Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Public Administration and Organizational Sciences, College of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
10.22059/jlib.2025.105615
Abstract
Objective: This editorial note aims to commemorate the foundational role of Dr. Iraj Afshar (1925–2010) in establishing the first scholarly journal in Library and Information Science (LIS) in Iran in 1966 and to articulate the continuing necessity of such a journal for indigenous knowledge production, critical theorization, and the preservation of the field’s intellectual history. Method: The study adopts a historical-analytical and reflective approach, examining the origins and legacy of the journal founded, contextualizing its role within the development of LIS in Iran, and interpreting its contemporary relevance in light of global challenges such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, information retrieval, and knowledge organization. Results: The analysis demonstrates that the journal has functioned not merely as a medium for disseminating scientific research, but as a collective memory, an infrastructure for independent scholarly discourse, and a credible academic space for faculty members, researchers, and students. It has contributed significantly to documenting and sustaining the intellectual trajectory of LIS in Iran. Conclusions: The memory of Dr. Iraj Afshar embodies a long-term commitment to knowledge, culture, and scholarly perseverance. Revitalizing and sustaining this journal is essential for fostering indigenous theorization, addressing contemporary global challenges, and safeguarding the intellectual heritage of LIS in Iran. The journal’s future mission lies in continuing its founders’ path with both fidelity and innovation.
Azarang, A. (2022). “Afshar, Iraj”. Encyclopaedia Islamica. Centre for the Great Islamic Encyclopaedia. Tuesday, 8 February 2022. Retrieved August 25, 2025, from https://www.cgie.org.ir/fa/article/266498/ [in Persian]
Banieghbal, N. (1993). Library education in Iran. Research on Information Science and Public Libraries (formerly Payam-e-Ketabkhaneh), 3(4), 14–17. https://publij.ir/ [in Persian]
)