The role of podcasts services in expanding the social impact of University Libraries A field study At Dr. Ahmed Arwa's library Emir Abdelkader University of Islamic Sciences – Constantine-

Abstract

This study aims to highlight the role of podcasting technology in enhancing the social role of Algerian university libraries, through a field study conducted at the Dr. Ahmed Arwa Library at Emir Abdelkader University of Islamic Sciences. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach, using a questionnaire as a tool to collect data from a purposive sample of 90 library users, to explore their views on the current services and their social impact, as well as to examine their expectations regarding the contribution of introducing podcast services to expanding the library's social role. The study revealed that current services have limited social impact due to insufficient marketing, their confinement to the academic community, and the absence of community partnerships. In parallel, showed high expectation levels for this service's ability to expand the social scope through its active contribution to achieving social inclusion and cohesion, promoting lifelong learning, preserving heritage and cultural diversity, and supporting development and social peace. This confirms that introducing podcast services in Algerian university libraries will enhance their role as advanced centres for community knowledge ‎.