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Perspectives on... Coping with change: Issues facing university libraries in Pakistan
Abstract
The paper examines the constraints that hamper growth of university libraries in Pakistan. The study is based on personal observations and experience of the author, a review of relevant literature on the subject, and discussion with several senior library administrators. Issues identified are as follows: inadequacy of library collections, absence of readers' services, absence of competent personnel in top managerial positions, inadequate physical facilities, inadequate finance, absence of cooperative programs, and limited application of computer technology. Recommendations, including the formation of a Standing Committee on University Libraries by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), are outlined.
... The library needs competent leadership so that all library tasks go uniformly. A leader knows how to spread knowledge and fulfill library requirements (Haider, 2004). Ameen (2006) believes that leadership is a very significant factor in library improvement because it deals with all key decisions. ...
... The results demonstrate that Lahore city librarians are ready to cooperate with each other for the development of a union catalogue of university libraries, and they seek support from higher authorities, professional library associations, and especially from HEC of Pakistan to take the initiative and train librarians for this purpose. Studies such as Sadiq et al. (2021) andHaider (2004) highlighted similar results. ...
... Ameen (2006) in her study reported that the leadership role is vital for the creation of a union catalogue. However, Haider (2004) considers the role of professional library associations and the National Library of Pakistan for this purpose. This achievement would ultimately lead to the development of a union catalogue of university libraries in Pakistan. ...
Purpose
This study aims to examine the status, explores the hurdles and identifies the prospects for developing a union catalogue of university libraries in Lahore, Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
Following a quantitative research approach, a questionnaire was developed from literature and authors’ experience. After ensuring its validity and reliability, data were collected from librarians after the census. A total of 105 librarians were approached, of whom 73 (71%) responded to the survey.
Findings
University libraries in Lahore are well organized, have adequate collections and information technology-literate staff, are well automated, have good internet connections, are equipped with integrated software, follow cataloguing rules and MARC standards; however, the absence of standardized software, lack of funds, absence of uniform policy, professional workload and absence of standardized vocabulary are significant challenges. Private-sector librarians reported facing more challenges. Librarians consider all prospects vital for developing a union catalogue. These prospects include the availability of relevant information, incentives to librarians, coordination with librarians, a realization that sharing is caring, the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan taking initiative and librarians’ training.
Research limitations/implications
University librarians in Lahore are ready to cooperate with the development of a union catalogue; however, they seek support from higher authorities, professional library associations and the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first of its kind that examines the status, explores the hurdles and identifies the prospects for developing a union catalogue of university libraries in Lahore. It would lead to the development of a union catalogue of university libraries in Pakistan.
... There is extensive literature on librarianship, but very few studies on academic library leadership (Ammons-Stephens et al., 2009;Ashiq et al., 2019;Hernon, 2017). Some research on library leadership has been done in Pakistan Ameen, 2006;Ashiq et al., 2018;Bashir, 2014;Haider, 2004;Mahmood, 2003;. The present study has been undertaken to expose the leadership practices adopted by university libraries in the Twin Cities of Pakistan. ...
... Pakistan lacks visionary library leadership, which needs to be addressed (Ameen, 2006;Haider, 2004). The biggest issue facing academic libraries in the country is the current leadership instability due to dysfunctional library associations, obsolete curricula, outdated policies, lack of leadership training and a lack of collaboration across libraries (Ameen, 2006;Shafiq & Ahmad, 2007). ...
... Pakistan must address its lack of inspirational library leadership (Ameen, 2006;Haider, 2004). The main problem academic libraries in the nation are currently dealing with is the leadership instability that results from inefficient library associations, out-of-date curricula and outdated policies. ...
... The situation in Pakistan is not ideal, and there have been some studies that addressed library leadership in Pakistan (Ameen 2006;Ashiq, Rehman and Batool 2018;Haider 2003;Bashir 2014). Poor curriculum content and implementation by library schools and weak library associations were the major obstacles towards the development of modern library leadership (Ameen 2006;Bashir 2014;Haider 2003Haider , 2004Mahmood 2003;Ahmad and Rehman 2007;Rehman and Ahmad 2007). This study attempts to delve further on the subject of library leadership, examining it from the viewpoint of academic library leaders. ...
... Few studies addressed library leadership development in Pakistan (Ameen 2006;Ashiq et al. 2018;Haider 2003). Weak library associations and poor curriculum were the main hurdles towards the development of modern library leadership Ameen 2006;Bashir 2014;Haider 2003Haider , 2004Mahmood 2003;Rehman and Ahmad 2007). Mahmood (2003) revealed that out-dated contents of library and information science (LIS) curricula were no more the requirement of job market. ...
... Wong (2017) found that there was no coherent understanding of the concept of leadership due to its multidimensional and fast changing environment. Hence, there is a need to organise comprehensive training programmes for academic library leaders towards leadership, leadership skills and management jointly ventured by library associations and LIS schools (Haider 2003(Haider , 2004Awan and Mahmood 2010;Bashir 2014). ...
... There is a vast body of literature available on leadership, traits and competencies in other professions, but literature on leadership from the perspective of library and information sciences is quite scarce (Ammons-Stephens et al. 2009;Fagan 2012;Hernon 2017). While there are some studies available on leadership style and skills in local context (Ameen 2006;Awan and Mahmood 2010;Bashir 2014;Haider 2004), they have limited scope. There has not been any study conducted in Pakistan which investigates the perceptions of academic library leaders about library leadership. ...
... It was also found that the responsible bodies in Pakistan were not working collaboratively with each other to address these issues. In another study, Haider (2004) found that, among other various issues, absence of competent personnel for top managerial positions and inadequate financial support were the basic hindrances in the growth of university libraries. Awan and Mahmood (2010) also recommended that training programmes for the development of leadership skills, particularly for top leadership in the libraries, should be offered and library schools as well as associations should play their respective roles for such training programs. ...
... From all accounts, no particular efforts are being made by the professional associations and library schools in Pakistan for preparing LIS professionals, especially for leadership roles (Ameen 2006;Haider 2003). The local literature showed that there is a serious leadership vacuum in Pakistan (Ameen 2006(Ameen , 2011Haider 2004). Furthermore, even though there has been a study conducted by Bashir (2014) on the perceptions of librarians regarding needed leadership skills, it had limited scope as it focused on the library professionals working at the University of the Punjab, Lahore. ...
The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of academic library leaders of Pakistan about library leadership. Qualitative research design was used with phenomenology approach as the present study aims to investigate what library leaders commonly perceive to be challenges, fundamental difficulties and needed skills to be successful. Data were collected through in-depth interviews from 15 senior academic library leaders. Major challenges found were identity crises followed by communication issues, financial constraints, CPD and administrative issues. The most challenging aspects of being an academic library leader were identified as trying to create awareness, lack of self-development culture and technological issues. The required leadership skills were communication, vision, social interaction, team building, organisational understanding and knowledge sharing. The findings of the study are helpful for current, young and future chief librarians to understand the challenges they may face and to develop the leadership skills needed to cope with these challenges. The study will also be helpful to academic institutions during their recruitment processes; professional associations for training purposes; and library schools for arranging and offering leadership courses.
... Toor (2005) and Ramzan (2004a) Despite this public and private sector focus and the tremendous capabilities of IT, libraries in Pakistan were lagging behind in the effective use of these technologies compared to the libraries in the developed countries (Shafique and Mahmood 2008, Mahmood 2005, Ramzan 2004a). Haider (2004Haider ( , 1998 and Khalid (1998) found a low use of information and communication technologies in university libraries of Pakistan. Mahmood (1999) reviewed literature on computerised services and presented an historical account of articles on automation. ...
