Libraries In Pakistan Research Articles

The impact of digital library resources on scholarly communication: challenges and opportunities for university libraries in Pakistan

Purpose – This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of HEC digital library resources and services in the public sector universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan on the basis of research scholars' satisfaction and its impact on their research progress. Design/methodology/approach – A descriptive survey research method was adopted in order to achieve the objectives of this study. A stratified random sampling technique was used to solicit data from both genders. Research scholars of MS/MPhil and PhD from 14 public sector universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were selected as sampled for this study. A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data and a five-point Likert scale was used to know the purpose and the satisfaction level of respondents with digital library resources. The impact of digital library on research and problems faced by them while using these resources was also measured by using a five-point Likert scale. Findings – The results of this study indicate that near to one-fourth of the respondents used digital library resources two to three times a week for article writing and thesis or dissertation purposes. The study concluded that digital library provides effective resources and services to research scholars and also found a significant impact on their research progress at these universities. However, research scholars were not satisfied with the support of library professionals regarding the use of digital library resources. The study has identified several problems encountered by respondents in the use of digital library resources and services. Practical implications – The findings of this study and their implications will be helpful for HEC authorities, universities libraries administrators, decision and policy makers and LIS professionals both in Pakistan and in other places. They should benefit from considering the experience of research scholars with digital library resources. This experience can help future subscriptions, training and use of these resources to maximize research scholars' success and achievement in their research activities. Originality/value – The study is the first of its kind and an important source for knowing the effectiveness of digital library resources on research scholars' progress at Pakistani universities.

Survival avenues for Pakistani libraries in the era of emerging technologies

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the concepts of Library 2.0 and Library 3‐D and provide a proposal for taking advantage of the new opportunities prevailing in the adoption of Library 2.0 and Library 3‐D concepts. The specific objectives of this study are as follows: to review the status of research in Pakistan on any aspect of Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and Library 3‐D; to explore how a user‐centered library can be developed with the help of Library 2.0 and Library 3‐D applications; to find out information professionals' opinions in this regard; and to provide a proposal for adoption of Library 2.0 and Library 3‐D tools.Design/methodology/approachThis study is descriptive in nature and is based on a literature review and personal interviews. The researchers reviewed the findings of previous surveys recently conducted by researchers in Pakistan on different aspects of Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and Library 3‐D. These surveys assisted the researchers in exploring the current status of acceptability of these applications by the library community in Pakistan. Moreover, semi‐structured interviews were conducted to gain an in‐depth understanding of the phenomena under study. Finally, keeping in mind the findings of the literature reviewed, previous surveys and current interviews, a proposal for the survival of libraries in Pakistan in an era of emerging technologies is given.FindingsIt was found that libraries in Pakistan are now becoming aware of the use of Library 2.0 Second Life for Library Services.Research limitations/implicationsThe interviews being limited to a purposive sample of information professionals, care has to be taken in generalizing the findings of the study.Practical implicationsThe paper not only presents a good understanding of different concepts, such as Library 1.0, Library 2.0 and Library 3D, but also their application.Originality/valueThe paper is the first in Pakistan to deal with the emerging concept of Library 3‐D. It also provides a proposal for information professionals in using Library 2.0 and Library 3‐D applications for library services.

Challenges of getting faculty status: Perception of university librarians in Pakistan

ObjectiveTo find out the university head librarians' perceptions about the issues in getting faculty status. MethodologyA qualitative research design was used to explore the issue through personal and telephonic interviews with 15 chief librarians of 18 university libraries located in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The textual data was content-analyzed and coded. The emerged themes and subthemes have been presented with the frequency of their occurrences. The findings have been supported by the selected quotations of the interviewees. FindingsA majority of the librarians had vague understanding of the notion of faculty status. Almost all of them desired for granting faculty status to the university librarians. However, their opinion was divided on the prerequisites for faculty status. Most of them supported the same criteria for employment and promotion of faculty librarians, as is used in case of their teaching faculty counterparts. The study has identified that the main barriers in getting faculty status are the librarians themselves, lacking preparedness in terms of qualifications and research output. ImplicationsThe study brings into light both the possibilities of granting faculty status to the university librarians and barriers in this regard. Besides, the findings though extracted from a small number of respondents, may be of interest to other countries in the region. Originality/valueThis exploratory investigation identifies barriers in getting faculty status and is the first ever study on the subject in the local literature. ConclusionFaculty status will help in improving visibility, image and respect of librarians. Therefore, there is a need to prepare university librarians for faculty status, and to struggle for getting it.

