The role of the network society in the professional identity of Astan Quds Razavi librarians

The purpose of this study is to identify the role of the network society in the professional identity of librarians of Astan Quds Razavi. It is based on Castells's network society theory.

The present study was qualitative in terms of type of research and has an applied orientation. In this research, the method of thematic analysis has been used in order to discover the concepts related to the network society and the professional identity of Quds Razavi librarians. In order to provide the data needed to analyze and answer the research questions, semi-structured interview tools were used. The sampling method in the present study is non-probability purposeful. The sample size of the present study consists of 14 librarians of Astan Quds libraries. The data obtained from this research have been analyzed through qualitative thematic analysis method.

As a result of analyzing the interviews using thematic analysis method, 5 comprehensive themes of professional roles and goals, how to interact with the global network, spheres of influence, the impact of professional identity from participation in global networks and the effects of librarians' interaction with a networked society on the librarianship profession has been extracted in connection with the role of a networked society in the professional identity of librarians of Astan Quds Razavi. Also, these 5 comprehensive themes include 15 organizing themes, which have been extracted from 135 basic themes.

According to the research findings, the development of society towards the global network has always been part of librarians' concern about the job threats posed by it. Challenges such as rapid technological change and the proliferation of information that is sometimes unscientific and undocumented, and the diminishing role of books, libraries, and librarians, have raised concerns for librarians. But what is important and plays a significant role in strengthening the sense of identity of librarians is the development of information services and countless service opportunities that will be achieved by improving the skills of librarians and highlighting the role of professional and experienced managers. In other words, with the advancement of technology and global networks, the main mission of libraries and consequently librarians do not change, but with the development of individual competencies of librarians and the development of libraries and library services, not only their professional identity it is not a threat, but only the way in which libraries and librarians operate in the context of digital development, evolving and evolving. Librarians can develop their social and personal communication network as the global network community develops, and by synchronizing information and transferring experiences and providing the necessary training to the audience to participate in these communication networks, librarians can. In this regard, the role of professional, experienced and motivating managers in the sense of identity of librarians is very important. Librarians can help maintain libraries in an ever-changing world of information by developing a social network and expanding voluntary activities in an interactive and collaborative manner nationally and globally.