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PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES AND TRAINING NEEDS OF COLLEGE LIBRARIANS IN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA
Abstract
Purpose of study: The core aim of the study is to identify the level of professional activities and training needs of library practitioners serving in Government colleges of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Research Method and Procedure: This study is quantitative, and the survey method is applied to achieve the desired objectives. The public sector college librarians of seven districts of the southern region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were the study population. Data Collection and analysis: A structured questionnaire was distributed among fifty-nine (59) college librarians. Out of total, fifty-five (55) librarians return the filled questionnaire with a response rate of 93%. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21 is used to analyze the collected data. Major Findings and Recommendations: it was reflected that sixty- four percent of the respondents had not attended any training program in the last five years. The main reason for not attending the training program is the lack of management support with library professionals. Only thirty-six percent of the college librarians had attended conferences, workshops, seminars, and webinars organized by academic libraries, training institutes and universities
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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.
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the views and capabilities of librarians for the implementation of Big Data analytics in academic libraries of Pakistan. The study also sets out to check the relationship between the required skills of librarians and the application of Big Data analytics.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was conducted to gather the required data from the targeted audience. The targeted population of the study was Head/In charge library managers of Pakistani university libraries, which were 173 in total. All the respondents (academic librarians) were invited through an e-mail to respond to the survey voluntarily. Out of 173 respondents from higher education commission of Pakistan chartered university libraries, 118 librarians (68.2 percent) completed the survey that was finally considered, and after checking data, recommendation for analysis was made. To analyze the collected data, statistical technique Pearson correlation was applied using statistical package for social science version 25 to know the strength of the mutual correlation of variables.
Findings
The findings of the study show a strong correlation between the required competencies and skills of librarians for the implementation of Big Data analytics in academic libraries. In all variables of the study, the correlation was highly significant, except two of the variables, including “concept of Big Data” and “different forms of data.” The study also reveals that most of the respondents were well aware of the concept of Big Data analytics. Moreover, they were using a large amount of data to carry out various library operations, including the acquisition, preservation, curation and analysis of data.
Originality/value
This study is significant in the sense that it fills a substantial gap in the literature regarding the perspective of librarians on Big Data analytics.
Academic and Research Libraries are transiting from the various traditional means of services provision since the dawn of the 21 st century. As a result, training and retraining of staff have become imperative in the Library and Information Science profession. This paper takes a look at the training needs of staff in Academic and Research Libraries in Ghana. The main objective of the study was to investigate the training needs of staff of Academic and Research Libraries in Ghana and make recommendations to improve them. The survey approach was adopted in conducting the study and questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data and findings were presented using tables, pie charts and graphs. The findings suggest that Academic and Research Libraries in Ghana organise training programmes for their staff. However, the frequency and duration of the training programmes are not enough to meet the needs of the staff. Also, staff in the Libraries have specific preferences but they are not given the opportunity to make inputs in their training programmes. The study recommended that the frequency, duration and methods of training should be improved. Needs assessment should be conducted in order to know the actual training needs of staff and all categories of staff should be given the opportunity to attend training programmes.
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.
The success of any medical library, no matter how well designed or equipped, depends ultimately on the quality and number of personnel responsible for it. A well- qualified and highly motivated professionals, adequately supported by technical and clerical staff are essentials to this success. The head is responsible for the planning, supervision and evaluating whereas development and implementation depends on staff. In the medical library, there is always a need for subject knowledge, in addition to the professional qualifications, which means that there should be a plan for training and continuing education to overcome the discrepancy. Lack of a staff and inadequate :raining create cumulative deficiencies in the organization and management of a library.
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the extent of use of social media by Pakistani female librarians for professional development and their perception of its usefulness. The paper also attempts to find out social characteristics that influence the use of social media among female librarians for career and professional development (PD).
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through an online survey (using self-administered structured questionnaire) from 102 female librarians in Pakistan regarding usage frequency, perception, choice of librarianship as a profession and perceived benefits of social media. The list of participants was obtained from the Directory of Pakistani Library Professionals compiled by Sada-e-Librarian (a non-profit LIS professional organization). Data collections also include online interviews through Facebook chat with 20 key informants selected from the participants of the questionnaire survey.
Findings
The study reveals that the majority of Pakistani female librarians is well aware of social media and uses it frequently. They are found to make extensive use of social media for PD and perceive social media as a useful tool for PD. However, social media is judged to be less helpful in acquiring technical skills. The study found a number of factors affecting the use of social media for PD among female librarians in Pakistan. These factors include social characteristics such as privacy, parent’s years of schooling, marital status and family support.
