Zoom Meeting, FAH News online -- Prof. Dr. Nurdin, S.Ag., S.S., M.A., as the Dean of the Faculty of Adab and Cultural Sciences, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, delivered a public lecture themed "The Role of Theory in Library and Information Science Research" through the Zoom Meeting platform on Wednesday 2 July, 2025.

This public lecture was attended by 74 participants consisting of students and lecturers of the Library Science Study Programme of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. The purpose of this activity is to understand the role of theory in research in the field of library and information science by understanding the definition and scope of theory, the characteristics and functions of theory in research and science, theoretical frameworks, and strategies and tips in the implementation of theory in research.

This activity was guided by Fathir Ramadhan who is a student of the Library Science Study Programme of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta as the moderator. He opened the activity with a prayer and continued with an introductory speech by Dr. Ade Abdul Hak, S.Ag., S.S., M.Hum., CIQnr, as the Dean of the Faculty of Adab and Humanities UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta.

In his introduction, the Dean of FAH said that the material to be delivered is an important first step in understanding how theory is used in research libraries. A study will be said to be scientific if it contains a theory. Some of the theories contained in library and information science are the Berry Picking Theory, Zipf's Law, and even the possibility of using theories from other disciplines such as from the communication discipline there is Innovation Diffusion Theory, Social Cognitive Theory, and others.

"We also, of course, need to understand theories philosophically to underpin research or scientific development in the field of library science," he added.

He also hopes that this public lecture by guest lecturers will provide new color, insights, and knowledge for all students in studying library and information science theories.

Then, the presentation of the material was delivered by Prof. Dr. Nurdin, S.Ag., S.S., M.A. as a Lecturer of the Library Science Study Programme and Dean of the Faculty of Adab and Cultural Sciences UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta. He explained that there are differences in views on theory between the general public and academics. In the general public, theory is considered something far from reality. Meanwhile, in the view of academics, theory is something that cannot be separated from reality or facts.

"So, the theory is actually talking about reality or facts," he emphasised.

He also explained that theories are divided into three groups, that are major theories, intermediate theories, and small theories with each group having a different focus and scope.

Then, Prof. Dr. Nurdin provided tips on choosing theories for research in the field of library and information science, such as determining phenomena, reviewing leading literature, relevant and contextual theories, and interdisciplinary approaches when needed.

"The theory chosen must be relevant and contextual, so that is axiomatic or had beneficial for society," he added.

The presentation of the material ended with the steps in the implementation of the theory used in the research which began with choosing the research problem to be studied, to the last step, that is discussion and contribution of research results to science. This last step will result in new phenomena that can be studied in the future.

Then, in the discussion session, participants asked about the material that had been presented, and were answered directly by the presenter. After the discussion, the moderator delivered the conclusion of today's material, and continued with the handing over of a digital certificate to Prof. Dr. Nurdin, S.Ag., S.S., M.A. as a resource person in today's guest lecturer public lecture. The activity was closed with documentation with all participants.

Author: Alfi Khusnul Fauziah

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