... Khan and Bawden (2005) reported a low level of IT use in Pakistani libraries. Haider (2004) observed that since 1990 libraries in Pakistan get 'generous' financial assistance. However, no significant progress was made in automation of libraries. ...
... Plan, significant improvements of IT infrastructure in the country, availability of funds, an array IT application in the whole country and focus by private and public sectors in introducing electronic environments in governance, business, economy, health and education, falling costs and tremendous capabilities of information technology, libraries in Pakistan were trailing behind in its application compared to similar institutions in the developing world. Many librarians in Pakistan are still using old methods and manual systems in acquisitions, technical processing, information retrieval, circulation control and other library activities (Pakistan Ministry of Education 2008, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority 2008, Shafique and Mahmood 2008, Rizvi 2007, Ramzan 2004a, Haider 2004, Mahmood 1998, Rehman 2000a. The Government of Pakistan, through the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan is providing free full-text access to more than 23,000 online journals and 45,000 e-books, Internet access through its PERN project and funds to universities against project proposals for IT applications. ...
... Local LIS researchers have frequently mentioned the need to improve staff ICT skills and expertise (Mahmood, 1998;Rehman, 1992;Zakar, 2000;Ameen, 2006;Warraich, 2008). Haider (2004) asserts that most library leaders lack the ability to be innovative, creative, imaginative, and visionary, in addition to lacking ICT and communication skills. The need for trained librarians is reflected by Iqbal (May 16, 2008). ...
... Due to financial problems and poor infrastructure, it is a concern that digital libraries may lack their current resources in the future. Ameen (2005) and Haider (2004) anticipate the future of digital collections and state that subscriptions to online resources often provide only access rather than ownership. The library may be emptyhanded after the subscription ends. ...
... there are 153 universities where each university has the provision of one central library. In addition, in Pakistani public sector universities, every academic department, including research and excellence centres, provides seminar libraries (Haider, 2004). According to Haider (2007), the notion of reference service was originally introduced in the "All-India conference of Librarians", in 1918. ...
... However, partially automated libraries define automation only in the context of cataloguing. Haider (2004) stated that adoption of technology-based services in Pakistani libraries is very depressing. It may be one of the reasons that very few libraries have their own websites and do not provide fully automated services. ...
Purpose – This study aims to explore the factors affecting the adoption of digital reference services (DRS)
among the university librarians in Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach – Based on the adapted unified theory of acceptance and use of
technology (UTAUT) model, the proposed study tested 12 hypothetical relationships through
structural equation modelling (SEM) techniques. The study approach was quantitative based on a
questionnaire distributed online to a sample of Pakistani university librarians and completed by 289
respondents. The questionnaire used in this study was developed from other validated instruments
used in past empirical studies. Descriptive and inferential data analyses were performed through SPSS
and AMOS for SEM.
Findings – The results revealed usefulness, ease of use and information and communication technology
(ICT) skills as the significant predictors of the adoption of DRS. However, moderating influence of the
demographic factors (age, gender and type of library) on the relationship of predictors with outcome variable
was found insignificant. The findings of this study imply that individuals’ readiness for the adoption of DRS
is present in the university libraries of Pakistan.
Originality/value – In the context of Pakistan, this study was the first attempt that investigated factors of
the adoption of DRS at the individual level. In addition, two new factors – namely, ICT skills and library type –
were incorporated into the UTAUT model and were then evaluated in the Pakistani context. However, these
two factors were found insignificant in influencing librarians towards the adoption of DRS. The intended
study is equally useful for librarians in other countries in terms of understanding the factors that impact the
effective adoption of DRS.
... there are 153 universities where each university has the provision of one central library. In addition, in Pakistani public sector universities, every academic department, including research and excellence centres, provides seminar libraries (Haider, 2004). According to Haider (2007), the notion of reference service was originally introduced in the "All-India conference of Librarians", in 1918. ...
... However, partially automated libraries define automation only in the context of cataloguing. Haider (2004) stated that adoption of technology-based services in Pakistani libraries is very depressing. It may be one of the reasons that very few libraries have their own websites and do not provide fully automated services. ...
Purpose
This study aims to explore the factors affecting the adoption of digital reference services (DRS) among the university librarians in Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the adapted unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model, the proposed study tested 12 hypothetical relationships through structural equation modelling (SEM) techniques. The study approach was quantitative based on a questionnaire distributed online to a sample of Pakistani university librarians and completed by 289 respondents. The questionnaire used in this study was developed from other validated instruments used in past empirical studies. Descriptive and inferential data analyses were performed through SPSS and AMOS for SEM.
Findings
The results revealed usefulness, ease of use and information and communication technology (ICT) skills as the significant predictors of the adoption of DRS. However, moderating influence of the demographic factors (age, gender and type of library) on the relationship of predictors with outcome variable was found insignificant. The findings of this study imply that individuals’ readiness for the adoption of DRS is present in the university libraries of Pakistan.
Originality/value
In the context of Pakistan, this study was the first attempt that investigated factors of the adoption of DRS at individual level. In addition, two new factors – namely, ICT skills and library type – were incorporated into the UTAUT model and were then evaluated in the Pakistani context. However, these two factors were found insignificant in influencing librarians towards the adoption of DRS. The intended study is equally useful for librarians in other countries in terms of understanding the factors that impact the effective adoption of DRS.
... Libraries are central organs in a university and play significant roles in achieving the due objectives of higher education (Haider, 2004). The digital library can be explained as a collection of resources in digital form, where users access resources by electronic means and information is delivered to users electronically. ...
... Many LIS professionals the country emphasized the need to improve ICT skills among library professionals (Ameen, 2006;Mahmood, 1998;Rehman, 1992). Most of the library leaders lack the ability to be innovative, creative, imaginative and visionary, in additional to lacking ICT and communication skills (Haider, 2004). ...
This study investigates the acceptance and importance of digital library among female students of International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan. The study also highlights the problems that are confronted by the female students in completing their research work after limited access to digital library in the female campus of the University.Survey was administered personally to collect data from 315 female students of eight faculties of the female campus of the university. The convenient sampling technique was used to collect data from the subjects of the study.The access to digital library is indispensable to the students to complete their research work. With limited access to the digital library the students were unable to meet their information needs from the Internet and the libraries of other universities. The quantity as well as quality of their research work were affected due the restriction of digital resources. Also the limited access affected adversely to improve insight of the respondents regarding technological developments in their respective area of research. The lack of informational literacy program, IT training workshops, IT literate staff and the electricity failure were the main hindrance to access digital library as well as Internet.This study was limited only to female students of the International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
... Local LIS researchers have frequently mentioned the need to improve staff ICT skills and expertise (Mahmood, 1998;Rehman, 1992;Zakar, 2000;Ameen, 2006;Warraich, 2008). Haider (2004) asserts that most library leaders lack the ability to be innovative, creative, imaginative, and visionary, in addition to lacking ICT and communication skills. The need for trained librarians is reflected by Iqbal (May 16, 2008). ...
... Due to financial problems and poor infrastructure, it is a concern that digital libraries may lack their current resources in the future. Ameen (2005) and Haider (2004) anticipate the future of digital collections and state that subscriptions to online resources often provide only access rather than ownership. The library may be emptyhanded after the subscription ends. ...
... These two areas affect their higher-level studies, which require skilful reading of textbooks and other materials (Mirza et al., 2021). Few studies have examined Nakhonratchasima students' sentence form, vocabulary, and reading comprehension issues (Haider, 2004). This study examined 12th-graders' sentence construction, vocabulary, and reading comprehension issues. ...