Originality/value
This study is among the first attempts to discover social characteristics, the use of social media and its relationship with PD among female librarians in Pakistan.
This article reports the results of the measurement of emotional intelligence of Pakistani university librarians. Previous studies established that emotional intelligence will be required if effective performance is dependent on stable communication and interactions between workers and patrons. Hence, for a profession like university librarianship where high level of interactions with patrons is involved, emotional intelligence is mandatory. As a result, the present study descriptively measured the current emotional intelligence of librarians performing in universities of Pakistan. The results are significant to understand that how librarians professionally handle their emotions and that of others in the modern age of technological and organizational innovations. Using survey research method, data was collected through semi-structured questionnaire from randomly selected sample of librarians. Findings showed a moderate level of emotional intelligence among these librarians. The results are significant towards training needs assessment and may contribute in the future employability of librarians, curriculum development, and professional development programs. Introduction In the present age of technological and organizational innovations many researchers emphasized the provision of emotionally intelligent workforce. According to Singh (2005), librarians need emotional intelligence (EI) to perform optimally. Despite the fact that EI has wide spread applications and benefits in terms of performance, productivity, commitment and satisfaction, research is limited on this construct in the context of Pakistani university librarians. Regarding librarians in Pakistan research is limited on current level of EI; what is needed level of EI, what kinds of training programs are given to librarians to enhance their EI; Is EI regarded as a significant predictor of performance or is EI considered by the head of university libraries before, during and after the recruitment of university librarians in Pakistan. No doubt, literature review of the present study identified some studies that attempted to examine EI in the context of librarians. However, these studies are not that much inclusive as compared with the other disciplines. Hence, it is justified that the present study was carried to cover the gap in LIS literature on professional competencies through descriptive analysis of EI. Results also augmented our understanding of EI in terms of librarians and recommended training on EI to enhance satisfaction, commitment, competency and overall performance of librarians in Pakistan.
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to determine the outcomes of continuing education programs that are being carried out, either having positive or negative effects on the personal and professional lives of the participants.
Design/methodology/approach
The research method used for this study was a survey, which had been based on findings derived from a comprehensive literature review. The data collection tool was an online questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. Questionnaires were circulated to the 120 library professionals equally divided among three online discussion groups which have high rate of library professionals’ memberships: Pakistan Library Automation Group, Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization (PLWO) and Pakistan Library Club through emails. The 100 completely filled questionnaires were received and so the response rate was 83 per cent.
Findings
The study concluded that continuing education programs (CEPs) had positive effects on the participants’ professional as well as personal lives. The results revealed that CEPs improved librarians’ professional knowledge about digital resources, library automation and management systems, searching techniques, library management and skills regards team work. The effect on their personal lives was also noticeable: helped them to build confidence, increased personal interaction and developed their ability to research, leadership, communication and managerial skills. Therefore, the study clearly indicates that CEPs proved very helpful in capacity building of professional librarians.
Practical implications
The paper clearly addresses the effects of CEPs on participants’ professional and personal lives. As expressed, the results CEPs are playing an important role in the capacity building of professional librarians. This study will stimulate CEPs managing associations or organizations to check outcomes, whether they are valuable for the participants.
Originality/value
This paper reports the effects of formal or informal training sessions on LIS professionals’ professional and personal lives.
Purpose
Training improves workers’ competencies by eliminating or reducing mismatch between the levels of acquired and required skills. However, the question of who needs the training can be pertinently managed by training needs analysis (TNA). Thus, the purpose of this paper was to explore the training needs of Pakistani university librarians on collection management skills.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was conducted on a randomly selected sample of Pakistani university librarians. Using survey questionnaire method, a five-point Likert scale was utilized to measure the acquired and required levels of collection management skills (CMS). A paired sample t -test was used to ascertain the significance of difference between the acquired and required skills. Further, descriptive statistics were used to perform TNA.
Findings
Results of the paired sample t -test showed a significant difference among all indicators of CMS. Further, findings of TNA specified more than 50 per cent of deficit (over-utilization), less than 50 per cent of surplus (under-utilization) and 20 per cent of job best-fit in terms of CMS. Based on these results, training and top-down allocation of tasks are suggested to the higher authorities to manage over and under-utilization of CMS and to produce more job best-fits.
Originality/value
These findings are significant to design training programs on CMS, to revise courses on collection management, to evaluate performance of collection managers and understand the causes of under and over utilization of CMS. Moreover, findings inform librarians to eliminate mismatch in the levels of acquired and required CMS through training programs that may further enhance job best-fits.
