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Strong service orientations and fostering self-sufficiency: How librarians approach reference work in Lahore, Pakistan
Abstract
Orientations to reference and information service are the values, attitudes, and beliefs that librarians have about reference work. These orientations reveal the cognitive and emotional aspects of the work to complement the behavioral aspects that have been extensively studied. In this Q methodology study, the orientations to reference and information service of 22 librarians in Lahore were studied. Librarians sorted statements about reference and information service and explained their rationale. Card sorts were analyzed statistically, and interviews provided qualitative data to interpret the quantitative findings. The orientations of these librarians include two strong service orientations—one focusing on providing information and the other on communicating well—an orientation focused on fostering user self-sufficiency, and a possible orientation on inspiring users. These orientations reflect to some extent the literature on reference and information service and previous studies of librarians conducted in other countries. The unique nuances of these orientations, however, demonstrate the importance of continuing to study the orientations of librarians in different regions and cultures. These findings have implications for research, LIS education, and practice relevant to scholars and practitioners in all countries.
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Purpose
This paper aims to measure the perceptions of librarians about information literacy (IL) instruction, their current IL practices and the problems they face while offering IL instructional programs in public and private sector university libraries in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative research design was adopted, and a survey was carried out for this study to collect the data through an online questionnaire for the university librarians. All librarians (a total of 120) were approached to collect the data, of whom 92 (76.6%) responded to the survey.
Findings
The findings reveal that the librarians working in the university libraries of Islamabad are aware of the significance of IL instruction to fulfil the information needs of their library users. A majority of the librarians indicated having adequate skills to offer IL instruction. Moreover, the majority of the librarians are offering IL instruction to users at their respective universities. However, some of the barriers affecting IL instruction programs were also reported including the absence of IL instruction courses in the library and information science (LIS) curriculum, a shortage of trained library professional staff to provide IL instruction, a lack of commitment among librarians for IL instruction, a lack of training opportunities for librarians and a lack of interest from library users. These obstacles have a negative effect on IL instruction in the university libraries of Islamabad. Therefore, this study suggests that librarians are needed to take several necessary steps to overcome these obstacles to achieve the best results in IL instruction programs.
Originality/value
This study presents a picture of the status of IL skills, current practices and barriers to offering IL instruction in the university libraries of Islamabad. This research bridges the gap in the existing literature and will help to create awareness about the importance of IL skills among LIS professionals in Pakistan. Moreover, the findings of this study will help encourage librarians for the enhancement of IL instruction services in university libraries of Islamabad in particular and Pakistan in general.
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify the core competencies for librarians working in special libraries. It also measures the competencies of librarians working in special libraries of the Punjab Province against the checklist developed by the Special Library Association (SLA) Task Force. The study also identifies the training needs of librarians working in special libraries and the problems they face in acquiring SLA competencies.
Design/methodology/approach
A peer-reviewed questionnaire based on the list of competencies for special librarians prepared by the SLA Task Force was used to collect quantitative data from a targeted population. An online survey was administered to approach the population working in special libraries of Punjab Province. Collected data was analyzed statistically through SPSS software.
Findings
A review of literature highlighted the various competencies for librarians working in special libraries (Figure 1). The findings of the study showed that the competencies identified by SLA Task Force are imperative for librarians working in special libraries of Punjab Province. The results showed that librarians working in special libraries of Punjab possessed an intermediate level of competencies identified by the SLA. However, they had a good level of basic professional and interpersonal skills. The study highlights the training needs of librarians working in special libraries to enable them in acquiring relevant competencies.
Research limitations/implications
The study measures the competencies of librarians in special libraries of the Punjab Province. During the data collection phase, it was observed that there were some libraries where the non-professional/supporting staff was deputed, and due to this, data could not be collected from these libraries.
Practical implications
This study has practical implications for librarians and information professionals working in special libraries to acquire the relevant competencies identified by the SLA. This study has identified various competencies areas that are essential for librarians working in special libraries.
Social implications
Librarians working in any special library can use the results of this study as a checklist to improve their competencies level and work efficiently.
Originality/value
In contrast to other studies conducted on professional competencies of library professionals working in academic libraries, this study particularly identifies and measures the competencies of librarians working in special libraries.
