Investigating the effect of public libraries on reducing social harm

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of public libraries on reducing social harm. Method: The current research is applied in terms of purpose and survey research in terms of method. The statistical population of the research was the members of the public libraries affiliated to the institution of public libraries of Tehran in the period from October 2021 to October 2022. The total number of members of public libraries in Tehran was equal to 42185 people. Based on Cochran's formula, 379 people were selected as the research sample. The data collection tool included two questionnaires of public library services and attitude to social harms. Finally, the data was analyzed using SPSS software version 22. Findings: The research findings showed that the use of public libraries led to a reduction in social harms and the more users who visited the library, the more aware they were of social harms. have more and have avoided social issues. Conclusion: According to the results of the research, it seems that public libraries have succeeded in creating a critical view of social harms, but their performance needs to be strengthened and more attention should be paid to this area. In addition, in dealing with social harms, people with an approach of seeking information and expanding knowledge and having a precise and regulated framework have less tendency towards social deviations. By providing effective and useful services in the society, public libraries can solve many problems related to social deviations, including reducing suicide, divorce, theft, etc.