Pakistan Library Association Journal3 PLA Journal 2013 l EDITORIAL PLA Journal Revival Pakistan...
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Research Journal of the Pakistan Library Association Pakistan Library Association, Pakistan Pakistan Library Association Journal 2013
Transcript of Pakistan Library Association Journal3 PLA Journal 2013 l EDITORIAL PLA Journal Revival Pakistan...
Research Journal of the Pakistan Library Association
Pakistan Library Association,
Pakistan
Pakistan Library Association Journal
2013
PLA Journal 2013
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PLA Journal
A research journal published by Pakistan Library Association
Chief Editor
Haroon Idrees, PhD
Assistant Professor of LIS & Chief Librarian
University of Sargodha, Sargodha-40100, Pakistan
HEC Approved PhD Supervisor
Off: +92-48-9230864
Cell: +92-333-4363995
Email: [email protected]
Editor
Muhammad Arif Khan
Research Librarian
Pakistan Academy for Rural Development,
Peshawar, Pakistan-25120
Off: +92-91-9216339
Cell: +92-321-9181716
Email: [email protected]
Patron in Chief
Ch. Muhammad Hanif
President PLA
Chief Librarian
University of the Punjab, Lahore
Off: +92- 42-99231126
Email: [email protected]
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Advisory Board Professor Michael Seadle, PhD
Dean of the Faculty of Arts I, Director Berlin
School of LIS,
Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany
Editor Library Hi-Tech (IF Journal)
Anabel Quan-Haase, PhD
Associate Professor
Faculty of Information and Media Studies
The University of Western Ontario, Canada
Widad Mustafa El Hadi, PhD
Professor of LIS
Lille University, Lille 3, France
Dr. Ghaniul Akram Sabzwari
Chief Editor PLISJ, Karachi
Texas, USA
Mumtaz A. Anwar, Ph.D.
Hon. Professor
Dept. of Library and Information Science
University of the Punjab, Lahore
Khalid Mahmood, PhD
Professor of Library & Information Science,
University of Dammam, KSA
Professor Dr. Rafia Ahmad Sheikh
Formal Pro-Vice Chancellor,
University of Sindh, Jamshoro
Professor Dr. Muhammad Fazil Khan
Chairman, Dept. of Library & Information
Science,
University of Sargodha, Sargodha
Professor Kanwal Ameen, PhD.
Chairperson, Dept. of Library & Information
Science,
University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Dr. Muhammad Ramzan
Director Library
Lahore University of Management Sciences,
Lahore
Dr. Rubina Bhatti Chairperson & Associate Professor
Deptt: Library & Information Science
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur
Dr. Rais Samdani
Associate Chief Editor
Pakistan Library & Information Science
Journal, Karachi
Editorial Board Dr. Farzana Shafiq
University of Dammam, KSA
Dr. Shamshad Ahmad
Islamia University of Bahawalpur
Dr. Muhammad Rafiq
University of the Punjab
Dr. Shafiq ur Rehman
University of the Punjab
Dr. Saeedullah Jan
Sarhad University
Dr. Ijaz Mairaj
UET, Lahore
Dr. Mirza Muhammad Nasir
Inst. of Space Technology, Islamabad Dr. Nosheen Fatima
University of the Punjab
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EDITORIAL
PLA Journal Revival
Pakistan Library Association (PLA) assigned the responsibility to undersigned to revive
its annual Journal after a long time of almost two decades. It was 1996-97 when last issue of the
journal was published and it was ceased since then. It gives me immense pleasure to share that the
journal has been revived successfully after getting through quite a number of hard things. We have
made efforts to take on board highly learned indigenous personnel along with renowned
professionals from abroad. These people include very seasoned and experienced ones
accompanied by emerging scholars, academicians and researchers. The 2013 issue (21) of the
journal is in your hands or on your screen. The issue of 2014 will be published during next
months. We have adopted the process of blind peer reviewing. So far, we are getting the papers be
reviewed by indigenous peers and it will be expanded and reviewers from abroad would also be
included in the next issues of the journal.
In the rapidly changing global scenario, the role-played by the today’s Library &
Information Science (LIS) professionals can, in no way, be overruled. Towards this end, PLA
Journal has taken up the opportunity to recognize the research efforts of Pakistani LIS
professionals. At the other hand, Library & Information Science education has marked history of
development in the last one decade, which, ultimately resulted in producing quality research work.