This study intended to investigate the current situation of research support resources and services offered by the university libraries of Pakistan. Quantitative research design using a survey method was adopted to conduct the proposed research. The data were collected form head librarians working in university libraries of Punjab using a questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied for data analysis using SPSS. A large majority of university libraries provide access to online and printed information resources to support research activities of library users along with a conducive learning environment. A good number of libraries also provide specialized research services such as current awareness service (CAS), selective dissemination of information (SDI), information and research literacy instructions. Some libraries not only equip library users with specialized research tools (e.g. citation management software, data analysis software) but also manage research training programs such as citation management, avoiding plagiarism, data analysis, academic writing, developing research proposals, conducting online surveys, etc. to enhance information and research literacy of library users. This study painted a gloomy picture about the current state of research support services and facilities provided in the university libraries especially from public sector as most of the libraries do not provide state of the art research support services. The capacity of library staff needs to be built with regard to modern tools and skills so that they may be able to provide need-based and state of the art reference and research support services at university libraries in Pakistan.
Purpose
Public library’s core function is to meet the changing needs of challenging users by providing access to library collection and services. This study aims to explore the current status of public libraries’ collection, services, users, staff, physical facilities and IT infrastructure in Punjab, the most populous province of Pakistan. It further investigates the problems faced by these public libraries and puts forward practical solution.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a quantitative study based on questionnaire survey. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed to collect data. In total, 21 Library and Information Science graduates were employed to ensure the physical visit of all 176 public libraries in 36 districts of the province.
Findings
The findings revealed that with a few exceptions, public libraries were mostly in a poor condition. Absence of professional staff, out-dated collections, dilapidated library buildings and lack of IT infrastructure were the major issues prevailing in the libraries. Furthermore, little interest of political leadership and higher authorities is observed in the development of public library system.
Practical implications
This data will be helpful for policy and decision makers to plan and develop human resources, physical facilities and IT infrastructure in libraries. Findings may facilitate higher authorities for designing better services and strengthening public library system in the province.
Originality/value
This is a baseline study on public libraries’ status in the province. It aims to fill the gap by identifying total number of existing public libraries and exploring their current status along with the problems faced by these libraries.
Keywords:
Public libraries, Public library system, Directory of public libraries, Public library services, Punjab library foundation, Punjab-Pakistan
Purpose
Public library’s core function is to meet the changing needs of challenging users by providing access to library collection and services. This study aims to explore the current status of public libraries’ collection, services, users, staff, physical facilities and IT infrastructure in Punjab, the most populous province of Pakistan. It further investigates the problems faced by these public libraries and puts forward practical solution.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a quantitative study based on questionnaire survey. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed to collect data. In total, 21 Library and Information Science graduates were employed to ensure the physical visit of all 176 public libraries in 36 districts of the province.
Findings
The findings revealed that with a few exceptions, public libraries were mostly in a poor condition. Absence of professional staff, out-dated collections, dilapidated library buildings and lack of IT infrastructure were the major issues prevailing in the libraries. Furthermore, little interest of political leadership and higher authorities is observed in the development of public library system.
Practical implications
This data will be helpful for policy and decision makers to plan and develop human resources, physical facilities and IT infrastructure in libraries. Findings may facilitate higher authorities for designing better services and strengthening public library system in the province.
Originality/value
This is a baseline study on public libraries’ status in the province. It aims to fill the gap by identifying total number of existing public libraries and exploring their current status along with the problems faced by these libraries.
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.
Teachers try to help their students learn. But why do they make the particular teaching choices they do? What resources do they draw upon? What accounts for the success or failure of their efforts? In How We Think, esteemed scholar and mathematician, Alan H. Schoenfeld, proposes a groundbreaking theory and model for how we think and act in the classroom and beyond. Based on thirty years of research on problem solving and teaching, Schoenfeld provides compelling evidence for a concrete approach that describes how teachers, and individuals more generally, navigate their way through in-the-moment decision-making in well-practiced domains. Applying his theoretical model to detailed representations and analyses of teachers at work as well as of professionals outside education, Schoenfeld argues that understanding and recognizing the goal-oriented patterns of our day to day decisions can help identify what makes effective or ineffective behavior in the classroom and beyond.
