Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Mehri Shahbazi ¹
• Faramarz Soheili ²
• Nasrin Gahvareh ³
• Ali Akbar Khasseh ²

¹ Assistant Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

² Associate Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

³ MSc. Student in Knowledge and Information Science, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

1. Introduction
Public libraries are among the essential pillars of a democratic society, serving as symbols of social progress and civil pride in the pursuit of lifelong learning. As these libraries cater to various segments of society, trained and knowledgeable personnel, referred to as librarians or information specialists, play a crucial role in identifying and meeting users' information needs. In line with their responsibilities towards different societal groups, they must adapt their service delivery methods concurrently with societal advancements. Today, with recent technological advancements, achieving this requires librarians to primarily possess digital literacy.

2. Literature Review
Given recent technological advancements, it has been established that primarily, librarians must possess digital literacy skills. On the other hand, previous research indicates that most managers believe a precise understanding of personality traits is crucial in management science because individuals' personality structures significantly influence their perception, evaluation, and response to the environment (Rostami et al., 2009). One of the most effective and comprehensive theories proposed regarding personality is the Five-Factor Model by Costa and McCrae (1992). According to this theory, the personality structure comprises hierarchical dimensions of Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness to Experience, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness. Conscientiousness, or Dutifulness, is at the highest level and can be broken down into lower-level facets or traits. Additionally, studies show that digital literacy skills correlate with various managerial dimensions, highlighting the significance of identifying the personality structure of human resources, particularly in organizations. According to White (2002), personality traits can be utilized to predict behaviors and job performance of individuals. Since public libraries are among the centers that, in comparison to other types of libraries, serve as crucial informational hubs to various segments of society, they are considered one of the most significant cultural bases. Therefore, in this regard, the personality of librarians can undoubtedly be influential. Their manner of interaction can play a pivotal role in attracting users to libraries. Therefore, this research aims to determine the relationship between personality traits and digital literacy skills among librarians in public libraries of a practical nature, employing a survey method.

3. Methodology
Data collection involved using two questionnaires: the McCrae and Costa personality traits questionnaire and the digital literacy skills questionnaire. The statistical population of this research comprised 170 librarians from public libraries in Kermanshah province, with a sample size of 118, determined using Morgan's table. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the SPSS software.

4. Results
The correlation coefficient between personality traits and digital literacy skills was positive and equal to 0.48, indicating a moderate correlation between these two variables. Furthermore, the correlation coefficients between the personality traits of Neuroticism, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Openness to Experience, and Conscientiousness with digital literacy skills were positive, and based on the regression line slope in the scatterplot, Extraversion, Openness to Experience, Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism had the greatest to least impact on this relationship, respectively.

5. Discussion
The results of the present study revealed that the most influential trait in digital literacy is neuroticism. Perhaps one of the major reasons for the significant relationship between neuroticism and digital literacy is the presence of strong and face-to-face interactions with visitors, high motivation, and attention to career advancement. It's possible that one of the reasons many librarians gravitate towards digital literacy skills is to find relief from obsessive thoughts, anxiety, and life stresses. Another reason could be that the virtual world serves as an escape for librarians from stress, fear, and life difficulties. Therefore, it can be said that personality traits, particularly neuroticism, predict librarians' use or non-use of digital literacy skills. Consequently, individuals high in neuroticism may be attracted to and develop a habit of acquiring digital literacy skills due to the presence of these traits and their inability to cope with such problems, seemingly helping them overcome feelings of loneliness, boredom, and inadequacy.

6. Conclusion
In conclusion, the findings of this research provide a clear representation of the relationship and role of librarians' personality traits in digital literacy skills. It is essential for librarians to become aware of their weaknesses in terms of digital literacy skills and take the initiative to enhance their knowledge in this area. Digital literacy skills undoubtedly assist librarians in this regard. If librarians lack sufficient digital literacy skills, they will not be able to provide better services to users based on modern search techniques and information retrieval methods.

Keywords

• Librarians
• Public Libraries
• Digital Literacy Skills
• Personality Traits

Main Subjects

• Interactive Retrieval