Reading plays an important role in the intellectual development of students at his academic journey. The goal of the current study was to examine how reading affects students' overall development and the challenges that secondary school students’ encounter when they read in class, as well as how reading development and reading beliefs are affected. The study was quantitative in nature using descriptive research design. The population of the study comprised all the secondary schools’ students of Frontier Children Academy (FCA), Frontier Youth Academy (FYA), and Frontier Science Academy (FSA) at Hayatabad Peshawar, which includes 735 secondary school students. The sampling was carried out using Raosoft online sample calculator. A total of 220 students were selected using simple random sampling technique. A self-structured three points Likert’s scale questionnaire with 16 items was used to collect data from the sampled students. The data was analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The study findings show that a significant number of students were found having problems in reading and comprehension of the reading materials. The results of the research indicate that most students require repeated reading in order to fully comprehend a given subject. Analysis revealed that when students received the right support and a remedial strategy, they improved their reading comprehension by roughly 90% and had more positive views about working hard to become better readers than their comparative peers. The ramifications for designing effective peer-mediated learning environments for use in high school education classes are emphasized. The study recommends that specific time for reading during the school hours may be given for resolving the severe reading difficulties. Moreover, Teachers may implement strong motivating mechanisms and provide reading resources to students during class.
... Pakistan's literacy rate is 49 percent. 2 There are 226 public and private universities in Pakistan. They are fully equipped with modern books, journals, periodicals, ...
... They lack a user centered approach to services. Consequently, these libraries are more self-centered rather than being user-centered (Haider, 2004;Ameen, 2006). This research study was conducted to thoroughly investigate the users' expectations regarding library service quality (LSQ) in college libraries. ...
Purpose
This research study is conducted to thoroughly investigate the users' expectations for excellent library service quality (LSQ) from college libraries. It will also identify whether there is any difference in the desired library service quality among different type of users, gender and academic discipline.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey method was used, and the data were collected from 998 respondents, which included faculty members, masters, bachelor's and intermediate students. In order to conduct the study, LibQUAL + instrument were adapted.
Findings
The results demonstrated that the users expected a higher level of services from the college libraries of Pakistan. The highest desired expectation of the users were related to “library as a place (LP)” dimension, while the lowest expectation was with regards to the “information control (IC)” dimension. The results indicated a significant difference among the various types of users and academic disciplines regarding their expectations with library services.
Practical implications
The appointment of college librarians against nearly 500 vacant posts would significantly improve the LSQ in these libraries. The result of the study would indeed be useful for the college administration, librarians the Government of the Punjab and the Punjab Higher Education Commission (HEC) for future planning, improvement of services and allocation of resources.
Originality/value
This study is the first in-depth effort into investigating the LSQ of the college libraries of the Punjab, Pakistan. This study will be helpful to understand the LSQ from developing countries’ perspective.
... Comparing the traditional library pattern with an e-library, usually, human capital, enough space, and operational resources are required for conventional libraries. Nevertheless, e-learning offers an open-ended and individualized approach to learn, attracts more students, and drops the price of learning and the cost of operational resources [48][49][50][51] . ...
Background
The advent of the pandemic COVID-19 has resulted in a global crisis that resulted in the closure of universities and educational institutions worldwide. This study aims to explore the determinants of students’ intention towards e-library services usage amid the challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper reviews the technology-oriented individual attitude based on four dimensions of the technology readiness 2.0 index factors, which affect medical students’ perspectives.
Materials and methods
The authors provided a self-administered questionnaire to medical students to investigate their e-library adoption attitude during the COVID-19 crisis. The authors distributed 542 questionnaires, received 361 complete responses and analyzed the data through path modeling/partial least squares structural equations modeling technique (PLS-SEM) with the smart PLS software version 3.3.3. The structural equation-modelling tool permits the estimation of results.
Results
The main finding revealed that medical students have a positive and explicit approach to use the services available at the e-library. Technology use and online services helped students continue their educational needs in the advent of the current pandemic COVID-19. Attitude and subjective norms have significant influence and are strong predictors of intention. However, due to inadequate support for the government side, the perceived behavioural control has an insignificant impact on intention. This paper indicated one of the pioneers investigating the determinants of e-library adoption among medical students based on technology-oriented personality traits, employing the four dimensions of the technology readiness 2.0 index during the challenges of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Conclusion
The study’s findings provide useful insight that offers valuable insights to implement specific strategies from the government officials to address medical students’ uncertainties and increase the technology adoption amid the COVID-19 pandemic in medical education for developing nations.
... Nevertheless, e-learning offers an open-ended and individualized approach to learn, attracts more students, and drops the price of learning and the cost of operational resources. [48][49][50][51] See Figure 3 shows the structural model of this study. ...
Background:
The advent of the pandemic COVID-19 has resulted in a global crisis that resulted in the closure of universities and educational institutions worldwide. This study aims to explore the determinants of students' intention towards e-library services usage amid the challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper reviews the technology-oriented individual attitude based on four dimensions of the technology readiness 2.0 index factors, which affect medical students' perspectives.
Materials and methods:
The authors provided a self-administered questionnaire to medical students to investigate their e-library adoption attitude during the COVID-19 crisis. The authors distributed 542 questionnaires, received 361 complete responses and analyzed the data through path modeling/partial least squares structural equations modeling technique (PLS-SEM) with the smart PLS software version 3.3.3. The structural equation-modelling tool permits the estimation of results.
Results:
The main finding revealed that medical students have a positive and explicit approach to use the services available at the e-library. Technology use and online services helped students continue their educational needs in the advent of the current pandemic COVID-19. Attitude and subjective norms have significant influence and are strong predictors of intention. However, due to inadequate support for the government side, the perceived behavioural control has an insignificant impact on intention. This paper indicated one of the pioneers investigating the determinants of e-library adoption among medical students based on technology-oriented personality traits, employing the four dimensions of the technology readiness 2.0 index during the challenges of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Conclusion:
The study's findings provide useful insight that offers valuable insights to implement specific strategies from the government officials to address medical students' uncertainties and increase the technology adoption amid the COVID-19 pandemic in medical education for developing nations.
... The history of university libraries in Pakistan goes back to the nineteenth century, when the University of the Punjab was established by a special act of incorporation by the British rulers in the Indian Subcontinent in 1882 (Akhtar, 2007;Younus, 2014). The provision of modern library services started in 1915 when Asa Don Dickinson, a US citizen and student of Melvil Dewey, started teaching library science course at the University of the Punjab (Akhtar, 2007;Haider, 2004;Younus, 2014). Local literature depicts that Dr Abdul Moid is known as the real founder of modern librarianship in Pakistan. ...
Purpose-This paper aims to examine the relationships between the perceptions of library and information science (LIS) professionals about organizational culture (OC) and lifelong learning (LLL) in the university libraries of Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach-The study uses a positivist paradigm and quantitative research method to examine the relationships between OC and the dimensions of LLL among the LIS professionals in the university libraries of Pakistan. Using a stratified sampling technique, data were collected, through a structured questionnaire, from a sample of 226 LIS professionals (out of N = 545) working in 97 university libraries of the country. Findings-The results of the study found that the respondents' perceptions about OC had positively correlated with their LLL in the study context. All the dimensions of OC predicted respondents' LLL practices in the study context. Practical implications-This study has practical implications for library leadership and LIS professionals to determine how the university libraries are likely to behave with LLL practices to accomplish the target goals. Social implications-The results of this study can be used as supporting source and rationale for university libraries to develop strategic plans and policies for implementing LLL practices among LIS professionals of academic libraries. Originality/value-The published literature shows the absence of any credible research carried out to know the influence of OC on LLL of LIS professionals.
... They are unable to adopt emerging technologies in their libraries. Haider (2004) conducted a study to know the technology status in the libraries of Pakistan. The study revealed that there was no proper planning in the libraries of country towards technology. ...