Role of classification schemes in organization of Islamic knowledge in libraries

PurposeClassification systems play a fundamental role in the organization, display, retrieval and access to the knowledge materials in libraries. These systems have served the purpose adequately in most of knowledge areas; nevertheless, some grey areas lack proper place and enumeration in these systems. Islamic knowledge is among the areas that have not been properly addressed. The purpose of this paper is to examine this problem and indicate a potential solution.Design/methodology/approachThis paper expands on the author's earlier research which focused on Pakistan library collections. Empirical data have been collected from 16 LIS scholars who have interest in or expertise on this issue through interviews. Scholars are from Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UK, the USA and Canada. A review of the literature is also presented.FindingsA number of approaches have been taken to work around the deficiencies of the standard classification systems when it comes to Islamic knowledge and publications, including indigenous systems and expansions. Details of some of these are presented. A range of possible improvements to existing classification systems was suggested by scholars, and an outline of what is required in a new, independent system is discussed, along with ideas about the best way for this system to be developed.Originality/valueThe paper discusses an area of professional concern that has been discussed widely in Islamic countries, but only in a limited fashion outside of Islamic countries. Thus, the paper should be of interest to researchers and practitioners interested in cataloguing and classification theory.

Challenges of getting faculty status: Perception of university librarians in Pakistan

Objective:To find out the university head librarians’ perceptions about the issues in getting faculty status.Methodology:A qualitative research design was used to explore the issue through personal and telephonic interviews with 15 chief librarians of 18 university libraries located in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The textual data was content-analyzed and coded. The emerged themes and subthemes have been presented with the frequency of their occurrences. The findings have been supported by the selected quotations of the interviewees.Findings:A majority of the librarians had vague understanding of the notion of faculty status. Almost all of them desired for granting faculty status to the university librarians. However, their opinion was divided on the prerequisites for faculty status. Most of them supported the same criteria for employment and promotion of faculty librarians, as is used in case of their teaching faculty counterparts. The study has identified that the main barriers in getting faculty status are the librarians themselves, lacking preparedness in terms of qualifications and research output.Implications:The study brings into light both the possibilities of granting faculty status to the university librarians and barriers in this regard. Besides, the findings though extracted from a small number of respondents, may be of interest to other countries in the region.Originality/value:This exploratory investigation identifies barriers in getting faculty status and is the first ever study on the subject in the local literature.Conclusion:Faculty status will help in improving visibility, image and respect of librarians. Therefore, there is a need to prepare university librarians for faculty status, and to struggle for getting it.

Digitization in university libraries of Pakistan

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to analyze the prevailing digitization practices in university libraries of Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted quantitative research design and survey research method was used to conduct the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data from the subjects of the study.FindingsDigitization practices were found at budding stage in university libraries of Pakistan. One‐third libraries were doing digitization. Three highest ranked digitization goals were to: provide access via web, increase access, and preservation. Theses and dissertations were found the top most priority for digitization in terms of types of material. The criteria for selection of material for digitization varied and social sciences was the most focused area for digitization.Originality/valueThis is the first ever study conducted in Pakistan on this topic. The findings are beneficial for university libraries, funding bodies and the higher education commission of Pakistan as well as other countries with similar social and economic conditions.

Measuring service quality in public and private sector university libraries of Pakistan

The problem addressed in this study investigates the perceived service quality of public and private sector university libraries of Pakistan from its users' perspective. More precisely the study compares the following four aspects between public and private universities: zone of tolerance for overall and individual user groups, dimension wise zone of tolerance for overall and individual user group, gaps between desires and perceptions, and significant differences in the service quality. The data were collected through LIBQUAL print questionnaire from 1473 library users (faculty, graduates and undergraduates) of 22 public and private sector university libraries (main/central) of Pakistan. The psychometric properties of instrument were established through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The comparisons of overall, individual service level, and dimension wise gap scores revealed that private sector university libraries were generally meeting the minimum requirements of their users (except information control dimension) but, on the other hand, public sector libraries were not meeting minimum requirement in information control and affect of service dimensions. The study also found significant difference on service quality between private and public sector university libraries. The researcher found very interesting findings that small collection creates small expectations, and it is easy to meet or satisfy the needs of the users of small collection. The article also discusses findings, implications of results and limitations of the study at the end.

