"Identification and Validation of Indicators and Criteria for Evaluating the Quality of Public Access to Information and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Services in Public Libraries of Selected Middle Eastern Countries"

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Information Science and Knowledge , Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran

2 Information Science and Knowledge , Faculty of Humanities, shahed University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify and validate indicators and criteria for evaluating the quality of universal access to information services and information and communication technologies (ICT) in public libraries of selected Middle Eastern countries. This applied research employed a descriptive–exploratory approach. Data were collected through a review of relevant printed and electronic literature and the Delphi method. In the first phase, preliminary indicators related to the quality of universal access were extracted from authoritative sources. Subsequently, these indicators were reviewed and validated through several Delphi rounds with the participation of 16 experts in the field of library and information science and public librarianship, who were selected using snowball sampling. Data analysis was conducted using qualitative methods.
The findings indicated that the evaluation of the quality of universal access to information services and ICT in public libraries of the selected Middle Eastern countries can be explained across four main dimensions: user empowerment, access to information resources, digital divide reduction, and information equity. In the user empowerment dimension, indicators such as information literacy education, digital literacy, lifelong learning, and artificial intelligence literacy were identified as highly important. Regarding access to resources, open access to specialized, health-related, agricultural, and scholarly information was found to be a key factor in service quality. Furthermore, the development of digital infrastructure, provision of universal high-speed internet access, and attention to the information needs of special and disadvantaged social groups were recognized as essential components for reducing the digital divide and achieving information equity. Overall, the results of this study provide a reliable and evidence-based framework to support policymaking, planning, and improvement of the quality of information and digital services in public libraries across the Middle East.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 14 February 2026
  • Revise Date: 09 May 2026
  • Accept Date: 10 May 2026
  • First Publish Date: 10 May 2026

Share

How to cite

Statistics