Chapter 2: Social Justice in Iran’s Libraries: Legal, Ideological, and Technical Challenges

This chapter explores the multifaceted concept of social justice, examining its historical evolution, current interpretations, and the challenges associated with its realization, particularly in the context of library services in Iran. The chapter argues that oppressive political regimes and ideological conflicts have undermined social justice, a persistent aspiration across diverse societies rooted in the intellectual movements following the renaissance. The chapter discusses libraries’ crucial role in promoting social justice through equitable access to information, highlighting the historical constraints on libraries as instruments of social equity. It identifies legal, ideological, and technical challenges facing Iran’s libraries in providing inclusive services. The legal framework, influenced by discriminatory practices, limits the rights of various religious minorities, while entrenched ideological beliefs perpetuate social divisions.

Additionally, the lack of technical resources and training further hinders the ability of libraries to meet diverse user needs. The chapter concludes with a call for comprehensive reforms in Iran’s legal and ideological systems, emphasizing the need for a cultural shift toward humanism and equality to foster a more just society. It posits that social justice is not only an intellectual pursuit but a necessary foundation for societal development and the enhancement of human dignity.