This paper explores the perceptions of Library and Information Science (LIS) graduates about their learning outcomes in the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) programme at the University of the Punjab and their employment outcomes in the marketplace. Why do LIS graduates choose librarianship as a profession in Pakistan? What is their level of learning in coursework after completion of the MLIS; and what is their level of satisfaction regarding different aspects of the MLIS programme? Is the MLIS degree market oriented? An electronic questionnaire survey was conducted by the Department of Library and Information Science (DLIS) University of the Punjab (PU) to the graduates of the last three sessions (from 2008 to 2010). From the sample (N =80), fifty-eight (72.5%) responded. Based on the analysis of 58 responses, LIS graduates joined the profession of librarianship due to the referral of their family members, better job prospects and love for books and reading. The respondents were highly satisfied with the following courses: marketing of Library services, IT knowledge and Library automation, but they were least satisfied with their cataloguing and classification skills. As for as their employment outcomes are concerned, almost two third (67%) got job on the basis of their MLIS. More than the half (53%) got jobs within two months of their graduation. They suggested that MLIS programme should more focus on practice as compared to theory.
In this information age it has become a basic need of library professionals to keep updating and abreast with modern technical tools, emerging trends and innovations in the profession through formal or informal methods. The basic purpose of this study is to analysis the current trends of Continuing Education Programs (CEPs) in Library and Information Science (LIS) profession in the Pakistan. Data was collected by using a semi structured questionnaire from the LIS professionals who are the members of library associations/online discussion groups, like as PaKLAG, PLWO and PLC. 100 library professionals who have attended at-least one CEP (conference, workshop, seminar, training session etc.) from 2008-2012 the 5 years selected as sample size. The results revealed that workshops, seminars and other training sessions conducted mainly on the softwores related to digital assets/library management, automation, searching techniques, references or citation management etc. and very low level on the library marketing, plagiarism, leadership and communication skills. But many key areas were ignored. The study also shows that PLA is performing a leading role for organizing the CEPs for LIS professionals in Pakiatan. Base on the research, suggestions enlisted as CEPs should be arranged according the users' needs, contents, charges, time and most important the resource person. The library professionals want to economically feasible training programs.
This study aims to examine the current status; collection; services; use of information technologies, budget and sources of budget in the departmental libraries at University of Peshawar. Questionnaire was distributed among the population of all library professionals working in departmental libraries (N=36, 100%) with the response rate of (N=28, 80.2%).SPSS (Version 19) was used for quantitative data analysis. Study identified that the respondents were to some extent satisfied with the present departmental library’s collection and budget. Inadequate information technology; lack of automated catalogue; lack of barcodes on books; lack of OPAC and automated circulation services; lack of Indexing and Abstracting Services; inadequate computers for users; lack of books binding and reprographic services in the departmental libraries were found from this study. They provided HEC digital library access to their users. Most of the departmental libraries have their proper library committee for the overall management. Majority of departmental libraries received fund from university sources. Most of them faced inadequate budget and space problem. The study has practical implications for library administration and management, librarians and information specialists for improving the current situation and better services provision for maximum users’ satisfaction.
Purpose – The aim of this study is to examine the perception of Library & Information Science (LIS) community about professional training, training agencies and training methodologies. The study provides an analysis of development/enhancement of library practices and its relation with competencies acquired through professional trainings. It also focuses to describe the planning, design, implementation and evaluation of capacity building measures of professional library training as well as to identify loopholes of such trainings in the Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach – The research design for this study is survey. Data collected through online questionnaire using www.kwiksurvey.com from Pakistani working librarians. Some information was also collected through telephonic interviews from the stakeholders of different organizations/associations actively involved in design, conduct and delivery of in-service professional trainings for librarians in Pakistan.
Findings – The findings of this research study is manifold. This study revealed different training needs of professional librarians; change in the areas of learning domains; impact of skills enhancements over knowledge acquisition in Library & Information Science Professionals (LIPs); The study also revealed other findings such as: lack of LIS training culture in Pakistan; lack of teaching/training skills in librarians; lower impact of training on working environment; lack of opportunities of capacity building measures both for LIS training agencies and trainers in Pakistan; lack of essential components in Activity-based training modules; also a lack of feedback and follow up of the training agency/sponsors; non-availability of financial assistance to the prospective trainees to attend the training; and lack of personal interest in some cases. Suggestions include: methodological change in the contents and structure of training; new design for method of delivery of LIS training; maintenance of close links between training agencies; introduction of continuing education or library trainings segments at the master level studies of LIS; and mentoring plans for Library Trainers.
Originality/value – This paper examine the issues of professional trainers as well as trainees in the field of LIS in Pakistan. The findings are useful for planners of professional LIS training, professional librarians and library science students.