Major goal of this study was to know barriers for opting technology by University Librarians of Lahore, Pakistan and to furnish suggestions for the effective utilization and application of the latest technological tools. Research was organized in different parts. Firstly, relevant literature was observed by the researchers to get a clear insight. Then, data-collection-instrument was shaped. The population of the study was all the full time regular working professional library staff of the universities of Lahore. The response rate was 76%. In the third phase, collected data were tabulated and analyzed through SPSS Version 24.0 to reach at conclusions. In the final phase, conclusions were inferred along recommendations. Findings of the study show that libraries can’t serve the users efficiently if the latest technologies are not implemented. In the libraries of Pakistan, IT is not being utilized properly. Library practitioners don’t have proper training to make a fruitful usage of information technologies. The libraries of Pakistan are not rich with respect to IT-based resources. The problems mentioned by the respondents indicate the need of formal training to use IT and the availability of sufficient funds. Findings of the research are very productive for Chief Librarians, organizational heads, and decision making authorities towards the application of information technology.
... In first method named selected response and short answer consist of a questionnaire having yes/no, multiple choice answers and true/false etc. According to Haider (2004), A library is the central organ of a university and plays a significant role in achieving the objectives of higher education. Excellent library services can encourage students and staff to join an institution. ...
Purpose: Library is the heart of an academic institution. It plays a vital role in fulfilling academic needs of their users’. Through this research work we assessed the satisfaction of library users from current available services in the GCU, libraries. It further explored awareness strategies to improve the library services to fulfill users’ needs.
Methodology: The study was conducted through survey method. SERVQUAL questionnaire was modified to collect data from the participants. A seven point likert scale was used to assess the students’ perceived and desired services. A sample of 100 students of the Government College University, Lahore was selected for the study through convenience sampling.
Findings: The research assessed current services offered in the GCU, Libraries. On the basis of the assessment, the gap was identified between the users perceived library services and expected library services. Awareness strategies were proposed to improve the current available library services.
Research Implications: On successful execution of the research study, the effectiveness of library services was assessed. It identified the gap and proposed strategies to overcome the gap between the perceived library services and expected library services by library users.
Originality/value: The data was collected from the library users. The results were helpful to provide the evaluation of effectiveness of library services in fulfilling the library users’ needs. It suggested new library services demanded by library users.
... According to an estimate by Khurshid [8], university libraries in Pakistan hold more than a fifth of all of the books in Pakistani libraries. Though they have many problems in acquiring foreign titles and face many other challenges as elaborated by Haider [5,6]. Furthermore, the present government has been granting more money to university libraries. ...
In the emerging digital paradigm, the role of a collection management policy (CMP) has become fundamental for managing collections in university libraries. This paper mainly explores both the status of CMP in the university libraries of Pakistan and the opinion of university library managers regarding the need for a CMP in their institution. It also briefly narrates the development in the function of contemporary universities and their libraries in the country. The paper is based on literature review, experience, and opinions obtained from the respondents through a questionnaire consisting of open-ended and closed questions and interviews. The data were collected as part of this researcher's doctoral study [7]. The analysis revealed that almost all respondents were in favor of having a written policy but did not prepare such a document in the literal sense. The reasons of this status emerge as lack of basic know-how, practical training, etc. The study suggests continuing professional education and self-studies on the librarians part to improve the situation in this regard.
... He observes that librarians in Pakistan were not prepared to embrace the changes forced on them by new technologies; and that most of them were uncertain about ICT applications in their libraries and benefits for their organizations, because they had little knowledge of ICT. The problems associated with this lack of knowledge are also discussed by Khan (1995), Mahmood (1999), Saeedet (2000, and Haider (2006), and. Nigeria is also a developing country. ...
The focus of this paper is based on the training of Librarians for Electronic Library Services in State University Libraries in Nigeria. It examined the attitudes of Librarians towards advanced technology. It also highlighted the benefits of training Librarians for electronic Libraries Services. In Pursuit of the focus of this paper, it examines the basic function of Electronic Library Services and some challenges that unit the implementation of Electronic Library in State Universities. Such challenges include lack of funds, negative attitude of librarians towards training, and low comfort level with the use of ICT facilities. Finally, among others, the paper recommends that librarians should be trained to allay the fears and anxiety about the use and application of ICT in their respective E-library Services.
... The history of university libraries in Pakistan goes back to the nineteenth century, when the University of the Punjab was established by a special act of incorporation by the British rulers in the Indian Subcontinent in 1882 (Akhtar, 2007;Younus, 2014). The provision of modern library services started in 1915 when Asa Don Dickinson, a US citizen and student of Melvil Dewey, started teaching library science course at the University of the Punjab (Akhtar, 2007;Haider, 2004;Younus, 2014). Local literature depicts that Dr Abdul Moid is known as the real founder of modern librarianship in Pakistan. ...
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the relationships between the perceptions of library and information science (LIS) professionals about organizational culture (OC) and lifelong learning (LLL) in the university libraries of Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a positivist paradigm and quantitative research method to examine the relationships between OC and the dimensions of LLL among the LIS professionals in the university libraries of Pakistan. Using a stratified sampling technique, data were collected, through a structured questionnaire, from a sample of 226 LIS professionals (out of N = 545) working in 97 university libraries of the country.
Findings
The results of the study found that the respondents’ perceptions about OC had positively correlated with their LLL in the study context. All the dimensions of OC predicted respondents’ LLL practices in the study context.
Practical implications
This study has practical implications for library leadership and LIS professionals to determine how the university libraries are likely to behave with LLL practices to accomplish the target goals.
Social implications
The results of this study can be used as supporting source and rationale for university libraries to develop strategic plans and policies for implementing LLL practices among LIS professionals of academic libraries.
Originality/value
The published literature shows the absence of any credible research carried out to know the influence of OC on LLL of LIS professionals.
... Traditional library graduates will not be able to cope with present day challenges because they lack necessary training and leadership qualities. Haider (2004) suggests that universities in Pakistan need to make use of technical managers and business managers for top managerial positions in the university libraries. He claims that this suggestion is revolutionary but necessary in the best interest of the libraries. ...
... Traditional library graduates will not be able to cope with present day challenges because they lack necessary training and leadership qualities. Haider (2004) suggests that universities in Pakistan need to make use of technical managers and business managers for top managerial positions in the university libraries. He claims that this suggestion is revolutionary but necessary in the best interest of the libraries. ...
The paper highlights the challenges and opportunities facing LIS education in South Asia. This parer informs the professional turf about the lingering issues and the likely solutions.
... Munchen (2001) stressed that to be successful in fulfilling its goals the traditional and digital library services must be fully accessible to all its potential users and any limitation of access, whether deliberate or accidental, will reduce the ability of the library to fully achieve its primary role of meeting the library and information needs of the community it serves. The library is an essential segment of a university which plays a significant role in achieving the objectives of higher education (Haider, 2004). Schneider (2001) pointed out that the "regional campus libraries play important and unique roles in the campuses and communities they serve". ...
This paper emphasises about open and distance learning and the objectives as well as the rationale behind the establishment of open and distance learning. The characteristics of ODL as flexible, portable, transferable, relevant…, and identified the Universities that operate ODL programmes in Nigeria. It also analyses the important role played by library and information services in the open and distance learning in Nigeria. It aids information services in open and distance learning in the dissemination of information to distant learners such as registration of users, orientation/ user education, charging and discharging services, reference services, photocopying services, inter- library loan services, document delivery services, library automation, current awareness services, library guide, selective dissemination of information (SDI) and provision of library website/ links. Challenges such as lack of workout standard rules, lack of consistency of ICTs e – learning centres within the library, no laid down template from the National Universities Commission, lack of information literacy programme among ODL institutions and problem of electricity. The paper proffer remedies for effective services ranging from technical support, technological infrastructural facilities, virtual support programmes, partnership and collaboration and funding, since everything connected to open and distance learning is virtual online delivery and benefit to the distance learners - the library, its resources / information, facilities and services are made virtual for easy dissemination and retrieval of information, so the need for technical support cannot be over emphasised, fully equipped technological infrastructural facilities and resources, virtual supports programmes to enhance the library services to distant learners, partnership and collaborations from other libraries, and above all funding.