Purpose
The purpose of this research was to find out the perception of university librarians about the current and required competencies. Main focus of this study is to identify the current rank and to point out the benchmark for competencies of library professionals at public universities in Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative research design is used for the conduct of the current study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The Special Libraries Association (SLA) instrument “Competencies for Information Professionals of the 21st Century” was used to design the questionnaire. A paired sample t-test is used to establish whether there is any noteworthy distinction between the current and required levels of skills. Inferential statistic was also used and Independent Sample T-test and ANOVA was used to identify the difference in perception on the basis of different demographic variables.
Findings
There is a significant gap between the perceptions of university librarians about their present skills and required skills. Present level of skills is lower than the desired level of competence. There is no significant relationship between the length of job (i.e. experience), grade and skills of academic librarians. But in case of gender, male has higher score on current level of competencies while female has higher score on required level of skills.
Originality/value
The findings of this study are helpful for universities in the recruitment, management, and training of their librarians on the basis of required skills. Furthermore it will be useful for librarians in their career planning and continuing education and library schools to revise their curriculum in accordance with needs.
Technological change and information technology advancement are reshaping the library services. University library services are a focal point for students learning hub. In the history of library reference services technological Advancement move from Traditional reference service into digital reference service. Developed countries reference Service provides this service with maximum user satisfaction. However situation is quite different in country like Pakistan where IT infrastructure and librarian skills and level of awareness resources and funding are major barrier to implement Digitalization and Digital Reference Services (DRS).This study is conducted to know the existing function of DRS tool and their usage in the University Librarians of Karachi. Through Survey Methodology tried to approach concerned population, HEC’s recognized Public and Private and degree Awarding Institutes Libraries. Scope is limited to Karachi due to devise population and research time frame. This study also highlights the potential of DRS and implementation stage of these services in academic libraries in Karachi and how these services will be more effective for university students, faculty members and other researchers
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.
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.
The paper reports a research study aimed to explore the readiness for digital reference service (DRS) of university libraries of the province of Punjab, Pakistan, in terms of organizational awareness, willingness, planning and strength of resources. This descriptive research employed the survey method. The survey instrument (questionnaire) was reviewed by a panel of LIS experts of national level and was worded to achieve an official organizational response to probe the status. Thirty-eight libraries of Higher Education Commission (HEC) recognized universities participated in the study. The findings reveal that only a few libraries were at a level of DRS readiness while the others were adopting this system at a slow pace.
This study explores the perceptions that Israeli reference librarians have of their jobs and their academic environment. Fifteen academic reference librarians were interviewed over a period of four months and their answers were analyzed using the thematic analysis approach. The analysis resulted in five major themes: 1) elements in reference work such as its essence, rotation of duties, and changes in the type of questions asked at the reference desk; 2) the skills and personality traits required for work in the reference department; 3) the effects of technological change on reference services; 4) students as information users, and 5) the future of reference work. Findings show that the essence of reference work has not changed despite librarians' expanding roles and the changing nature of the questions asked at the reference desk. Participants believed that reference librarians should be empathetic and patient when dealing with users, and should have excellent teaching and communication skills and the ability to learn new material independently. Participants perceived technological change positively and felt empowered through the adoption of new technologies. They envision future academic reference librarians as guides and counselors who will develop flexible services to fit diverse users.
Objective ‐ To develop an exploratory understanding of reference librarians’ perceptions of virtual reference.
Methods ‐ Q methodology was used to uncover points of view about virtual reference. Thirty‐four librarians sorted 28 statements covering a wide range of opinions about virtual reference. Factor analysis was used to analyze the Q‐sorts and factor scores were calculated to aid the task of understanding and interpretation.
Results ‐ The factor analysis revealed three attitudinal typologies: Technophiles, Traditionalists, and Pragmatists. Each factor represents a group of reference librarians who think similarly about virtual reference.
Conclusion ‐ This type of analysis provides data on the actual range of feelings and attitudes about providing virtual reference services. The factor analysis demonstrates that there are still a variety of strongly held viewpoints concerning virtual reference. Convergence towards either acceptance or rejection does not appear to be forthcoming. By using this type of analysis and the resulting data as a basis for decision making, administrators could staff services more efficiently and with the resulting better fit between librarians and their positions, possibly increase morale.
