Purpose: This study aims to investigate the role of public librarians and agricultural experts in the documentation and retrieval of indigenous saffron knowledge in South Khorasan, Iran.
Methodology: The study employed a qualitative case study approach. Data were collected through unstructured interviews with public librarians (20) and agricultural experts (10) in South Khorasan using purposive sampling. The interviews focused on indigenous knowledge documentation practices, retrieval mechanisms, existing challenges, and proposed solutions. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis through open, axial, and selective coding.
Findings: The findings revealed that indigenous saffron knowledge is primarily documented through oral narratives, interviews with experienced farmers, multimedia documentation, written resources, and local archives. Retrieval practices included digital repositories, information systems, metadata organization, digital libraries, and information mediation. The study also identified several challenges, including weak technological infrastructure, limited institutional collaboration, lack of participation, and the gradual loss of indigenous knowledge due to ageing knowledge holders. The findings further emphasized the importance of educational empowerment, digital infrastructure development, participatory documentation, inter-organizational collaboration, and culturally sensitive knowledge management practices.
Innovation/Value: This study contributes to the limited literature on indigenous agricultural knowledge management in Iran by focusing specifically on indigenous saffron knowledge in South Khorasan. It also highlights the collaborative role of librarians and agricultural experts in the preservation, organization, and retrieval of indigenous agricultural knowledge.
Conclusion: The study concludes that sustainable preservation and retrieval of indigenous saffron knowledge require integrated collaboration among libraries, agricultural institutions, local communities, and digital information systems.