A Comparative Study of Social Capital in Academic Libraries; A Comparison of Tehran University Libraries With Sharif University Libraries

This research is a comparative study of the level of social capital in Tehran University and Sharif University of Technology libraries.
The research method is composed of survey and comparative study. Statistical population included all librarians affiliated to central and college libraries of Sharif University of Technology together with librarians affiliated to central library and libraries of Colleges of Engineering, Colleges of Science, Faculty of management, and Faculty of Economics of Tehran University.Random stratified sampling method was used and the sample estimated 110 people. Data collection tool was a questionnaire
Findings showed that the rate of social capital among librarians in Tehran University and Sharif University libraries was relatively not different and a little more than average. Average social capital score in Tehran University (3.28) was more than average score gained in Sharif University libraries (3.20); yet that difference was not statistically meaningful. Also the order of importance of dimensions was relational, cognitive and structural. The level of social capital showed a statistically not meaningful difference with respect to demographic variables (gender, age, marital status, education & experience). Considering the impact of social capital on improving the performance of libraries, managers of academic libraries are recommended to invest more on shared values and experiences, trust, and networked configurations as main elements of social capital.