This investigation aimed to assess the perceived level of interpersonal competencies possessed by academic librarians working in public and private sector universities across Pakistan. The study also examined differences in perceived interpersonal competencies of academic librarians based on demographic characteristics. A quantitative survey method was opted to collect data from 276 academic librarians selected through proportionate stratified simple random sampling technique. A total of 257 (92.4%) responses were received back that were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS-23). The findings showed that academic librarians’ perceived collaboration, communication, customer service, ethics & values, leadership, and learning & innovation were at very skilled level. On the basis of age and professional experience, there were no significant differences in respondents’ opinions; however academic librarians from private universities were found to be more skillful about interpersonal competencies than those from public universities. Female respondents thought they were more adept at interpersonal skills than male respondents. Further, the respondents having MS/MPhil degrees were more interpersonal competent than those having BS (Hons.)/MLIS/MA degrees. Strong interpersonal abilities enable university librarians to play a significant role that support social and political well-being of the university. In local scenario, they could organize lectures and training sessions to help other academic librarians develop their skills. They could join statutory groups that develop laws to advance the field of librarianship. Moreover, the present study suggested the development a comprehensive instrument in assessing the interpersonal competencies of academic librarians based on the competency index for the library field prepared by OCLC web junction in 2014.
This article intends to examine academic library resources and research support services for English teachers at higher education institutions. A sample of 318 English teachers from the public sector universities has been selected through the proportionate random sampling technique. A cross-sectional survey has been conducted to collect data using an attitudinal scale. The study findings of multiple regression confirm the prediction of research support services. It is concluded that academic library resources have favorable effects on research support services for English teachers at the public sector universities of the Punjab province.
Purpose
Research support services (RSS) is an emerging and popular area in university libraries, whose increasing importance has been well documented since the early 2010s. This study aims to identify the status of RSS provided in the university libraries of Pakistan and to compare the results with relevant international studies. The research also reports on the perception of librarians regarding the application of RSS in Pakistani university libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative survey was conducted of the chief librarians/head librarians working in the 175 university libraries of Pakistan. A structured questionnaire was designed and pre-tested with national and international research experts, faculty members and library professionals. SPSS was used to calculate descriptive statistics. Results of the study were compared with previous literature from an international perspective.
Findings
Results of the study indicated that most of the university libraries are providing basic RSS and that they have good collections of both general and subject-specific works to meet the needs of researchers. Most respondents not only were interested in providing RSS but also emphasized that libraries should upgrade their collection to meet researchers’ requirements. However, results of the study also indicated that there was noticeably less support for both the more advanced and newer research support services.
Practical implications
Because the delivery of RSS enables libraries to help meet a university’s strategic research goals, the findings will be of interest to university library and information science executives, policymakers and administration. The suggested recommendations highlight those service areas which are most in need of improvement.
Originality/value
This research provides an updated perspective on the delivery of research support services by university libraries in Pakistan.
Using Q methodology, which is designed to make sense of topics on which there are various opinions, this study examines the conflicting conceptualizations of reference and information service (RIS). Thirty-five statements reflecting the various approaches to RIS, were sorted by librarians from different types of libraries in Slovenia, South Africa, and the United States. Using principle components analysis with varimax rotation, a three-factor solution was found for the data: transformation and empathy; communication and information provision; and empowering and learning. These findings provide the practitioner perspective of the conflicting conceptualizations in the literature and suggest orientations to RIS that have implications for theoretical work and professional education for RIS.
This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of digital reference services in university libraries in the Punjab, Pakistan. The study employed the quantitative research method to achieve its objectives. The quantitative data were collected from users of four selected university libraries which offered digital reference services through the questionnaire. The findings of the study suggest that more than half of the respondents were aware of digital reference services offered by their libraries. Amongst the respondents who were aware of the service, most of the respondents came to know about it through the library websites. The majority of respondents used the service at different intervals, while nearly one-third of the respondents had never used the service. The majority of the respondents were of the view that library reference staff is helpful and courteous to help the users with DRS, and understands the users’ information needs. Most of the participants informed that the libraries provide access to sufficient online/electronic information resources, the Web OPAC and DRS through websites. The libraries provide DRS 24/7 and have placed the link to DRS at a visible place on the website. The respondents were also of the opinion that the DRS offered by the libraries is easy to use, and the libraries market and publicize the service effectively. The libraries need to provide current information and prompt response to users, and enhance the library / reference staff’s competencies to handle the service efficiently. The findings of the study will help the university libraries’ administration to improve their DRS in accordance with users’ needs.
