The impact of personality dimensions on the communication skills of public librarians: a meta-composite analysis of the case of Kermanshah in Iran

Abstract

Librarians must accurately interpret user requests, understand their attitudes, and meet their information needs; yet communication challenges can impede these interactions. This study explores the influence of personality dimensions on the communication skills of public librarians in Kermanshah, Iran. Adopting a descriptive–analytical and applied research design, the study employed a meta-composite methodology to synthesise qualitative data from multiple sources and develop an integrative conceptual model. A snowball sampling strategy was used to recruit 24 librarians with 5–20 years of experience and recognised communication competence. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, transcribed and coded using the key points method, and analysed in MaxQDA. Credibility and dependability measures ensured methodological rigour. Findings revealed no significant correlation between age or gender and communication skills; however, education level was positively associated with communicative competence. The personality dimensions questionnaire (43 items across 13 components, including accessibility, extraversion, conscientiousness, flexibility, adaptability, responsibility, verbal and non-verbal communication, self-control, trust, empathy, respect, and positivity) explained 82.8% of the variance. These results underscore the critical role of personality traits in shaping effective communication. Librarians exhibiting these characteristics are more likely to demonstrate advanced interpersonal skills.