Applications of information and communication technologies in libraries in Pakistan

INTRODUCTIONDuring the last fifty years, the world has witnessedimportant changes; in particular, information and com-munication technology (ICT) has brought a revolutionin every sphere of life. Using ICT, libraries have notonly observed remarkable changes in their dailyoperations and services, but also identified a new andactive role for librarians. Automation or computeriza-tion is an important application of ICT in libraries. Itfacilitates speedy library operations, services, and ac-cess to and delivery of information.The current study is the first of its kind to examinethe current status of ICT applications in medical li-braries in Pakistan. It evaluatesthe statusof automationand the availability of Internet, Higher EducationCommission (HEC) Digital Library resources, andwebsites in medical libraries in Lahore, which is thecapital of Punjab province and second largest city ofPakistan, with a population of nine million people. As ahistorical, cultural, and educational city, it is regardedas the heart of Pakistan. Medical libraries in Lahorewere, therefore, selected as a case to examine theprevailing status of ICT applications.LITERATURE REVIEWLibraries in developed countries computerized theiroperations two decades ago. However, the pace of ICTapplications in libraries in developing countries has beenvery slow. Studies conducted by Hopkinson [1], Senevir-atne and Amaraweera [2], Singh [3], and Vasishta [4]provide a good basis from which to grasp the status ofICT applications in the libraries of developing countries.The computer was first used in 1968 in Pakistan toprovide a union catalog of scientific periodicals atthe Pakistan Scientific and Technological InformationCentre, but automation in libraries did not really beginuntil the 1980s. Prior to that, librarians in Pakistanwere reluctant to introduce automation, fearing thatit would minimize their role. However, soon theyrealized its advantages, and now there is a growingtrend of applying ICT in Pakistani libraries [5, 6].International agencies and organizations like the AsiaFoundation, government of the Netherlands, Interna-

Information ethics in Pakistani librarianship: The role of online mailing groups

This study examines the practice of information ethics of the members of the mailing group of the Pakistan Library Automation Group, called PAKLAGPK who participate frequently in the discussions on a variety of LIS ethical issues. The research uses both qualitative and quantitative methods, including a survey questionnaire to measure subscribers' prior knowledge about certain issues in Information Ethics (IE). The research also uses the content analysis method to investigate the information communication behavior of the subscribers over this mailing group.

Information ethics in Pakistani librarianship: The role of online mailing groups

This study examines the practice of information ethics of the members of the mailing group of the Pakistan Library Automation Group, called PAKLAGPK who participate frequently in the discussions on a variety of LIS ethical issues. The research uses both qualitative and quantitative methods, including a survey questionnaire to measure subscribers' prior knowledge about certain issues in Information Ethics (IE). The research also uses the content analysis method to investigate the information communication behavior of the subscribers over this mailing group.

Professional activities, needed competencies and training needs of medical librarians in Pakistan

The study aims to explore the professional activities, needed competencies and education/training needs of medical librarians in Pakistan. The following questions guided the study: what are the current professional activities of medical librarians in

Field Experiences Provide Value for Library Students, but More Research Is Needed into Their Administration

Objective – To evaluate an eight-week practicum requirement for library and information science students.
 
 Design – Survey questionnaire.
 
 Setting – The University of the Punjab and participating libraries in Pakistan.
 
 Subjects – A total of 118 graduates of the library and information science program at the University of the Punjab who had completed an eight-week-long practicum experience in a public, academic, or special library between 2002 and 2006.
 
 Methods – Snowball sampling was used to select the subjects. Surveys were delivered and collected through personal visits, email, and postal mail, and the authors asked follow-up questions of some subjects whose surveys were collected in person. The survey contained questions about several topics, such as the type of professional tasks (e.g., acquisition, circulation, reference service, etc.) that students did during the practicum, professional skills developed, practicum length, comfort in sharing problems with supervisors, and the evaluation process. The authors used statistical analysis software (SPSS, version 12) to analyze the survey results.
 