... National and international studies are narrated separately in this section. Haider (2004) has reported that the lack of competent and qualified staff (line positions) in university libraries in Pakistan is attributed to the brain drain of professionals to Middle Eastern countries. "Only two out of forty-five public sector university libraries at present are headed by full-time professionally qualified librarians" and all other libraries either had a deputy librarian or an assistant librarian at the helm. ...
This study investigated the current state of technical staff positions in the central libraries of leading universities in Pakistan. Multiple quantitative methods were adopted to carry out this study. Quantitative data about technical staff positions were retrieved from organizational documents such as service structure documents, organizational charts and budgetary documents. Principal author carried out quantitative observations and informal discussions with library executives in order to measure the levels of working of technical staff positions and alternatives adopted by libraries to carry out technical tasks. This study found that fifty percent of the libraries have not created any technical staff positions and automation related tasks are being performed by library professionals with the cooperation of vendors who have provided the library software. Of the nine positions for technical staff sanctioned by the libraries, only two were found to have been filled. Centralized mode of operation has been adopted for technical staff personnel. Only one library has given the additional charge of section head to the technology expert who is also managing technical tasks at organizational level.
... Furthermore, functional structure may be converted into matrix structure by creating teams across different functions or sections. Haider (2004) also commented that university libraries in Pakistan are moving toward functional divisional structure, but this study found only one such structure as all others are functional structures. ...
Purpose
Differentiation is important dimension of organizational structure as it is the building block of organizational structure upon which organizations are based. This study has investigated the nature of differentiation in central libraries of leading universities in Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
Concurrent mixed methods design was used to carry out this research. Structured questionnaire, content analysis of organizational documents and observation of library section were used to collect data for this study.
Findings
Majority of libraries have divided the entire library operations into five to eight departments and acquisition, circulation and periodical sections are created in almost all the libraries included in the sample. Unity of command principle is applied at section level but dual chain of command is prevalent for personnel working below these two hierarchical levels as they have to report to both section head and library head. In majority of libraries, average span of control ranges from five to ten personnel for library head and from six to seven personnel for section head.
Originality/value
No such study is conducted in Pakistan. This study has identified the levels of differentiation and will guide academic library executives in creating balance in the levels of differentiation to accomplish the objectives of the organization
... At the time of independence on August 14, 1947 Pakistan had only two universities: University of the Punjab (PU) established in 1882 and the University of Sind which was in the process of being established (Haider, 2004). Today there are 136 universities and degree awarding academic institutions recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. ...
Objective:To find out the university head librarians’ perceptions about the issues in getting faculty status.Methodology:A qualitative research design was used to explore the issue through personal and telephonic interviews with 15 chief librarians of 18 university libraries located in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The textual data was content-analyzed and coded. The emerged themes and subthemes have been presented with the frequency of their occurrences. The findings have been supported by the selected quotations of the interviewees.Findings:A majority of the librarians had vague understanding of the notion of faculty status. Almost all of them desired for granting faculty status to the university librarians. However, their opinion was divided on the prerequisites for faculty status. Most of them supported the same criteria for employment and promotion of faculty librarians, as is used in case of their teaching faculty counterparts. The study has identified that the main barriers in getting faculty status are the librarians themselves, lacking preparedness in terms of qualifications and research output.Implications:The study brings into light both the possibilities of granting faculty status to the university librarians and barriers in this regard. Besides, the findings though extracted from a small number of respondents, may be of interest to other countries in the region.Originality/value:This exploratory investigation identifies barriers in getting faculty status and is the first ever study on the subject in the local literature.Conclusion:Faculty status will help in improving visibility, image and respect of librarians. Therefore, there is a need to prepare university librarians for faculty status, and to struggle for getting it.
... However, subscriptions in this case provided only access rather than ownership (Ameen, 2005). Haider (2004) noted that in this case, libraries would remain empty handed after the subscription was over. The issues of collection development in respect of electronic resources in academic libraries have been controlled by HEC Digital Library. ...
Purpose
– The study aims to explore the factors which influence collection development and management in academic libraries. In libraries and information centres, collection development is considered an essential element of the information life cycle. Collection development and management activities do not emanate from a vacuum. Several factors have a direct bearing on the way in which collections are developed and managed in the academic libraries. These factors are bridges and barriers for effective collection development and management.
Design/methodology/approach
– An extensive review of the available literature was made to conduct the study.
Findings
– The study found that several factors have a direct bearing on the way in which collections are developed and managed in the academic libraries. These factors include goals of collection development and management policies and procedures, user needs, collection development policies (CDPs), collection development budgets, collection evaluation to determine the strength and weaknesses of various subjects in the collections, selection of reading materials, formats in which materials are selected, the issues of access versus ownership, cooperative collection development, resource-sharing programs and legal issues in collection development and management.
Originality/value
– This study provides an overview of various factors that influence collection development activities in the academic libraries. It provides an insight for the selectors of library resources to take these factors into account for building effective collections in the academic libraries of Pakistan and abroad.
... As a matter of fact library service quality and user satisfaction are not regularly assessed in Pakistan (Rehman & Pervaiz, 2007). Various research studies (Ameen, 2011;Haider, 2004) indicated that library services were not user centered rather collection centered. Moreover, there is no comprehensive data available which guide the library managers, policy makers, and universities about service quality of university libraries of Pakistan. ...
The problem addressed in this study investigates the perceived service quality of public and private sector university libraries of Pakistan from its users' perspective. More precisely the study compares the following four aspects between public and private universities: zone of tolerance for overall and individual user groups, dimension wise zone of tolerance for overall and individual user group, gaps between desires and perceptions, and significant differences in the service quality. The data were collected through LIBQUAL print questionnaire from 1473 library users (faculty, graduates and undergraduates) of 22 public and private sector university libraries (main/central) of Pakistan. The psychometric properties of instrument were established through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The comparisons of overall, individual service level, and dimension wise gap scores revealed that private sector university libraries were generally meeting the minimum requirements of their users (except information control dimension) but, on the other hand, public sector libraries were not meeting minimum requirement in information control and affect of service dimensions. The study also found significant difference on service quality between private and public sector university libraries. The researcher found very interesting findings that small collection creates small expectations, and it is easy to meet or satisfy the needs of the users of small collection. The article also discusses findings, implications of results and limitations of the study at the end.
... Three organisational models exist for library services in the university libraries of Pakistan: a strong central library with no departmental libraries, decentralised library services with no coordination with central library, and a central library having coordination with seminar/departmental libraries. The last model is the most popular organisational design pattern among university libraries in Pakistan (Haider, 2004). This paper identifies the nature of collaboration, partnership and cooperation among central libraries and seminar libraries of leading universities in Pakistan. ...
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate the nature of collaboration among seminar
libraries and central library of universities and to recommend certain measures to strengthen this
collaboration. Central libraries of leading universities in Pakistan possess more resources and
manpower than seminar libraries. The task of planning about the important matters like access to
e-resources, selecting infrastructure and automation mechanics lies with central libraries. Growth of
information and communication technology (ICT) and information explosion has created opportunities
for the libraries within a university for creating a cordial and beneficial relationship between central
library and seminar libraries.