Information literacy (IL) is an essential skill and play a vital role in active participation in the modern society. It is an information and a variety of skills that enable people to know when information is needed and to have the talent to accurately identify, analyse and utilize the information needed. It is knowledge and expertise of individuals to recognize when information is needed and to have the capacity to locate, assess, interpret and use effectively the needed information. This study intended to investigate the IL practices and methods used by professional librarians in university libraries of Lahore, Pakistan. A quantitative method based on a descriptive research design was used. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey method. The population of the study contained 30 HEC recognized universities (11 public and 19 private) of Lahore. A sample of thirty head librarians was selected as participants for the study and coverd through census survey. The questionnaire developed by Ullah and Ameen (2015) was adapted according to the need of the study. The reliability value of the scale was α =.092. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyze the data. The results of the study indicated that most of the academic libraries were using a basic level of information literacy practices. The preferred delivery method of IL instructions was hands-on practice as most of the librarians were conducting IL sessions with the help of computer applications. Results further revealed that professional librarians at government and non-government sector university libraries of Lahore had the same perception regarding the effectiveness of IL instruction methods. The study recommended that universities should integrate IL instructions at all levels as credit or non-credit courses to help students to become life-long and independent learners.
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the level of information literacy (IL) skills competency among university library professionals in Karachi, Pakistan and to address areas of concern.
Design/methodology/approach
An online survey was designed, using Google Forms, to collect data from 77 academic librarians working in 25 universities in Karachi, Pakistan. The questions covered six generic attributes: library systems, information resources, searching techniques, research support, IL and generic/personal attributes.
Findings
The results indicate that the librarians who were surveyed had good IL skills in information searching and locating information resources. However, the average of all survey responses was 54.17 per cent, with 12 of the 24 competencies receiving scores of less than 50 per cent, thus indicating a generally overall low level of IL competency in the workplace.
Research limitations/implications
As the study was limited to universities in Karachi, it would be useful to apply the same methodology to other administrative units within the country. Further research is indicated on the potential impact of gender on aspects such as level of IL skills and motivation to enhance workplace competencies.
Practical implications
The authors have suggested a number of strategies, which would be applicable globally to any university library wishing to improve the IL skills competencies of its staff.
Originality/value
There have been no previous published, non-discipline-specific, research studies on the IL skills competencies of academic librarians in Pakistan.
Introduction. This paper explores the conceptions of library as a place, conceived by primary school children and the role of school libraries in terms of meeting children's information needs. The article is based on a PhD study. This paper presents the selected findings related to the conceptions of libraries and the role of school libraries. Method. The study used a multiple qualitative case study approach and data was primarily collected from children's focus groups, librarians' interviews, teachers' interviews, documents and observation. Analysis. The present study used a combination of thematic and situational analysis approaches to analyse the data. The Nvivo 10 software was used to organize the data from coding to the final six broad themes. The themes were used in reporting results. Results. It was found that primary school children conceive of the library as a place for reading, playing and a room to store books. In Pakistan, primary schools lack school libraries and offer limited services to children. Conclusion. The majority of the children studying in state schools did not see libraries as physical places, they have different conceptions of the library. School libraries are playing a limited role in developing reading habits and making children independent learners.
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to use the sociology of time to understand how time is perceived by academic librarians who provide reference and information service (RIS).
Design/methodology/approach
This study is a qualitative secondary analysis (QSA) of two phenomenological studies about the experience of RIS in academic libraries. The authors used QSA to re-analyze the interview transcripts to develop themes related to the perception of time.
Findings
Three themes about the experience of time in RIS work were identified. Participants experience time as discrete, bounded moments but sometimes experience threads through these moments that provide continuity, time is framed as a commodity that weighs on the value of the profession, and time plays an integral part of participants’ narratives and professional identities.
Research limitations/implications
Given that the initial consent processes vary across organizations and types of studies, the researchers felt ethically compelled to share only excerpts from each study’s data, rather than the entire data set, with others on the research team. Future qualitative studies should consider the potential for secondary analysis and build data management and sharing plans into the initial study design.
Practical implications
Most discussions of time in the literature are presented as a metric – time to answer a query, time to conduct a task – The authors offer a more holistic understanding of time and its relationship to professional work.
Social implications
The methodology taken in this paper makes sense of the experiences of work in RIS for librarians. It identifies commonalities between the experience of time and work for RIS professionals and those of other professionals, such as physicians and software engineers. It suggests revising models for RIS, as well as some professional values.
