Perceptions and Level of ICT Competencies: A Survey of Librarians at Public Sector Universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Ahmed, Shamshad; Rehman, Atta Ur

doi:10.47657/2016181951

Cited by 16 publications

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“…The mean score of competencies related to the development of custom metadata schemas and ontology and taxonomies was not encouraging (mean = 2.44, mean = 2.32, respectively). The results indicated the low level of technical skills of the respondents, and these results are in line with the results of research studies conducted by Ahmed and Rehman (2016), Fatima et al(2012), Khan and Bhatti (2017) and Rehman (2006). The reasons behind this might be the inadequate facilities of ICT infrastructure in university libraries, LIS curricula and workplace-oriented ICT skills.…”

Section: Organization Of Data Information and Knowledge Assets Competenciessupporting

confidence: 89%

“…For example, Khan and Bhatti (2017) pointed out that university librarians in Pakistan had only a basic level of competencies for the development and management of digital libraries. Ahmed and Rehman (2016) examined the level of ICT competencies of librarians of public-sector universities in the territory of Khyber Pukhtoon Khwa. The findings revealed that the level of competencies in operating systems, library automation software, digitization, institutional repository software and other application software was unsatisfactory.…”

Section: Literature Review Essential Competencies For Librarians Working In Special Librariesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Professional competencies for librarians working in special libraries: the case of Pakistan

Khan

Parveen

2020

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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.

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Section: Organization Of Data Information and Knowledge Assets Competenciessupporting

confidence: 89%

Section: Literature Review Essential Competencies For Librarians Working In Special Librariesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Professional competencies for librarians working in special libraries: the case of Pakistan

Khan

Parveen

2020

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“…Farooq et al (2016) have recently discussed the competencies required of university librarians in Pakistan in general; however, IL is not discussed specifically in any detail. Ahmed and Rehman (2016) have reported on information and communication technology (ICT) competencies among public sector university librarians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (heavy focus on IT). Iqbal and Khan (2017) have focused on the University of Punjab (IT focus); Ansari (2013) has reported on ICT skills in university libraries in Karachi.…”

Section: Information Literacy In the Pakistani Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

Workplace information literacy skills

Ali¹,

Richardson

2018

ILS

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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. Questions covered 6 generic attributes: library systems, information resources, searching techniques, research support, information literacy, and generic / personal. 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.

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“…Of interest to this research are studies that have explored the demand for ICT competencies in the LIS job market and status of ICT competencies among library professionals in different institutions and locations (Hoskins, 2005; Adeyoyin, 2005, 2006; Ugboma, 2008; Ademodi and Adepoju, 2009; Safahieh and Asemi, 2010; Thanuskodi, 2011). According to Ahmed and Rehman (2016, pp. 1-2), the findings from most of these studies indicate low levels of ICT competencies among LIS professionals.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on library services and librarianship, in general, cannot be underestimated. It is becoming clear that libraries cannot adequately satisfy user demands in the current digital environment without being equipped with both ICT resources and professionals with the necessary expertise in ICT (Ahmed and Rehman, 2016, p. 1). The new library setup, therefore, demands that LIS professionals must possess suitable ICT skills.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

ICT proficiency: perspectives of Tangaza University College librarians in Kenya

Agava¹,

Underwood

2020

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PurposeThis study aims to assess the information and communications technology (ICT) proficiency of library and information science (LIS) professionals working in Tangaza University College (TUC) Library, Kenya.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research design using a single case study was adopted in the study, which gathered data through a census. Data were collected using a structured interview.FindingsThe study findings indicated that the majority of TUC librarians have very high ICT competence in basic ICT and some Web technologies; however, they lack technical ICT skills. Furthermore, though ICT courses are offered during LIS professional training, TUC librarians lack opportunities to implement some of their advanced ICT skills. Lack of funding, time, practical lessons, personal interest, training opportunities and ICT obsolescence were highlighted as challenges librarians encounter in their pursuit of acquiring ICT skills.Practical implicationsThe study recommends that regular ICT-related training programmes be conducted for librarians and be offered in the form of workshops, seminars and conferences. Furthermore, there is a need for an academic curriculum in LIS schools to have more practical ICT-related components. Library staff should be encouraged to develop a personal interest in pursuing ICT skills, and librarians should also make use of ICT training opportunities that are freely available online for personal development.Originality/valueThe study is beneficial to those concerned with developing training programmes for librarians to strengthen areas deemed to have shortcomings.

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Perceptions and Level of ICT Competencies: A Survey of Librarians at Public Sector Universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Cited by 16 publications

References 0 publications

Professional competencies for librarians working in special libraries: the case of Pakistan

Professional competencies for librarians working in special libraries: the case of Pakistan

Workplace information literacy skills

ICT proficiency: perspectives of Tangaza University College librarians in Kenya

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