 
 Main Results – The majority of subjects reported that they had received the opportunity to train in several sections and functions of the library, and they felt that the practicum was important in improving their professional skills. Most reported being comfortable sharing problems with their supervisors and were satisfied with the evaluation process. The survey also included open-ended questions about problems and suggestions, but only 28% of the subjects responded with comments.
 
 Conclusion – The authors concluded that the library practicum plays an important role in the professional development of future library professionals, and that the length of the practicum should be extended from its current eight-week requirement.

Relationship among leadership style, organizational culture and employee commitment in university libraries

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore leadership style, organizational culture and job commitment in university libraries of Pakistan and the relationships among them.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire was developed and self administered to 115 professional librarians. Hypotheses were tested through t‐test, Pearson chi‐square and ANOVA.FindingsThe results show that the library professionals were not very sensitive about any relationship among these three variables at their workplace. A majority of the professionals perceived that their chief librarians had an autocratic style of leadership and libraries tend to adopt an achievement and bureaucratic culture. Most of the library professionals seemed to be highly committed with their organizations. It means that they favored result‐oriented culture.Research limitationsThe research was limited to university libraries in Pakistan's province of Punjab and federal capital Islamabad.Originality/valueThe study is useful to understand leadership style, organizational culture and job commitment in university libraries.

Library web sites in Pakistan: an analysis of content

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate library web sites in Pakistan, to analyse their content and navigational strengths and weaknesses and to give recommendations for developing better web sites and quality assessment studies.Design/methodology/approachSurvey of web sites of 52 academic, special, public and national libraries in Pakistan based on a 77‐item checklist.FindingsPakistani libraries have developed web sites over the past few years but these are few in number. No directory is available to locate library web sites and no scholarly literature has been written on this topic in Pakistan. No standards for content selection were considered in developing library web sites so they lack uniformity and often miss important features.Research limitations/implicationsThis research includes web sites of all types of libraries in Pakistan. Web sites with at least one independent page on a parent organisation's web site are included.Originality/valueThis study is the first of its kind ever conducted in Pakistan. The findings of this paper will be helpful in improving library web sites.

Issues and lessons learned in open source software adoption in Pakistani libraries

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss key issues related to the adoption of open source software (OSS) in Pakistani libraries.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review and principal author's first‐hand experience of Koha (OSS) implementation in Provincial Assembly Libraries of Pakistan under Pakistan Legislative Strengthen Project of United States Agency for International Development provide the information and insight for this paper.FindingsAdoption of OSS in libraries is just at a beginning stage in Pakistan, and only a few organizations have so far made their first move in this direction. The major identified issues affecting OSS adoption in Pakistani libraries are: social (cultural) disparity, conceptual confusions, digital divide, lack of technological, financial, and human development.Practical implicationsThe paper will help decision makers plan OSS applications in their libraries.Originality/valueThis is the first paper on the topic in Pakistan and explores the issues involved in OSS adoption in a comprehensive manner. The paper can provide understanding regarding adoption of OSS to professionals in Pakistani and other developing countries with similar environment.

Status of information technology applications in Pakistani libraries

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate and determine the levels of information technology (IT) in Pakistani libraries. More specifically, the paper focuses on the status of computers and other commonly used hardware, e‐mail, internet, library software, automated user services, expenditure on IT and online resources available in academic libraries of Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachThe data are collected through a questionnaire survey of 288 (sample of 682) academic libraries across Pakistan. A total of 219 (76 per cent) valid responses are used for data analysis and interpretation using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS).FindingsThe paper finds a low level of IT availability, especially the absence of computers, e‐mail and internet in few libraries. Similarly, the libraries are far behind to achieve excellent IT levels. It is found that libraries need to be fully automated using standard library software/management systems. However, access to online resources through the Higher Education Commission (HEC) is found extensive and comprehensive. The data indicate the need to enhance libraries' IT expenditure.Practical implicationsThe findings can be utilized to evaluate the status of different IT tools and applications. The statistical data are very useful and authentic source for planning to improve the libraries' IT infrastructure, library automation and in reducing the gap in levels of IT application in different type of libraries.Originality/valueThis is a first comprehensive study that provides a complete picture along with statistical data regarding IT applications (computers and other common hardware, software, e‐mail, internet, other information access technologies, applications and online resources available) in academic libraries of Pakistan.