Vision of LIS professionals has broadened and master degree is now considered as a transition
degree towards higher studies. The credit goes to Higher Education Commission (HEC) of
Pakistan and library school of prestigious Punjab University, who led the others from front,
starting first formal M. Phil leading to PhD program in Pakistan in the field of LIS. Professor Dr.
Khalid Mahmood and Professor Dr. Kanwal Ameen are the ones who contributed enormously in
this context. This paradigm shift not only enhanced academics but also contributed to expand the
horizon of quality research work in the field of Library & Information Sciences in Pakistan.
Pakistan Library Association is striving hard to extend all possibilities for the true
acknowledgement of academic and research activities in Pakistan. We believe that the publication
series of PLA Journal is a step towards achieving the overall objectives of PLA by recognizing the
research activities of LIS professionals in Pakistan.
Researchers are now constantly looking for impact factor journals and the vision of PLA
journal team is to make a way forward of making it an Impact Factor journal. We know it is long
way to achieve this objective, but we are committed to get it done. We also hope that articles in
this issue would prove beneficial for future research and planning activities in the realm of Library
& Information Science in the developing countries.
Any suggestions and queries to upgrade the journal of us all are warmly welcomed and
highly appreciated.
Haroon Idrees, PhD
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
No. Titles Authors Page
1. Revival of the PLA Journal (Editorial)
Editor-in-Chief 3
2. Are Still Textbooks an Important Source of
Information for Science Students Living in
Internet Age? A Survey of Pharmacy Students
at UoP
Dr. Farzana Shafique
Mr. Amjid Khan
Mr. Ghalib Khan
5
3. Integrating DDC in Library Software for
effective Subject Searching
Mr. Arif Khan
Dr. Haroon Idrees
16
4. Research Skills among LIS Research Scholars
In Pakistan: A Study
Ms. Farah Deeba
Dr. Haroon Idrees
29
5. Status of Library Automation and Digitization
in the Public Sector Universities of
Balochistan. A case study
Dr. Saeedullah Jan
Rafia A. Sheikh
49
6. Social media use by the members of Lahore
Gymkhana
Ms. Fauzia Shafique 71
7. Information Resources, Facilities and Services
in Public Libraries: A Survey of the Users’
Satisfaction in Model Town Library, Lahore
Ms. Saima Hanif 81
8. SAARC Documentation Centre: an overview
Mr. Yousaf Ali 91
9. Promotion of library and Information services
and resources and user awareness: A case
study of SCEE NUST Library Islamabad
Mr. Naimat Ullah Shah
Dr. Haroon Idrees
97
10. A Bird Eye View of France and French
Libraries
Dr. Ijaz Mairaj 106
11. “Champions of Libraries” Proceedings of the
PLA International Conference 2013
Mr. M.Zeeshan
Mr. Amir Subhani
Mr. Muhammad Rafiq
109
12. Academic News Updates Editor 116
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Are Still Textbooks an Important Source of Information for Science Students
Living in Internet Age? A Survey of Pharmacy Students at UoP
Dr. Farzana Shafique Director of Female Libraries
Assistant Professor, Deanship of Library Affairs
University of Dammam, KSA
Amjid Khan (PhD Scholar, DLISc IUB) Assistant Librarian, Department of Pharmacy
University of Peshawar [Pakistan]
Ghalib Khan (PhD Scholar, DLISc IUB) Assistant Librarian, Law College
University of Peshawar [Pakistan]
ABSTRACT
This study was undertaken to examine the information seeking behaviour of
Pharmacy students in the University of Peshawar (UoP). A focus was given on tracing the
use of classical textbooks and class lectures for academic information seeking. It
investigated their purpose of seeking information, preferred sources, languages and the use
of online databases. The study also investigated the problems and difficulties they faced
while seeking information from different sources. Data were collected from 50
respondents. Quantitative data were analysed with the help of SPSS (Version 19). The
literature showed that the students studying in science disciplines rely more on textbooks.
The results of the study also verify the trend of relying more on textbooks and reference
sources as the Pharmacy students mostly seek information for examination and class
assignments. However, they also use online sources for improving their personal skills and
general knowledge. Poor library collection, lack of skills required for searching and using
electronic resources, insufficient provision of information resources, lack of computers
and internet facilities were also playing major role in their reliance on textbooks and class
lectures. The study suggests that to reduce the students reliance on classical textbooks and
class lectures, the problem based curriculum should be introduced for Pharmacy students
at UoP. The UoP libraries should also play their active role by developing the rich library
collection, acquainting students with specialized information searching tools and skills,
providing current awareness services, and information literacy courses for the Pharmacy
students.