This study has investigated the training initiatives undertaken for professional development of library professionals by different organizations in Pakistan to increase their competence to make them responsive to needs of library users and aggressively fulfill the needs of digital age. Pakistan Library and Automation Group (PakLAG) and Pakistan Library Cooperation Group (LIBCOOP) were used to collect data about the training initiatives uploaded for maximizing participation and sharing reports of initiatives for their knowledge. The messages were searched from these groups from year January, 2009 to 31 December 2013 on yearly basis and all the relevant messages were copied and pasted in a word document. Afterwards these messages were perused online again for checking of duplication and extracting contents of these messages. The content analysis methodology was applied and data was coded and entered in different columns in Microsoft Excel. Simple statistical techniques and sort and filter option in Microsoft Excel was used to analyze data. This study found that most of the training were held at Punjab and Islamabad. Reasonable training were conducted in Sindh and KP but no training has ever been conducted in Baluchistan. The frequency of training initiatives reveals that library automation, role of ICT in libraries, qualitative research, research skills, open source software, web searching skills and use of digital resources are key areas of training initiatives in Pakistan.
The paper probes the challenges for the Pakistan Library Association (PLA) in playing its dynamic role for the development of librarianship in Pakistan. It explores the role of PLA in meeting the standards of library associations in countries with developed librarianship systems. It identifies the professional problems faced by PLA members. The findings show that PLA needs to play its active role in enhancing librarianship in Pakistan. It was found that inadequate finance for libraries, weak national infrastructure, automation and digitization of libraries, and development of library-related standards are the major challenges for PLA. It was suggested that PLA should work more actively for the development of librarianship in Pakistan by publishing its journal, offering adequate training programs, and hosting conferences covering current trends.
The purpose of this paper is to find out the effectiveness of the training programmes for LIS semi-professionals and various aspects of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in Central Universities of South India. The findings of the study reveals that most of the Semi-professionals do have a positive look on CPD activities and satisfied with the effectiveness of training programmes particularly on, on-the-job training. In-house training will improve their job performance and prefer to develop new services from what they had learned. The ideal duration for CPD courses should be one week is what the research shows. Institutional problem is the major issue in participation of CPD activities. This study is the first of its kind dealing with effectiveness of CPD programmes for semi-professionals in Central Universities of South India.
Through a questionnaire survey, the study identifies and compares the impact of ICT on training of library human resources in two university libraries each of India and Iran. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse data. The findings show that though both Indian and Iranian library staff believe that introduction of ICT in libraries has created a need for training. Library staff from Iran have perceived the effect of ICT on their training needs more than their Indian counterparts. The article concludes that university libraries in both countries have to get their library staff trained in ICT.
The paper aims to bring out the problems and prospects of the professional development opportunities of academic library professionals in the Universities in Kerala. The study is a part of research undertaken to survey the professional development activities and educational needs of library professionals in the major Universities of Kerala because of the developments in Information communication technology. The study recommends methods for improving the knowledge/skills of library professionals. The aim of the study is to evaluate the professional development activities of Library professionals and their attitude towards continuing education programmes. In order to achieve the objectives of the study a survey was conducted with the help of structured questionnaires distributed to 203 library professionals in seven major universities in Kerala, (South India) of which 185 questionnaires were returned. Results of the analysis show that majority of the professionals have pursued higher degrees in library science or IT allied courses after entering the profession, and that they have a positive attitude towards participation in training programmes and workshops. The results show that developments in ICT have a positive influence on majority of library professionals' attitude towards continuing education programmes.
Library leadership is almost an unexplored area in library and information science (LIS) education. All eight library schools in Pakistan offer management courses to impart skills needed for managing libraries but there is little awareness regarding the importance of inducing leadership traits—as distinct from managerial skills—among LIS academia, researchers and practitioners. The paper explores different aspects of the issue with specific reference to Pakistan by using mixed methods. Data was obtained from professionals through a questionnaire, content-analysis, focus groups, discussions, and personal observation and experience. The paper identifies fundamental leadership attributes required for LIS professionals and their status among professionals in Pakistan. Barriers in the development of leadership traits among professionals are also identified. Findings suggest that the emerging social, professional and technological scenario in the country requires information professionals with leadership qualities, to foresee and create the future by timely planning and not become the victim of unforeseen changes.
Purpose
– This paper aims to discover perceptions of university librarians regarding the needed competencies for collection managers in Pakistan in the emerging digital paradigm.