Originality/value
This paper contributes a better understanding of time, understudied as a phenomenon that is experienced or perceived, among RISs providers in academic libraries. The use of secondary qualitative analysis is an important methodological contribution to library and information science studies.
Developing a personal theory of counseling is essential for beginning counselors. Current approaches de-emphasize life experiences before graduate training and fail to incorporate counselor developmental stages. This article presents a framework for strengthening development of a personal theory of counseling by integrating life experiences and counselor developmental stages with theory building approaches.
•Practitioner's perspective of reference and information service is investigated using interpretative phenomenological analysis.•Interviews with academic research librarians explored the lived experience of reference and information service.•Engagement and emotional connection are components of the reference and information service experience.
This empirical study of the process for library reference assistance, brought about by the attempt to develop a knowledge-based intermediary system for such assistance in an academic library, revealed a “missing link” in the chain of the process that delivers such a ubiquitous assistance to library users. That link in the chain was the select strategy, a vital professional step which incorporates and represents the professional expertise that distinguishes reference librarians from their colleagues. As a consequence, this article suggests a revised model of the reference process to include the select strategy, in order to understand better the process and reflect the experience in a practical situation.
An exploratory-formulative study was conducted to inquire into the method theory guiding the social work practice teacher. Knowledge, action, and outcomes were considered the three reciprocal, symbiotic, and interdependent components of method theory. Educational background was viewed as a possible influence on the development of teachers' theoretical orientations. Twenty social work educators were interviewed. Content analysis was the primary data analysis tool. Findings fell into three areas: 1) ten basic categories which identified components of a teacher's theoretical orientation, 2) creation of teacher portraits based upon this analytic schema, 3) creation of teacher typologies based upon a comparative analysis of our educators. Teacher typologies clustered around two major educational traditions: Pragmatist and Rationalist/Empiricist.
Dimensions of interpersonal communication perceived to be integral to success or failure in academic reference interactions are identified through the use of the critical incident technique. Forty-seven critical incidents recalled by twenty-seven library users and nine librarians are analyzed from the theoretical perspective of interpersonal communication developed by Paul Watzlawick, Janet Beavin, and Don Jackson. This study is the first to be published that applies the heuristically rich relational theory from the communication field to library interactions. Content and relational dimensions that have an impact on librarian and user critical incidents are identified, such as attitude, relationship quality, information, knowledge base, and approachability. Interpersonal relationships are major themes in incidents recalled by library users. Librarians give relatively more weight to content dimensions dealing with quality of information given but also perceive relationship qualities to be important. The value of applying communication theory to study of the reference interaction is demonstrated. In addition, this research also illustrates the importance of incorporating the user's point of view. Evidence presented argues for a new model of the librarian-user reference interaction that recognizes the vital importance of relational messages that are communicated in the reference encounters along with the information transfered.
This article proposes that we use constructivist learning
theory—primarily composition theory—to develop a pedagogy
for the reference desk. This approach implies that reference is a form
of teaching, and that to maximize their educational effectiveness,
academic librarians need to approach reference transactions as academic
conferences where teaching and learning take place.
Purpose
This study aims to provide insight on the meaning of communication overload as experienced by modern academic librarians. Communication is the essence of reference librarianship, and a practically endless array of synchronous and asynchronous communication tools (ICTs) are available to facilitate communication.
Design/methodology/approach
This study relied on a phenomenological methodology, which included nine in‐depth interviews with academic librarians. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using RQDA, a qualitative analysis software package that facilitates coding, category building, and project management.
Findings
Seven themes about librarianship emerged from this research: attending to communication abundance, librarians of two types, instruction not reference, twenty‐first century librarianship, user needs, trusted methods: filter not retrieve, and self‐impact. The shared meaning of communication overload among these librarians is that it is a problem when it detracts from or hinders their ability to assist their users.
Practical implications
Further research should contribute to an understanding of communication as a problem when it interferes with serving the librarians' users, or to an understanding of interpersonal communication within the librarians' organizational structures and in their broader professional networks.
Social implications
Research in popular psychology has focused on the negative impacts on productivity and concentration of living in an always‐plugged‐in environment. This research confirms that librarians should have time to work away from digital distractions to maintain job satisfaction.
Originality/value
Important work by Radford and Dervin has focused on communication with users. This study focuses on the impact of ICTs on librarians' work and personal lives.