Key words: Information Seeking Behaviour, Information Sources, Pharmacy Students,
Awareness of Resources, Pakistan.
INTRODUCTION
Information obtained through observation, experience and experimentation
enabled the evolution of the human beings. It transferred knowledge through
intellectualization since the beginning of civilizations. Today we are living in the age of
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information explosion where information has become indispensable for human life. Now
information is considered an essential element for the socio-economic development, and
promotion of education and research culture in a country (N.Gokul, 2004). Information
has become an important element for the research and development because it provides
raw material to derive knowledge from it (Geetha, 2004).
The emergence of new communication technologies has resulted in the rapid flow
of information. Internet and digital resources have further revolutionized the situation.
They have changed the modes of accessing, searching, retrieving, and using the
information. Mahapatra and Panda (2001) explored that due to the flood of information in
all disciplines, everyone needs a variety of information. Providing quick and relevant
information to a specific group of users or organizations is a difficult and challenging task.
This challenge has given birth to the concept of studying the information seeking behavior
of different groups of users for better satisfaction of their information needs. Krikelas
(1983) defined information-seeking behavior as “any activity of an individual that is
undertaken to identify a message that satisfies a perceived need (p. 4).”
LITERATURE REVIEW
According to (Devadason, 1997), the awareness of information seeking behaviour
of different professionals is important. It helps in planning, carrying out management and
operations of information system and improves services in work environment. (Azhar,
2011) noted that as students cannot obtain all needed information through formal
education, therefore problem solving based competencies and independent information
seeking behaviour skills must be incorporated in the curriculum.(Tahir Masood Qureshi,
2008) mentioned that various aspects are involved in the information seeking behavior of
university students. They suggested that digital library services, web interfaces and online
database are the main factors that can facilitate the students in information seeking
process. (Komolafe-Opadeji, 2009) recommended the development of library collection
and other resources for fulfilling the information needs of users. He also emphasized on
the continuous training of librarians to enhance their searching skills and ability to dig out
relevant information to meet the information needs of their users. Elayan and (Younis,
2005) found poor library resources, library location, and lack of time as major barriers in
the use of libraries. He recommended adequate collection; inter library loan facility,
Internet, reprographic services, and advanced library and information services to meet the
information needs of users.
Studying the information seeking behaviour of pharmacy students and faculty, and
pharmacists has also been an interesting area for researchers. Pharmacy is a profession that
connects the health sciences with chemical sciences and its in-depth knowledge ensures
the effective use of drugs. The scope of pharmacy practice includes dispensing and
compounding drugs/medications. Now its scope also covers health care; providing
information and reviewing medications for the safeguard and usefulness of patients with
positive health outcomes.
(Adams, 2001) believed that Pharmacists educate the patients about the proper use
of their prescription and can make aware health professionals about new developments
and uses of drugs. They need expertise and skills for using internet, online databases, and
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other resources, which can help them in locating most recent and accurate information
available on pharmaceutical sciences.
Keeping the importance of pharmaceutical profession in view, many studies were
carried out to find out the information seeking behavior of people in different regions of
the world. For example, (Sandra S. Kramer, 2011) conducted a study on information
seeking behavior of pharmacy faculty in the University of Arizona, Tucson. It was
stressed that such studies can help the university library administration in evaluating and
improving current library resources, services, and library website. Such studies can also
improve teaching, research, and clinical practice skill of the pharmacy faculty. Adams
(2001) stressed that pharmacy students need current and most authentic information about
drugs medication and drug therapy. He emphasized that they must have the skills for
finding and assessing the relevant information quickly, and effectively using that
information in decision making for patient care. Such skills can assist them in educating
patients about their medications and best usage of drugs and in creating new formulas for
the use by health professionals.
(Rankin, 1992) observed that in contrast to the practical field requirements, the
students in health or allied health sciences most often use textbooks and general sources to
meet their information needs. He further pointed out that they search for those materials
and sources which support their learning and educational requirements. Similarly, Leckie
and Fullerton (1999) have pointed out that the subject content in science curriculum tends
to be more structured and less ambiguous than in the fields of social sciences and
humanities. They further mentioned that in engineering and the other sciences, students
may primarily use standard texts for as long as the first two or three years of study, and
thus do not begin to develop information retrieval skills until their senior year, or even
graduate school. In this perspective, (S, 2010) has stressed on the need of additional
encouragement and support for facilitating the access to online databases for evidence
based information.
