Gender mainstreaming in Pakistani libraries: Analysing the possibilities

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the intention and competency of Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals regarding sensitivity of gender-related issues in libraries and to examine the effect of a short-term (five days) thematic training workshop on Information Management with Gender Perspectives for LIS professionals. Data was collected from working librarians around the country using two separate channels, i.e. an online questionnaire, and pre/post-training test results from the trainees of a workshop on gender mainstreaming in libraries. The findings discuss the level of competencies, need for training, and attitudinal responsiveness of LIS professionals in Pakistan and appropriate measures are discussed. Moreover, gender-related issues and the current status of LIS professionals are alarming in terms of gender responsiveness. Findings show that only 17% of the LIS community is gender responsive. The results are useful for planners of engendered programmes and policies, library science professionals and researchers, especially in the field of gender and women’s studies and provide an insight for international readers into the perception of LIS professionals on mainstreaming gender in Pakistani libraries. This study uniquely presents the current status and preparedness of LIS professionals to address gender-related issues in libraries