Design/methodology/approach
– The mixed‐method approach was followed using a questionnaire and interview to collect data. The self‐completion questionnaire was sent to central libraries of 40 major, accredited universities of Pakistan and 30 responses were obtained. Then, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 20 librarians using interview‐guide. Interviews were transcribed to analyze and categorize according to the thematic approach. The interpretation and comments of the interviewees have also been reported to strengthen the arguments.
Findings
– It was found that the university libraries of Pakistan are gradually adopting a digital paradigm and providing access to hybrid collections. But, collection managers would not perceive fully the competencies needed to manage hybrid collections. It also appeared that there were meagre opportunities for university librarians to develop their competencies through regular and continuing education.
Originality/value
– This is the first study on the needed competencies for collection managers in Pakistan. The paper may invoke, among academia and working professionals, the need to learn the practices of collection management in digital environment.
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 aim of this chapter was to propose a Pakistan Library and Information Council (PLIC) to regulate the LIS profession and to draft the Act of the proposed PLIC. Acts of councils of other professions in Pakistan were studied for this purpose. Websites of ALA, CILIP, and ALIA were also consulted to get the idea of the working of professional bodies in the field of LIS. The proposed PLIC will be a statutory professional body set up under an Act of parliament. It will register the professionals and will establish code of conduct for their members. The council will be responsible for accreditation of professional training institutions. It will also devise and maintain standards for the professional organizations. A draft of Act of proposed PLIC is presented as an Appendix to this study for suggestions from LIS experts. It is recommended that a Committee may be formulated to review the draft before presenting it to the competent authorities.
Edited version of a paper presented at the 16th Pakistan Library Association Conference, 25–26 November 1997, Islamabad, Pakistan. Pakistani librarians are facing the challenge of new information technology which is rapidly penetrating into their libraries. To cope with this challenge satisfactorily, continuing education of librarians is the only way. Reports the findings of a survey of continuing education activities in the field of library automation held in Pakistan during the years 1988–1996. These were mainly arranged and sponsored by professional library associations and foreign agencies, and were held in thirteen cities covering all provinces and federal areas. Discusses problems faced in providing continuing education opportunities in Pakistan and makes recommendations to improve the quality and scope of events.
Report on a survey of alumni of the Pakistan Library Association’s Computer Training Center in Lahore to determine the impact of the Certificate in Library Automation (CLA) on librarianship in Pakistan. The survey provided information on: the profile of the respondents; their participation in computer training before and after taking the CLA; the impact of their training on their success in job seeking; their access to and use of computers; their participation in library automation projects and other auto-mation related activities; and suggestions regarding further courses and the improvement of the Training Centre. The results showed that the courses were attended mainly by comparatively young professional librarians, most of whom were working in Lahore. Their computer training contributed a lot to their success in getting new jobs. Most of them had access to computer facilities in their offices and use them daily, and have participated significantly in automation activities in their libraries. Many also applied their computing knowledge in writing books, articles, delivering lectures and providing consultancy services. Many suggestions were made for improving the courses.
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.
This study sought to provide a descriptive analysis of the research output pertaining to Continuous Professional Development (CPD) of librarians. CPD is crucial as it upgrades employees' skills and has the potential to increase productivity and improve customer service in libraries. Therefore, there is need for extensive research in this area. Web of Science (WoS) core collection database was used to retrieve sample data for the bibliometric analysis. A total of 165 records were retrieved. After abstract screening, 77 records specific to CPD of librarians were analysed. A statistical software package called R (Biblioshiny) and VOSviewer were used for data visualization. This study was limited to publications written in English and indexed on WoS only. The study findings revealed that most productive countries in this research area are the USA, the United Kingdom and Australia. In Africa, Nigeria and South Africa have taken the lead. In terms of most productive institutions, University of Nigeria and the University of Sheffield ranked first. Considering the publication period, 2009 and 2013 were the most productive. Library Trends and Journal of Librarianship & Information Science are the most productive publishers. Research on CPD of librarians is dominant in academic libraries, hence there is need for similar studies to be conducted in public and school libraries. Most prolific authors are E. Hornung G. Hallam and S. Lewis. However, F. M. Mason and M. R. Kennedy have the highest number of citations. The citation impact shows that research activity pertaining to CPD of librarians is very low. Low research productivity in CPD of librarians may inhibit informed decision making due to lack of availability of scientific research output. As a result, libraries may continue to have an unskilled and irrelevant workforce that does not meet the changing demands of the 21st century users. Especially African countries and other developing nations. Therefore, this paper has attempted to raise awareness on the research dynamics pertaining to CPD of librarians through bibliometric analysis. It is hoped that this work will trigger more research interest in LIS discipline.