Design/methodology/approach – Mixed-method design was used for exploring the collaboration
and nature of relationship among central libraries and seminar libraries within the university. Data
were collected from library executives chairing their sections at their workplaces in central libraries of
leading universities during the author’s visits to these libraries for MPhil study for collecting data about
organisational structures of central libraries. A questionnaire was constructed to elicit information
about the relationship between the central library and the seminar libraries that was supplemented with
the telephonic interviews from library professionals and faculty about the nature of this relationship.
Findings – The data analysis of the present study revealed that the relationship between the central
library and the seminar libraries is of a diverse nature. Private sector universities have developed
integrative relationships, while some public sector ones have interactive relations and some have
independent libraries with limited relationship. All library professionals interviewed have rejected the
idea of independent seminar libraries and majority of them proposed integrated relationship between
the central library and the seminar libraries.
Practical implications – This study suggests that the relationship between the central library and
the departmental library should be developed by considering the depleting resources and by developing
ICT. According to library professionals, the relationship between the central and departmental libraries
should be of either interactive or integrated nature. University administration and library
administration should come forward for building a beneficial relationship among libraries within the
university. This study will lead to broader collaborations among libraries of different universities in
Pakistan.
Originality/value – No study has ever been undertaken in Pakistan to explore the relationship
between the central library and the seminar libraries of universities. This study will be a milestone for
building collaborative relationships among different libraries within universities.
Keywords Cooperation, Collaboration, Interaction, Central library, Seminar library,
University library
... At the time of independence on August 14, 1947 Pakistan had only two universities: University of the Punjab (PU) established in 1882 and the University of Sind which was in the process of being established (Haider, 2004). Today there are 136 universities and degree awarding academic institutions recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. ...
To find out the university head librarians' perceptions about the issues in getting faculty status.
Methodology
A qualitative research design was used to explore the issue through personal and telephonic interviews with 15 chief librarians of 18 university libraries located in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The textual data was content-analyzed and coded. The emerged themes and subthemes have been presented with the frequency of their occurrences. The findings have been supported by the selected quotations of the interviewees.
Findings
A majority of the librarians had vague understanding of the notion of faculty status. Almost all of them desired for granting faculty status to the university librarians. However, their opinion was divided on the prerequisites for faculty status. Most of them supported the same criteria for employment and promotion of faculty librarians, as is used in case of their teaching faculty counterparts. The study has identified that the main barriers in getting faculty status are the librarians themselves, lacking preparedness in terms of qualifications and research output.
Implications
The study brings into light both the possibilities of granting faculty status to the university librarians and barriers in this regard. Besides, the findings though extracted from a small number of respondents, may be of interest to other countries in the region.
Originality/value
This exploratory investigation identifies barriers in getting faculty status and is the first ever study on the subject in the local literature.
Conclusion
Faculty status will help in improving visibility, image and respect of librarians. Therefore, there is a need to prepare university librarians for faculty status, and to struggle for getting it.
... However, a survey of 23 university libraries in Pakistan, conducted by Khalid (1998) showed limited application and use of technology for various library activities and functions (namely, cataloging, acquisition, serial control, circulation, bibliographic services, indexing and abstracting services). Haider (2004) also reported limited application of computer technology in university libraries of Pakistan. At present, various library management softwares like Virtua, LIMS, MLIMS, and Koha are being used in Pakistani university libraries. ...
Purpose
Modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) are transforming reference service (RS) from physical to virtual. The paper aims to explore the current status of ICT infrastructure necessary for delivering effective digital reference service (DRS) in university libraries of the Punjab.
Design/methodology/approach
This exploratory study used questionnaire survey method to probe the current status. The questionnaire was worded to achieve an official organizational response. For ensuring the content validity, comments from some well‐known LIS professionals were sought. In the light of experts' opinions, necessary modifications were made to the instrument. University libraries of the Punjab province ( n =40) recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) were identified as targeted population. The questionnaire was distributed through post and e‐mail. The researchers were able to get questionnaires filled from 38 universities.
Findings
The findings reveal that the ICT infrastructure needed for designing and implementing an effective DRS in libraries is better than before but it needs further improvement. Many libraries also own general and reference collection in electronic format. Only a few libraries have started DRS while most of them are still using face to face channel for reference transactions.
Practical implications
This study is an attempt to fill a gap in the local literature on the topic and provides baseline information to design and implement DRS in academic libraries.
Originality/value
The findings will be helpful in designing better and more effective DRS systems in Pakistan as well as in other developing countries.
... According to an estimate by Khurshid [8], university libraries in Pakistan hold more than a fifth of all of the books in Pakistani libraries. Though they have many problems in acquiring foreign titles and face many other challenges as elaborated by Haider [5,6]. Furthermore, the present government has been granting more money to university libraries. ...
In the emerging digital paradigm, the role of a collection management policy (CMP) has become fundamental for managing collections in university libraries. This paper mainly explores both the status of CMP in the university libraries of Pakistan and the opinion of university library managers regarding the need for a CMP in their institution. It also briefly narrates the development in the function of contemporary universities and their libraries in the country. The paper is based on literature review, experience, and opinions obtained from the respondents through a questionnaire consisting of open-ended and closed questions and interviews. The data were collected as part of this researcher's doctoral study [7]. The analysis revealed that almost all respondents were in favor of having a written policy but did not prepare such a document in the literal sense. The reasons of this status emerge as lack of basic know-how, practical training, etc. The study suggests continuing professional education and self-studies on the librarians part to improve the situation in this regard.
... Among the 131 universities and degree-awarding institutes, there are 58 public universities, 41 private and 32 degree-awarding institutes in Pakistan, which are fully equipped with modern books, journal, periodicals, manuscripts, diskettes, movies, maps and audio visual materials, etc. (Higher Education Commission, 2008). Haider (2004) stated that the situation of uiversity libraries is much better as compared with school, college, national and public libraries in terms of resources, services, personnel and organization of libraries. In fact the Punjab University Library, Karachi University Library, and Peshawar University Library are the biggest of the Pakistan libraries with a huge collection of books, journals and written materials. ...
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to measure service quality of academic libraries of a major university from students' perspectives and to determine libraries' own performance towards meeting users' expectations.
Design/methodology/approach
– Research settings of the study were University of the Punjab's academic libraries, excluding the main library. A survey method was chosen as a method of investigation and a modified SERVQUAL questionnaire was used to explore users' desired and perceived service levels along a seven‐point Likert scale. The sample of the study was selected using stratified random sampling through proportional allocation.
Findings
– The results revealed that users' expectations were high as compared to their perceptions, and a discrepancy was found between expectations and perceptions of all 22 SERVQUAL statements. The overall service quality and satisfaction of the university's libraries was found to be somewhat good. Users were satisfied with library staff's courteous and caring behavior. However, university librarians desperately need to take remedial actions to improve library staff's competency and physical facilities. Users preferred the “tangibles” dimension more than other dimensions.
Originality/value
– This study is the first to measure the service quality of the university's academic libraries and is particularly significant for librarians and university administrators who wish to explore the strengths, weaknesses and threats of quality library services. The findings will assist them to review their service policies and take steps to improve service quality of a university's libraries.
