Library diplomacy in the context of cultural diplomacy and a guideline proposal for Turkey

Library diplomacy, which examines the role of libraries and information centers within the context of international relations and cultural interaction, is a nascent field with limited representation in Turkish literature. The scarcity of publications abroad in recent years also indicates its relatively new status in the international arena. This context underscores the potential of this thesis to provide an original contribution and address the existing knowledge gap in library diplomacy. Accordingly, this thesis aims to delineate the conceptual framework of library diplomacy, exploring its potential in international relations and its areas of application specifically within Türkiye. This original study employs a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods to understand and evaluate the phenomenon of library diplomacy within the Turkish context. The descriptive method, aiming to explain the relationships between relevant concepts, events, and conditions, forms the fundamental approach of the research. Data collection involved a survey administered to foreign users of Turkish libraries located in overseas units, gathering insights into the international perception and interactions of these libraries. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with 21 individuals identified as potential actors in Türkiye's library diplomacy efforts, including representatives from governmental institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), professional associations, the private sector, and field experts, selected through purposive sampling. This multifaceted methodological approach seeks to enable a comprehensive analysis of the significance and potential of library diplomacy for Türkiye The findings of the study indicate that the development of library diplomacy can foster a positive environment for interaction and collaboration among libraries, highlight their international strengths and areas for improvement, contribute to Türkiye's cultural and academic promotion, support international exchange and cooperation processes, strengthen communication between libraries and external stakeholders, and lay the groundwork for the production and sharing of qualified information in the field of library diplomacy. As a result of this research, a practical guide proposal for implementing Türkiye's library diplomacy strategies has been developed. This guide is expected to provide direction not only for libraries in Türkiye but also for institutions and organizations seeking to engage in library diplomacy activities internationally. It is anticipated that the proposed guide will offer significant contributions to librarians, policymakers, international relations experts, and anyone interested in this field, as well as inform future research endeavors.