The paper examined the ICT knowledge and skills required for recruitment of the librarians in academic and research libraries. Survey approach was adopted drew sample of 24 respondents from four academic and four research libraries in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. The sample comprised of head of libraries, the deputy and one senior person. Data was gathered through interview. The results demonstrated that the basic ICT required for recruitment of librarian into the academic and research libraries at the digital age are the specific ICT skills useful and relevant to each unit of the library and the general skills such as word processing, spreadsheets/excel, power point presentations, knowledge of databases, files folders, email/internet, hardware/software, web design and management, mobile technology and social media skills. Similarly, it was unveiled that word process skills is the most ICT skill academic and research libraries usually target because the skill is relevant in every units and departments in the library. Major reasons crucial to the conduct of interview before recruitment into academic and research libraries is to determine the fit in terms of whether or not the recruited librarians will be able to cope with the integration of technologies into library practices and be able to use the technologies to render services to the satisfaction of the digital age library users. The prominent problems resulted from the poorly conducted recruitment exercise into the libraries at the digital age are poor library services that result to lack of satisfaction by the users and low productivity, lack of understanding of the refined routine activities in the library, low patronage by the library patrons, waste of resources and redundancy, poor conduct between staff and superior officers and eventually under-utilisation of ICTs procured by the libraries to render effective and efficient services to the users. It was recommended that recruitment into academic and research libraries should not be compromised and any candidate that does not possess the required ICT skills or not performing to expectation during recruitment should not be considered.
The research was about the importance of training and development of the library staff. It looked at the types of training and development programmes that would be suitable for library staff in the present dispensation. The study explored the benefits of training and development programmes and why such programmes must focus on specific skill development of staff. The research identified specific areas which more training should be delivered. The study was based on two case studies of Academic Libraries in Ghana. A descriptive survey research approach of data collection was adopted using a questionnaire distributed to 65 respondents. The findings of this study revealed that continuous training and development through education help to develop the potential of the individual and leads to better service delivery. The findings showed again that consistently exposing staff to relevant training and development interventions should not be underestimated. Majority of respondents requested that due to the enormous benefits derived from training and development programmes, it should be organized more frequently. .
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to reflect on major issues and trends of academic libraries and leadership in the changing nature of higher education. Changing environment of academic libraries has impacted significantly on the knowledge, skills requirement and role of the library leaders, and how organizations can maintain and manage the changing nature of academic libraries as well as leadership while effective leadership is extremely required for the library leaders and organizations are concern about future scenarios. The primary objective is to identify the key challenges in libraries, leadership skills and approaches of the leaders, their effective leadership traits and future perceptions are discussed.
Design/methodology/approach
The aim of this paper is to facilitate as how to develop effective and successful leadership for the academic libraries during the changing nature of higher education. The findings and recommendations in the paper are based on personal experience of leadership positions in an academic library as well as experience of library leaders across the world.
Findings
Academic libraries are facing similar challenges and issues across the world. This paper identifies that library leaders need to be effective communicators, strategic thinkers, visionary, and able to examine the new ways of working.
Originality/value
This paper discusses why academic library leaders need a set of new skills and how can they develop leadership skills and competencies in the changing nature of academic libraries.
This paper intends to explore the level of ICT competencies, and the training needs for updating these competencies among library professionals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It also looks at the various approaches utilized by these professionals for acquiring ICT skills and problems faced by them in this regard. Descriptive survey research method has been used for conducting this study. The population for this study comprised of 105 library professionals working in the 14 public sector universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The study revealed that the status of ICT competencies among library professionals in the region is unsatisfactory. Self-study is their main avenue of acquiring ICT skills and insufficient staff in the libraries is their main problem. Further training in establishing & maintaining a digital library software and using institutional repository software is their foremost training need for updating their ICT competencies. The results can be utilized by library administrators to organize regular ICT training programs to train library staff in modern ICT resources as per their needs and to eradicate any hurdle in updating staff ICT competencies. This study provides valuable insight into the level of the ICT competencies of library professionals in KPK, and provides a framework for the development of ICT competencies of library professionals in KPK and elsewhere. It would lead to the provision of qualitative and standardized library services to the patrons and would enable library professionals to benefit from modern ICT resources in the field of library and information science.
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report the research findings of an evaluation of the impact of continuing education programs (CEPs) on library information science (LIS) professionals of academic libraries in Mumbai, India. The paper also introduces Donald Kirkpatrick model of training evaluation for Library Science research in the area of program evaluation.
Design/methodology/approach
The impact of CEPs was evaluated using Donald Kirkpatrick model of training evaluation using survey method. The impact was evaluated at four levels; reaction, learning, behavior and results. The population of the present study included 344 LIS professionals working at colleges libraries affiliated to University of Mumbai and Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey (SNDT) Women’s University in Mumbai, India. The data collected through questionnaire were supplemented by five specimen interviews of heads of institutions of the academic librarians who had attended more than five CEPs in five years, 2009-2013.