The main purpose of this study is to know the benefits of training to librarians for digital library projects in Higher education and to understand the benefits and problems of digital library. The term digital library has a variety of meanings ranging from a digital collection of material that one might find in a traditional library to the collection of all digital information along with the services that make that information useful to all possible users. Digital libraries have evolved as a result of fast technological development in order to cater to the needs of individuals with varying interests in various fields. Although the term digital library has gained popularity in recent years, such libraries they have evolved along the technological ladder for the past 30 years. There is lot of interest in digital libraries today. The term is rarely defined, or even characterized. It has been applied to an extraordinary range of applications from digital collaborators to collection of electronic journals, software agents that support inquiry based education, collection of e-mail and similar objects, electronic version of a public library, personal library collection and the entire internet among others. Electronic library as one where collections are kept in digital formats and accessed by computers. Electronic libraries are the result of digitization. Its content can be locally stored and remotely accessible via computer networks. It is undoubtedly a particular kind of information retrieval system. The main benefit of the electronic library is that it facilitates research for everyone, including students and intellectually curious individuals. However, the advantages of preparing university librarians for electronic libraries cannot be overstated or rated, particularly in this new advanced technological age where librarians' roles have changed from serving as traditional information sources to serving as technology sources and with a wealth of self-improvement training resources that can be accessed online with the help of a minimal number of training personnel. This paper is prepared with aid of secondary sources of data such as journals, articles, websites, and books and so on.
The study aimed to evaluate the bibliometric research of Library and Information Science (LIS) research contributed by the authors affiliated with the University of Karachi (UoK), Pakistan. The dataset was limited to 22 years from January 2000 to December 2021 and a list of evaluated papers has been proved from various online and print sources. Google Scholar has been employed to access the record of citation(s). Ninety-two papers were identified with at least one author affiliated with the UoK on the subject category of LIS and these papers were cited 707 times. Two-author collaboration was found to be the preferred authorship pattern and the papers written in this pattern got a better citation result. A number of research articles' contributions have been found that female authors are more than male authors. Syed Jalaluddin Haider, Munira Nasreen Ansari and Farhat Hussain emerged as the most prolific authors with 26, 25 and 15 papers, respectively. The papers published in international journals got higher citations and about three-fourth of the papers were published in the top 11 sources which in found from these research. The subject dispersion revealed that LIS Education and Library Management were the favorite areas. The characteristics of the ten most cited papers revealed that 60% citations were gained by these papers. The findings of this paper support understanding the research trends in LIS at UoK. There is a need to accelerate the research activities, revisit the research policies and promote the research culture in the UoK.
The disparity between students' perceptions and expectations is measured in this study to determine the perceived service quality (SQ) of public university’s academic library units. The data related to SQ of libraries has been gathered through- questionnaire based survey including both closed-ended and open-ended questions. SERVQUAL instrument consisting of 22 items was utilized for assessing student's expectations and perceptions. The students enrolled in regular programmes of the academic year 2013-2014 were taken as population. Using stratified random sampling through proportional allocation, a sample of 372 respondents was designed. Data were analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics and qualitatively using NVivo software for content of open-ended questions. Findings revealed that student's expectations were higher.
This chapter gives an overview of digital library topics: digital libraries and information architecture; digital libraries and electronic learning (e-learning); digital libraries and the Semantic Web; digital library evaluation; digital libraries and service quality; and the significance of digital libraries in the digital age. The Internet and the World Wide Web provide the impetus and technological environment for the development and operation of digital libraries in the digital age. Digital libraries comprise digital collections, services, and infrastructure to educationally support the lifelong learning, research, and conservation of the recorded knowledge. Whereas traditional libraries are limited by storage space, digital libraries have the potential to effectively store much more information and documents, because digital information requires very little physical space to contain them. Encouraging digital libraries has the potential to improve academic library performance and gain educational goals in the digital age.
Purpose
Continuous professional development is an essential in-service and on-going learning process that provides an opportunity to young and mid-career professionals to update and align their skills in connection with the contemporary needs of library users. This study aims to identify and synthesize the literature on continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities for Pakistani librarians and information professionals.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on descriptive literature review published by Pakistani researchers with specific reference to Pakistani librarians and information professionals.
Findings
The findings revealed that albeit many initiatives have been taken by library and information science (LIS) schools and professional associations for developing the capabilities of librarians and information professionals, however, these initiatives remained spasmodic and limited to developing surface-level skills. Some emerging areas need to be addressed including information/digital literacy, research data management, data analysis and visualization and the skills to establish institutional repositories.
Research limitations/implications
The study was limited to CPD literature contributed by Pakistani researchers and the efforts taken by LIS schools and professional associations.
Originality/value
There is an immediate need to initiate a cohesive approach involving key stakeholders and to establish a platform purely working for CPD of librarians and information professionals focusing on current and future needs. The finding will be helpful for drawing foundation guidelines by library associations, LIS schools and librarian’s parent’s organizations regarding CPD opportunities.
This study was carried out to investigate the current and prospective challenges faced by academic libraries in Pakistan and to present possible solutions addressing these challenges. The research design was qualitative, adopting the phenomenology approach. In-depth interviews of 14 senior academic library leaders from public and private sector universities of Pakistan were conducted. Leadership crisis was identified as the top challenge followed by those related to changing user behavior, human resources, financial, technological issues, and changes in higher education. Prospective challenges encompassed issues related to technological modalities, human resources, research data management and library space. While the study participants indicated their readiness to cope with these challenges, they agreed that there was a need of collective effort for human capacity building, initiation of compatible smart services, effective policy making and creation of societal awareness. The support from key players such as the library professionals, library associations, top management, LIS schools, HEC and other funding agencies was deemed to be vital for this purpose.
The introduction of ICT has no doubt changed and redefined the way and manner in which library operations are carried out. In this chapter, the phenomenon of change management was discussed and Unfreeze-Change-Refreeze model was adopted. The chapter also delved into the management of change in academic libraries, types of Digital library collections, access mode to digital collections, the need for transition from print to digital collections, the need to reposition library tools, resources and expertise, need for accessibility of collections by user, the need and benefits for preservation of digital resources, health and safety policies and prospect of change management. Despite the great achievements recorded in academic libraries due to change in operations, there is still another side to the coin. Issues such as techno stress which is a technology related health problem came to the fore. Other challenges such as increase in expenditure, staffing issues, etc. also surfaced.
The introduction of ICT has no doubt changed and redefined the way and
manner in which library operations are carried out. In this chapter, the phenomenon of
change management was discussed and Unfreeze-Change-Refreeze model was adopted.
The chapter also delved into the management of change in academic libraries, types of
Digital library collections, access mode to digital collections, the need for transition from print
to digital collections, the need to reposition library tools, resources and expertise, need for ...
This chapter gives an overview of digital library topics: digital libraries and information architecture; digital libraries and electronic learning (e-learning); digital libraries and the Semantic Web; digital library evaluation; digital libraries and service quality; and the significance of digital libraries in the digital age. The Internet and the World Wide Web provide the impetus and technological environment for the development and operation of digital libraries in the digital age. Digital libraries comprise digital collections, services, and infrastructure to educationally support the lifelong learning, research, and conservation of the recorded knowledge. Whereas traditional libraries are limited by storage space, digital libraries have the potential to effectively store much more information and documents, because digital information requires very little physical space to contain them. Encouraging digital libraries has the potential to improve academic library performance and gain educational goals in the digital age.
Training facilitates learning of the required innovative skills that further assist workers to grow professionally. However, who needs training is an important question for organizational authorities. The objective of this study is to empirically analyze the training needs on leadership innovative skills of Pakistani university librarians. A quantitative study was conducted on a randomly drawn sample of Pakistani university librarians. A self-administered questionnaire, measuring the current and needed levels of leadership skills was used for data collection. The significance of hypothesized relationship was tested through paired sample t-test and found significant. Additionally, descriptive statistical analysis revealed that the current leadership skills of Pakistani university librarians have more than fifty percent of deficit, less than fifty percent of surplus and twenty percent of job best fit. The findings have several implications for academic librarians, such as designing of training programs, curriculum development, performance evaluation and exploring causes of under and over utilization of leadership skills. Findings are also significant for those organizations that are interested to enhance workers' leadership skills. The present study is the first attempt that explored dimension-wise need of training on librarians' leadership skills. The results are valuable to manage deficit and surplus in leadership skills that ultimately ensure job best fit and perhaps facilitate optimal performance.