The Role of Mailing Groups in the Development of the Library Profession in Pakistan: the case of plagpk

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have made it possible for members of any profession to contact other professionals or communicate on a group level that was not possible in the past. It is due to the availability of ICT-based social networking software. LIS professionals in Pakistan are not behind in adopting modern technologies. They have been using mailing groups since December 2000. Pakistan Library Automation Group (PakLAG), a group of volunteer LIS professionals, launched the first ever mailing group in Pakistan known as plagpk. The impact of the plagpk mailing group is very positive. It provides a useful forum to professionals to share their experiences and solve their problems. It is helping in the placement of fresh graduates by posting jobs. It helped a lot in the revival of a dead national library association. The group has created awareness among Pakistani LIS professionals in using new ICT-based social networking software. Following its example, many other mailing groups have also been launched by LIS professionals. This paper presents the results of content analysis of 5216 e-mail messages posted on plagpk till December 2008. The results of a survey of users about the usefulness of this group are also presented.

Interpersonal relationships: students, teachers and librarians in university libraries of Pakistan

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess students‐teachers‐librarians interpersonal relationships; and to assess student attitudes towards library staff attitudes, library services and user‐education programmes in the university libraries of Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachA multi‐disciplinary approach is used. Questionnaires and semi‐structured interviews are utilised in the study together with discussions under interview conditions with the experts.FindingsThe literature shows the librarians' slightly negative attitude to relationships, but interestingly students and teachers' responses reveal a much more positive view of support and accessibility by the library staff. The majority of students' written responses point out more positive interpersonal relationships than the literature indicated. Verbal responses show antagonistic attitudes in some cases towards library staff. It is shown that interpersonal relationships are not as disappointing as shown in the literature and the qualitative study of experts' views, but still there is much to be done to improve the meaningfulness of the educational use of the library by improving the interpersonal relationships. It finds the factors affecting the successful interpersonal relationships as: lack of professional training, collaboration and satisfactory working conditions seem to be crucial for the meaningful interpersonal attitude.Research limitations/implicationsThe study examines the interpersonal relationships in the ten university libraries of Pakistan.Practical implicationsThe information can be useful for librarians and information specialists for developing positive working relationships. Librarians can play their role effectively in attracting and educating the users to wealth of information contained in Pakistani libraries.Originality/valueVery few studies on interpersonal relationship have been conducted in Pakistan. The key points that emerge that interpersonal relationships play a major part in developing attitudes towards library services and user education; antagonistic attitudes are evidenced in some cases towards library staff in the verbal responses from students (strongly) and teachers (less strongly). The myth that librarians are uncooperative with students and teachers is not well supported by the research.

Needed competencies for collection managers and their development

PurposeThis paper aims to discover perceptions of university librarians regarding the needed competencies for collection managers in Pakistan in the emerging digital paradigm.Design/methodology/approachThe 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.FindingsIt 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/valueThis 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.

Volunteer Endeavors to Promote ICT in a Developing Country: the case of the Pakistan Library Automation Group

This paper is a case study of the Pakistan Library Automation Group, formed in October 2000 by volunteers in library and information science and computer science in Pakistan. The group's mission was to promote the use of ICT in Pakistani libraries with virtually no financial support. The achievements of the group during 6 years include: PakLAG Website; Automation of libraries with Library Information Management System (LIMS); Multilingual Web OPAC; Searching interface of National Digital Library; Online directory of LIS professionals; Publications program; Pak-LIS News; E-mail discussion group; Online posting of job advertisements; Virtual library; Training in ICTs for library professionals; and free consultancy service in library automation. The group's future plans are also presented. The study concludes that, if some committed professionals present themselves for voluntary endeavors and plan to develop their nation without any material resources, they can play a significant role in the promotion of ICT in the libraries of a developing country.