Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 PhD Student in Knowledge and Information Science, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Knowledge and Information Science, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Introduction
Cybernetics, a science that emerged in the 20th century, has rapidly grown and penetrated various disciplines. Since its inception, cybernetics has experienced significant and continuous growth, with communication and the concepts of message and feedback at its core. Today, cybernetics is recognized as an independent yet interdisciplinary field, grounded in information theory and focused on methods of information processing. According to Baum (2003), the cybernetic model effectively organizes the activities of academic systems in the modern era. This model relies on complex social systems and cybernetic monitoring, where self-correction mechanisms oversee organizational functions. Consequently, individuals are not the final decision-makers; instead, continuous activities are carried out to improve different parts of the organization. The cybernetic library aims to achieve specific goals. When deviations occur, individuals or groups within the library become active to restore desired levels. The complexity of the cybernetic library also involves parts responsible for identifying adverse events and reporting them to higher levels. In this research, cybernetics refers to the optimal use of cybernetic patterns in university libraries. This study aims to provide a suitable model for the optimal use and management of system information by measuring the status of cybernetic components in academic libraries.
Literature Review
Zamnopoulos and Alexio emphasized that control is an inevitable part of any organization. Supervisors and colleagues highlighted the desirability of monitoring and control components, although slight differences exist in their sub-components. Regarding intra- and extra-systemic links, extra-systemic links were found to be more appropriate, with a focus needed on strengthening intra-systemic links. Hashem Beik et al. noted the status of loose and tight links at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The hierarchy component's sub-component scored higher, emphasizing its importance in the cybernetic model. Nechansky demonstrated that cybernetic structures can adapt to their environment. In decision-making, the decision-making resources sub-component scored higher. The effective management and leadership component, examined in five dimensions, showed that participatory leadership was more appropriate than other dimensions. Brinbaum stressed the importance of interaction among different academic systems and recognized the coordinating role of leadership in academic libraries.
Methodology
This quantitative study investigated the status of cybernetic model components for optimal management of university libraries. The statistical population included experts and specialists in information science and epistemology, as well as managers of central libraries at type 1 medical sciences universities in Iran. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 97 professors and librarians, and the results were analyzed.
Results
The study included 42% men and 58% women. Among the participants, 25% had a bachelor's degree, 45% had a master's degree, and 30% had a doctoral degree. Most respondents (65%) had over ten years of work experience, while only 3% had less than ten years. The average scores for the monitoring component in the structural and social dimensions were 29.43 and 33.14, respectively. The system link component scored 18.41 for extra-system links and 14.52 for intra-system links. The hierarchy component scored 11.23 for the divided system dimension and 11.66 for the hierarchy dimension. The interaction quality component scored 11.78 for the non-linear dimension and 11.53 for the causal dimension. The decision component scored 14.91 for decision resources, 15.07 for decision type, and 14.73 for decision criteria.
Discussion
The findings indicate that the monitoring and control components in the cybernetic management model of academic libraries are appropriate and have a tangible impact on the model's structure. Extra-systemic links were found to be more effective than intra-systemic links, highlighting the need to strengthen the latter. The hierarchical sub-component scored higher within the hierarchy context, and participatory leadership was more effective than other dimensions.
Conclusion
The research findings suggest that the components of the cybernetic model are well-placed in the libraries of medical sciences universities. This reflects the awareness of university library managers regarding the structure, goals, tasks, services, and functions of academic libraries. However, this knowledge is not equally appropriate across all dimensions, leading to an imbalance in the state of dimensions and components. Consequently, the progress and effectiveness of the models are not as impressive. Therefore, it is recommended to focus more on the social role of library users in interactions and guidance, and to maintain a balanced approach to the quantitative and qualitative growth of all dimensions in library management.
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