Perceptions of academic librarians regarding their interpersonal competencies: A case of Pakistani universities

Abstract

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.