Findings
The findings of the study revealed that professionals were satisfied with CEP attendance; keen on gaining more knowledge and transferring the acquired knowledge and skills at their workplaces and interested in implementing the learning to achieve results. The reasons given by academic librarians on not implementing the learning in the library indicated that there were hindrances like lack of management support, lack of technical expertise, inadequate staff in the library, poor IT Infrastructure, etc. in transferring the learning at work.
Research limitations/implications
The study was based on self-perceptions of respondents. The limitation of self-perception was eliminated to some extent by supplementing qualitative data wherever required. CEPs included conferences, seminars, workshops, refresher courses, orientation programs and online courses. Pre-test and post-test recommended by the Kirkpatrick model could not be conducted as the researcher has not adopted experimental design. The data of feedback from the organizers and content of the CEPs attended by respondents were not analyzed in the study.
Practical implications
The paper describes the implementation of Kirkpatrick model to evaluate the CEPs, which can be used by the organizers or institutions to evaluate the impact of CEPs in future. This will help them to improve upon the contents of CEPs making them more relevant and effective.
Social implications
Evaluation of CEPs will be useful to ensure the effectiveness of CEPs and performance of LIS professionals.
Originality/value
This paper reports an original research initiative undertaken to evaluate the impact of CEPs attended by LIS professionals of Indian academic libraries in Mumbai, India. It fills the gap in LIS research. The application of Donald Kirkpatrick model of Training evaluation is also valuable for LIS research.
Training needs assessment is an ongoing process of gathering data to determine what training needs exist so that training can be developed to help the organization accomplish its objectives. Conducting needs assessment is fundamental to the success of a training program. Often, organizations will develop and implement training without first conducting a needs analysis. These organizations run the risk of overdoing training, doing too little training, or missing the point completely.
The paper aims to bring out the problems and prospects of the professional development opportunities of academic library professionals in the Universities in Kerala. The study is a part of research undertaken to survey the professional development activities and educational needs of library professionals in the major Universities of Kerala in the context of developments in information communication technology. The study recommends methods to improve the knowledge and skills of library professionals. The aim of the study is to evaluate the professional development activities of Library professionals and their attitude towards continuing education programmes. In order to achieve the objectives of the study a survey was conducted with the help of structured questionnaires distributed to 203 library professionals in seven major universities in Kerala, (South India) of which 185 questionnaires were returned. Results of the analysis show that majority of the professionals have pursued higher degrees in library science or IT allied courses after entering the profession, and that they have a positive attitude towards participation in training programmes and workshops. The results show that developments in ICT have a positive influence on majority of library professionals' attitude towards continuing education programmes.
The current study seeks to explore the nature of collaboration among different organizations for conducting training workshops to enhance the skills of library and information science (LIS) professionals in Pakistan. This study covered training activities conducted from 1st January 2009 to 31st December 2013. Content analysis was used for this study. The data for the study was collected through an overview and perusal of messages shared on online Yahoo! groups of LIS professionals in Pakistan including PakLAG and LIBCOOP. The study found that universities, research and development institutes or academies, library associations and some business organizations have participated in the promotion of the skills of librarians in Pakistan. International cooperation seems lacking, as only five initiatives have attracted the cooperation of only three international organizations. The University of Punjab, Pakistan Librarians Welfare Association and the Institute of Research Promotion have played the leading role in their respective categories in enhancing the skills of LIS professionals in Pakistan.
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to reset the performance bar for the Caribbean professional through the identification and classification of core competencies and skills sets for academic librarians at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus.
Design/methodology/approach
– Competency documents published by various library profession organizations and academic libraries across various geographic regions were content analysed to identify the major skills and competencies of highly skilled professionals.
Findings
– Core competencies selected for The UWI Mona Library are: first, uses professional knowledge and practice to lead staff and manage resources; second, identifies emerging trends and supports innovations; third, demonstrate willingness to embrace change and utilize best practices in service delivery; fourth, analyses situations for appropriate solutions; fifth, interacts positively and effectively with others; sixth, develops an environment that leads and manages change; seventh, manages and mentors staff; eight, sets clear goals and objectives while providing specific performance and feedback.
Research limitations/implications
– The competencies profile developed reflects the unique compositions of competencies required by academic librarians working in a twenty-first century, Caribbean, regional, academic/research environment.
Practical implications
– This framework will effectively guide the exercises of employee selection and succession planning within the library organization. Ensuring that the best employees are selected augurs well for succession planning within an organization.
