Objective: The primary objective of this research is to design a comprehensive performance model for academic libraries to enhance international university collaboration. This study seeks to identify key indicators, prioritize them operationally, and provide a localized model for academic libraries to transform from traditional support units into strategic partners within the science diplomacy system.
Methodology: This study is applied in purpose and utilizes a mixed-methods approach (qualitative-quantitative). In the qualitative phase, 115 primary sources were reviewed through a systematic study, and 45 key sources were selected, leading to the extraction of 62 initial items. Subsequently, through a two-round Delphi technique with the participation of 10 experts, the final questionnaire was refined into 36 strategic items. In the quantitative phase, the questionnaire was distributed among 205 directors of prominent public university libraries, selected via stratified random sampling. Data analysis was performed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling.
Findings: The findings led to the identification and validation of six core components with factor loadings above 0.7 and significant T-values. Path analysis revealed the priority of the components' impact on international collaboration as follows: Smart Infrastructure and Data Management (0.86), Research Support Services and Bibliometrics (0.79), Strategic Management and Organizational Alignment (0.73), Human Capital Development and Competencies (0.68), Internationalization and Training (0.61), and Strategic Networking and Partnerships (0.54). All relationships were confirmed as significant at a 95% confidence level.
Conclusion: The model, with an explanatory power of 0.78, proves that international library performance is a logical "value chain" originating from technical infrastructure and culminating in networking outputs. By establishing smart platforms and strengthening bibliometric services, academic libraries in Iran can act as drivers of science diplomacy, increasing the university's soft power in competitive higher education markets and tangibly enhancing the institution's global standing.