This study has been conducted to find out the nature of career structure of
university library professionals adopted by different universities during the formation of
organizational structure of libraries. The study investigates the nature of designation,
scales, and education and experience requirements of librarians at different levels of
hierarchy in the central libraries of leading universities in Pakistan. A quantitative
research design and document analysis was used to explore the nature of career structure
of library professionals. Organizational documents such as duty roasters, organizational
charts and service structures were collected during the data'collection for this study. The
data was extracted through perusal of organizational charts and documents collected and
entered in Microsoft Excel sheet for arranging it in different categories. Assort option
was used for analyzing these data sets for this study.
The study brings up both different nomenclatures used for library professionals and the
tiers of career structures of professionals. Career structure of library professionals
working in libraries is not uniform. Designation and scale of library professionals are of
various kinds and also require diverse education and experience requirements. Therefore,
there is a need to rationally redesign the career structure of library professionals for
making them sensitive and responsive to the needs of the users of information age. This
study is pilot study in Pakistan that identifies the nature of career structure of library
professionals in university libraries of Pakistan.
Dhananjayarao Gadgil Library of Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) has started building up the digital library collections by scanning its valuable rare books during July 2011. The GIPE's digital library uses open source software DSpace for building its digital repository. Currently, repository holds more than 7500 digital documents. These documents are available to all the scholars across the world. The present paper discusses the methodology adapted for its digital library building. The various processes involved were: Identification of the vendor, identifying the documents to be scanned or digitised, overall work flow, preparation of the metadata in excel, converting the data into Dublin Core XML format and then finally uploading the metadata into DSpace server. Unique feature of this digital library is the bulk upload of the metadata along with digital data files of all the digital documents.
This chapter aims to discuss the development of digital libraries in Pakistan. It gives an account of the digital transformation taking place in the country and reviews a few digital library initiatives. It discusses a number of issues associated with the development of digital libraries with specific reference to Pakistan. The major issues appear are as follows: Misconception about digital libraries; Lack of technological applications; Lack of human resources with needed skills; Copyright and Publishing; Cultural Divide; Digital Divide’ and Insufficient financial support. The authors believe that understanding the underlying issues will not only accelerate the development of DL in Pakistan, but also in other developing countries with more or less common environment.
For the purpose of improving the management efficiency of university library, the operations research methods are used to study the path planning problem in the process of lending book. The mathematical model of the lending process is established, the impact of the efficiency in the five segments with different orders is analyzed. On this basis, the optimization solution is proposed without additional investment in the circumstances, and the goal of improving and enhancing working efficiency and service quality is achieved.
Purpose
This paper reports a study into the current status of, and future prospects for, community informatics (CI) services in libraries in Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
It is based on a questionnaire survey of academic and public libraries, and community centres, in the major cities of Pakistan, backed up by interviews with librarians and community leaders.
Findings
It is found that while most libraries provide community information services, these are of traditional kind, and there are very few examples of information and communication technologies‐based CI. There is enthusiasm for developing such services among librarians, and high regard for library services in the community. Essential factors are funding for provision of equipment and training, and awareness raising in the community.
Research limitations/implications
The study was limited to a sample of libraries in large cities.
Practical implications
Proposals for development of a government‐sponsored CI initiative are presented.
Originality/value
This is the only study to date which investigates the role of libraries for CI provision in Pakistan, and one of very few which studies this topic in a developing country.
The changing environment of academic libraries in Pakistan demands new competencies for future academic librarians. This study defines and validates competencies for entry-level professionals keeping in view the needs of the next five years. Top-level library managers of selected universities and post-graduate level colleges participated in the study. A scale of perceived importance of each competency was used for validation of competencies organized in six categories: management, resource development, technical service, reference & information services, information technology and general. A distinct preference is noted for information technology competencies. A significant overlap between the opinion of public and private sector librarians is also observed. The validated competencies can be used for the evaluation and revision of the curricula of formal education programs.
Updates the author's earlier surveys and offers historical comparisons. Considers all types of libraries in each province or region. At present there are 6,034 libraries in the country, holding 13,354,500 volumes. The most satisfying development has been in university libraries, which now provide 44 books per student. In the city of Punjab are found the largest of the nation's public libraries and the largest university library. A landmark activity of recent years has been the distribution of 4,373 "box libraries" to the villages. School libraries have been grossly neglected, and the author notes this as a major problem to be dealt with by government and the library profession. There is also need for a mechanism to clarify and update library statistics. Coordinated, cooperative collection development is called for to avoid a decline in library progress..
Awareness of resource sharing in Pakistan in its present day form is a phenomenon of the 1980s. This is primarily attributed to problems encountered by libraries with regard to the paucity of resources, lack of funds and absence of bibliographic and physical accessibility to limited resources. Projects directed towards resource sharing were planned and directed in the areas of business and economics (LABELNET), legislative information (Parliamentary Development Project) and agriculture (MART). But none could be implemented owing to the absence of proper planning, lack of competent human resources, non-availability of standards, non-existence of bibliographic apparatus and absence of leadership. Suggestions include: formation of a task force for development of standards; need for an active role on the part of the Pakistan Library Association and National Library of Pakistan for the development of awareness of computers in library operations to accelerate cooperative activities; and revision of the curriculum and improving the quality of library school faculty.
The development of university libraries in Pakistan is summarized, with a discussion of the current status of such libraries, including consideration of library organization, resources, organization of collections and cataloging, services to readers, library staff, and major problems. (Author)
This is a analysis of constraints encountered by Pakistani libraries in procurement of books from abroad. The country is dependent on import for nearly 90% of its requirements. University and special libraries share the major portion of the current acquisitions. The acquisition process is marred by a number of problems, i.e., lack of proper management, absence of competent personnel, nonexistence of acquisition policy statements, nonexistence of selection aids, ever shrinking library budgets, fluctuating rate of the rupee, inflation, etc. Other restrictions include uncertain import policy, trade embargoes against some countries, fiscal policy and hurdles in customs. British books dominated the import trade. Recommendations for improving the situation of Pakistani libraries are made.
“Development of University Libraries and Manpower Needs in Pakistan”
- Haider
Syed Jalaluddin Haider, ''Development of University Libraries and Manpower Needs in Pakistan,'' Pakistan Library Bulletin 1(2 – 3)
“Utilization Levels and Librarians' Attitude towards Information Technology”
- Muhammad
Ramzan Muhammad, ''Utilization Levels and Librarians' Attitude towards Information Technology,'' Pakistan Library Bulletin
Chairman, Higher Education Commission and Federal Minister of Science and Technology. Interview (2003) on PTV World See also ''System to Reward Out-standing Scholars Soon
- Ata
Ata ur Rehman, Chairman, Higher Education Commission and Federal Minister of Science and Technology. Interview (2003) on PTV World, 25th August 2003. See also ''System to Reward Out-standing Scholars Soon,'' Daily Dawn (August 29, 2003): 5.
Final Report on Visit to Pakistan
- D J Foskett
D.J. Foskett, Final Report on Visit to Pakistan. July 1980 and Workshop on University Librarians (unpublished, September 1980).
“Trends of Book Production in Pakistan: Problems and Prospects”
- Hanif
Akhtar Hanif, ''Trends of Book Production in Pakistan: Problems and Prospects,'' Pakistan Library Bulletin 20(2/3) (June – Septem-ber 1989): 1 – 10.
“Libraries and Internet”
- Soomro
Shereen Gul Soomro, ''Libraries and Internet,'' Pakistan Library Bulletin 32(1/2) (March – June 2001
“Developing Digital Libraries”
- Jaswal
See also “System to Reward Outstanding Scholars Soon
- Ata Ur Rehman