Social implications
– A competencies profile provides rationale for the provision of transparent employee selection criteria. The framework is intended to set meaningful professional development goals and align those goals with the vision, mission and objectives of organizations.
Originality/value
– This paper presents the English-speaking Caribbean context for core competencies formulation and a listing of required competencies for The UWI, Mona Library professional.
Professional development (PD) is a lifetime learning process, which is both universal and individualized. It is a universal requirement of all librarians in order to keep up with the rapid changes in the library field and maintain professionalism. At the same time, it is an individualized experience that varies with the needs of specific work duties as well as resources available around one's working, social, and academic environment. This article discusses the needs (i.e., expansion and diversification of one's functionality) and resources (local and beyond) for PD. Examples of successful PD are drawn from some academic libraries. Administrative support, a very important PD related topic, is also discussed.
Increasing use of technology as a means of accessing information and the recent shift towards cooperative learning and group study have brought changes in the way patrons use libraries and library resources. This article is based on the part of a survey that investigated the ICT knowledge and skills of librarians at the Chandigarh City. A study population of 21 librarians of Chandigarh city were surveyed by a questionnaire to establish in what ways librarians were using ICTs, what were the level of ICT knowledge and skills amongst the librarians, what problems the librarians faced in the use of ICTs and what their ICT training needs were. Interpretation of the results revealed a low level of ICT knowledge and skill amongst librarians and a general lack of formal training for ICTs amongst the academic librarians.
Purpose
This study aims to develop a systematic approach for assessing local training needs in order to reskill liaison librarians for new roles in scholarly communication and research data management.
Design/methodology/approach
This study followed a training needs assessment approach to develop a survey instrument that was administered electronically to liaison librarians. Survey data were analysed to create an overall prioritization score used to rank local training topics in terms of need. Additional data will inform the design, including formats, of a training agenda to meet these needs.
Findings
Survey results indicated that training for research data topics should be prioritized and addressed using hands‐on methods that would allow liaison librarians to develop tangible skills directly applicable to individual outreach activities.
Research limitations/implications
Training priorities often involve factors beyond the scope of this training needs assessment methodology. This methodology also presupposes a list of potential training topics. All training efforts resulting from this study will be assessed in order to determine the effectiveness of the initial interventions and inform the next steps in this iterative training agenda.
Practical implications
Involving potential trainees in the prioritization and development of a training agenda provides valuable information and may lead to increased receptivity to training.
Originality/value
This study provides a model for academic libraries to use to assess training needs in order to reskill current staff to adapt to a rapidly changing research and scholarly communication landscape.
This paper outlines professional development activities for new academic librarians. The authors review and critique various professional development activities including publishing, presentations, involvement in professional organizations, continuing education, and institutional and community service. Includes descriptions of activities and a resource list.
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.
A survey looked at the computer skills and competence of librarians in academic libraries in Ondo and Ekiti states, Nigeria. Results revealed no automation of library automation and most computers found in the libraries used for administrative duties and Internet browsing. Recommendations are made to improve librarians' computer skill competence.
Purpose
Academic libraries, in general and more specifically in Africa, are at varying stages of decline: they are gradually being dislodged as top “go‐to” places. This paper aims to suggest that leaders of academic libraries turn to the private sector to learn strategies through which this decline can be stopped or even reversed.
Design/methodology/approach
The aim of this paper is to facilitate that learning process by identifying and analysing the errors or mistakes committed by leaders of other organisations, especially those that were once regarded as successful. The literature that focuses on this phenomenon will be scanned with a view to learning more about once successful companies that failed.
Findings
Factors such as arrogance, complacency and denial have been identified as some of the factors that contributed towards their failure.
Practical implications
The paper concludes with a discussion of this experience at the University of Pretoria and the strategies applied to prevent it from being marginalized.
Originality/value
The value of the paper lies in the identification and suggestion of a practical method, which leaders of academic libraries can employ in preventing or reversing the decline of their libraries.
The need for improved productivity has become universally accepted and that it depends on efficient and effective training is not less apparent. It has further become necessary in view of advancement in modern world to invest in training. Thus the role played by staff training and development can no longer be over-emphasized. Staff training and development are based on the premise that staff skills need to be improved for organizations to grow. Training is a systematic development of knowledge, skills and attitudes required by employees to perform adequately on a given task or job. New entrants into organizations have various skills, though not all are relevant to organizational needs. Training and development are required for staff to enable them work towards taking the organization to its expected destination. It is against the backdrop of the relative importance of staff training and development in relation to organization effectiveness that this paper addressed.