The research studies related to the information needs and seeking behavior of
pharmacy students highlight some certain features of their behavior: such as they need
most recent and the most accurate information available on pharmaceutical sciences. Their
approach towards the information is different from other professionals. They need
comprehensive and in-depth information related to their subjects. However, besides
practical experiments in laboratories, they heavily rely on textbooks, and classroom
lectures.
A review of the literature reveals that a large number of research studies were
carried out to find out the information needs and seeking behavior of different groups of
people, while very few studies are found in Pakistani perspective. Anwar (2007) has
chronologically analyzed the beginning of research activity on information needs and
seeking behaviour in Pakistan. He reviewed 14 student-research projects produced from
1975 to 1982 at the University of the Punjab, which have remained unpublished. He also
emphasized on the LIS academics and practitioners in Pakistan to take note of the current
state of affairs and take steps to promote and conduct research in this area. A review of
those studies also reveal that to date no study has been conducted related to the
information seeking behavior of pharmacy students. However, few studies related to the
information needs and seeking behaviour of working professionals in the field of sciences
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were conducted. These studies were related to information needs and seeking behaviors of
scientists working in the Oils, Fats and Waxes Division (Nighat, 1975); dental surgeons
(Parvez, 1975); veterinary surgeons (Bashir, 1975); chemists (Siddique, 1976); and
science & technology university teachers (Chaudhary, 1977; Tahira, 2008). The critical
analysis of all these studies reveal that since the respondents were working professionals
in the field of sciences, so for effectively performing their professional duties, they were
heavily relying on journals and/or other uptodate sources of information rather than on
textbooks. However, the case of students in these fields is different and they heavily rely
on textbooks and class lectures (Leckie & Fullerton, 1999). (Tahir Masood Qureshi, 2008)
believe that there are several factors that have significant effect on students’ behavior such
as structure of the curriculum, educational and cultural background, surrounding
environment and students' participation, which have high positive impact on information
needs and information seeking behavior of students. If surrounding environment is helpful
and the education system encourages students' participation, then it will create a culture
that enhances the students’ information gathering skills.
Objectives of the study It is evident from the above review that no study to date has been conducted at
national or local level to find out the Information needs and/or seeking behavior of people
related to pharmaceutical profession in Pakistan. Keeping this gap in view, this study aims
at finding the information seeking behavior of pharmacy students at the University of
Peshawar. Following are the specific objectives of the study:
1. To explore the different aspects of information seeking behaviour of Pharmacy
students at University of Peshawar.
2. To find out the problems faced by them in information seeking process.
3. To give suggestions in the light of findings of the study.
METHODOLOGY
A questionnaire survey was conducted to find out the information seeking
behaviour of Pharmacy students at University of Peshawar. Both open and close-ended
questions were included in it. The population of the study was consisted of 4th
and 5th
profession pharmacy students studying at the Department of Pharmacy, University of
Peshawar, Pakistan. The researchers personally distributed the questionnaires among
students. The students available in the library premises were pursued for getting the
response (targeting a response of 50 students, i.e. 25 male and 25 female; see Table-1).
The collected data were analysed with the help of SPSS (Version 19).
Table 1
Frequency Distribution of Respondent’s Gender (N=50)
Gender Frequency Percentage
Male 25 50.0
Female 25 50.0
Total 50 100.0
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Data analysis and discussion
The respondents were asked different questions, which helped in finding out their
information seeking behaviour. Here is the analysis of received responses.
Purpose of information seeking
Most of the respondents were seeking information frequently for class
examination, assignments preparation, improving their personal competencies, and to gain
general knowledge (Mean values are 3.46, 3.14, 2.82 and 2.68, respectively). However,
sometimes they were seeking information for research/thesis, to keep up with current
developments in the field, knowing about job opportunities; job interviews and for general
reading (Mean values are 2.40, 2.32, 2.28, and 2.16 each respectively)
Table 2
Descriptive Statistics of Respondents’ Opinion About the Purpose of Information Seeking
(N=50)
Note:-Always=4, Frequently= 3, Sometimes=2, Seldom=1, Never=0
Resources used for fulfilling the urgent need of information
Respondents were asked about how they fulfilled their urgent information needs.