Reference Service has been regarded as a required course in the curricula at all levels of library education in Pakistan. An analysis of the contents of reference service course and teaching methodologies of the country's seven of the eight graduate library schools reveals that reference service practices of the 1960s and 1970s predominate, along with a wider absence of electronic reference sources and newer technologies, non-availability of competent teachers, and poor lab facilities. Suggestions include revision of curricula, arrangement to train reference teachers in developed countries, improvement of laboratories, and organization of continuing education programs.
This article explores the relationship between counseling theory and practice and the helping role of librarianship. The thesis is that in this information intensive environment, the art of helping a patron define and clarify the right problem is more crucial than ever before. Emphasis is on the beliefs that underlie the counseling role and the behaviors that allow the patron to move from the reference question to the real problem. Examples of non-helpful and helpful responses are presented and analyzed.
This article reports a survey of current teaching practice and lecturers perceptions of their role within a Business School. These findings have been placed in a theoretical framework. Analysis of the qualitative aspects of the survey showed some interesting variations in conceptions of the role of a lecturer, the purpose of lectures, tutorials and assessment. The results also showed inconsistencies which are explored. The main conceptions of teaching held by respondents describe the role of the lecturer as either imparting knowledge; providing student support; enthusing and motivating students; facilitating student learning; or some combination of these conceptions. A substantial majority of respondents saw themselves as either facilitators or student supporters. However, the predominant use of lectures and tutorials, with the purpose of disseminating information and applying or checking knowledge and understanding, conflicts with the majority view of the role of the lecturer. This disjunction between stated aims and claimed educational practice has been described as one of the mysteries of higher education. Lecturers express attitudes and beliefs about teaching which are not translated into their teaching strategies and methods. Possible explanations for this disjunction are explored.
"Select reading list on counseling and student personnel work": p.34-35. Bibliographical references included in "Footnotes" (p. 35-39).
Nursing identity is a developmental process that evolves throughout professional nurses' careers. Educational systems that prepare nurses include experiences that are important in the early development of nursing identity. Therefore, faculty in nursing programs are interested in understanding how their students perceive and define professional identity.
For this study, a qualitative design was selected to explore students' early beliefs and concepts about nursing. Data were collected on the students' first day of the nursing program using the open-ended question, "What is your definition of nursing?" Using a qualitative descriptive approach, thematic analyses of the data are provided. Results revealed an inductive framework of professional nursing identity based on students* descriptions and definitions of nursing.
These results demonstrate that nursing students come to an educational program with more than a rudimentary conception of professional identity. Use of these data may lead to opportunities to improve nursing students' educational experiences and foster tibe development of professional identity. Faculty can use knowledge of students' definitions of nursing to enrich student learning.
A literature survey on information literacy and public libraries in Pakistan
- S M Burdi
Burdi SM (2023) A literature survey on information literacy
and public libraries in Pakistan. Library Philosophy and
Practice. Available at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/7694/ (accessed 29 July 2024).
Thriving on theory: A new model for virtual reference encounters. Presented at the American Society for Information Science and Technology
- M L Radford
- L S Connaway
Radford ML and Connaway LS (2009) Thriving on theory: A
new model for virtual reference encounters. Presented at the
American Society for Information Science and Technology
2009 Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Available
at: http://www.oclc.org/research/activities/synchronicity/
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Workplace information literacy skills: Library professionals' competency at university libraries in Karachi
- Ali My
- J Richardson
Ali MY and Richardson J (2018) Workplace information literacy skills: Library professionals' competency at university
libraries in Karachi, Pakistan. Information and Learning
Science 119(7/8): 469-482.
Provision of research support services across the research lifecycle in university libraries
- A Hussain
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Hussain A and Rafiq M (2023) Provision of research support services across the research lifecycle in university libraries. Journal of Librarianship and Information
Science. Epub ahead of print 13 November 2023. DOI:
10.1177/0961000623120766.
Changing experiences of librarianship. The past, present and future of library professionals in Pakistan
- M J Iqbal
Iqbal MJ (2013) Changing experiences of librarianship. The
past, present and future of library professionals in Pakistan.
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Reference librarians' service and customer's satisfaction
- A Khan
Khan A (2006) Reference librarians' service and customer's satisfaction. Pakistan Library & Information Science Journal
37(2): 30-37.