians and Users about the Challenges and Strategies for User Participation in Library Activities and Services: A Case Study of Public Libraries in Bandar Abbas

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to identify the viewpoints of Bandar Abbas public libraries librarians and users about the challenges and strategies of users’ participation in public library activities and services. Method: The methodology used in this research is qualitative. The potential partners of this study include 20 librarians in five Bandar Abbas public libraries and users of these libraries. For data collection, semi-structured interviews were used. After interviewing with 11 librarians and 11 users, the interview ended since theoretical saturation was reached. In order to ensure the accuracy and validity of the questions prepared for the interview, assistance was sought from three faculty members of knowledge and information science. To ensure the reliability of interview data, the directive interview technique was used and the members of research committee evaluated and examined the interview data. Findings: By analyzing the interviews, the basic themes for the concept of user participation in library, the challenges facing users and their solutions for participation were presented. Eight basic themes were elicited for the concept of user participation in library which was categorized into two components: affectionate and organizing, and negative organizing. Affectionate component included a functional interaction in both theoretical and practical fields. Theoretical interaction involves include the three basic themes of consultation and brainstorm, sharing ideas and solidarity. Interaction in the field of practice includes the three themes of voluntary cooperation in executive affairs, two-way relationship, constructive and beneficial and profitability through synergy of forces.  For clarifying the challenges of user participation on libraries, 26 themes were elicited and categorized into 4 organizing themes: financial challenges, structural challenges, challenges of interpersonal and organizational relationships, and the challenges resulting from lack of awareness. Furthermore, user participation strategies were elicited in the form of 21 basic themes and 3 themes which include: financial solutions, structural solutions, and interpersonal and organizational solutions. Most of the librarians and users participating in this research believe that user participation has a great impact on advancement of library, and consider it useful for library, librarians and users. However, there are limitations and obstacles in the way of users’ participation in libraries. One can conclude that the ultimate solution to the challenges associated with user participation in libraries is to institutionalize community-based librarianship. Originality/value: Among the most important contributions of this research are to understand the phenomenon of user participation in the activities and services of public libraries as well as to understand the challenges and strategies of user participation in these activities.