They mentioned that they frequently discuss their information needs with class fellows,
use Internet/online resources, and consult reports/published articles/encyclopedias; they
also heavily use textbooks (Mean values are 3.14, 3.02 and 2.50 respectively). They
sometimes consult university or other libraries, discuss with family members and people
they trust, visit or call any expert person, go to the bookshops and/or use personal
collection in case of urgent need of information (Mean values are 2.38, 2.20, 2.16, 2.16
1.86 and 1.68 respectively). On the other hand they seldom ask librarian or search the
HEC online databases for their urgent information need (Mean values are 1.30 and 1.08
respectively) (Table 3)
Table 3
Descriptive Statistics of Respondents’ Opinion About Sources Used for Urgent
Information Needs (N=50)
Urgent Need Mean Median Mode Std. Dev.
Visit to the University Libraries 2.16 2.00 4 1.570
Visit to other Libraries 1.68 1.00 0 1.449
Discussion with class fellows/friends 3.14 4.00 4 1.212
Purpose Mean Median Mode Std. Dev.
Class examination 3.46 4.00 4 1.129
Research/thesis 2.16 2.00 3 1.251
Class assignment 2.68 3.00 2 1.058
Keep up with current development 2.40 2.00 2 1.262
Improve personal competencies 3.14 4.00 4 1.125
Knowing job opportunities 2.16 2.00 4 1.530
Preparation for job interview 2.32 2.50 4 1.671
General knowledge 2.82 3.00 4 1.257
Reading purposes only 2.28 3.00 4 1.512
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Discussion with family members/people of
trust
2.20 2.50 3 1.429
Visit/phone call to any expert person 2.38 2.00 4 1.427
Use Internet/online resources 3.02 4.00 4 1.317
Consult
Reports/articles/Books/encyclopedias
2.50 3.00 4 1.389
Ask the librarian 1.08 .00 0 1.397
Visit to the bookshop 1.86 2.00 2 1.294
Use personal Collection 2.16 2.00 4 1.490
Search HEC online databases 1.30 1.00 0 1.374
Note:-Always=4, Frequently= 3, Sometimes=2, Seldom=1, Never=0
Preferred language used for information seeking
Most of the respondents mentioned that they prefer the information resources in English
language (N=40, 80%), besides only 20% (N=10) mentioned Urdu as a preferred language
(Table 4).
Table 4
Descriptive Statistics of Respondents’ Opinion About Preferred Language for Information
Sources (N=50)
Language Frequency Percentage
English 40 80.0
Urdu 10 20.0
Total 50 100.0
Use of HEC subscribed Databases
The researchers also asked about the usage pattern of online database subscribed
by Higher Education Commission (HEC) to facilitate the University researchers in
Pakistan. It was disappointing to know that most of the respondent were unaware of HEC
subscribed databases (n=42, 84%) (Table 5).
Table-5
Descriptive Statistics of Respondents’ Opinion About the Use of Online Databases (N=50)
Use of HEC subscribed Databases Frequency Percentage
Yes 8 16.0
No 42 84.0
Total 50 100.0
This behavior was also reported by Dervin many years ago. He mention that there
is a lack of awareness about web environment among the Pakistani students. They are not
satisfied with the available resources, which create a hindrance in information seeking.
Students prefer familiar interfaces and hesitate to browse other databases with different
search skills. They want easy and simplest way of accessing the information (Dervin,
1986).
Sources used for information seeking
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Respondents were asked about the kind of sources they use for seeking
information. Results of the study show that they frequently used textbooks, reference
sources, data sheets, informal sources, face-to-face discussion with class fellows/friends,
attend Seminars/Conferences/Workshops, and use their previous knowledge (Mean values
are 3.22, 3.02, 2.84, 2.64, 2.56, 2.52, and 2.52 respectively). Contrarily, they sometimes
prefer scholarly journals/periodicals, reports/standard/specifications, seminar proceedings,
online journals/databases/archives, multimedia sources (A/V), library catalogue,
articles/theses, private correspondences, discussion with libraries/ reference staff, and
discussion on phone for information seeking (Mean values are 2.16, 2.12, 2.08, 2.02, 1.86,
1.82, 1.74, 1.56, and 1.54 respectively) (Table 6)
Table-6
Descriptive Statistics of Respondents’ Opinion About Sources Used for Information
Seeking (N=50)
Note:-Always=4, Frequently= 3, Sometimes=2, Seldom=1, Never=0
Problems in information seeking
The respondents were asked to point out problems they faced in information
seeking for study and research. Result shows that most of the respondents mentioned that
they frequently face a problem in locating the information because needed information is
scattered in too many sources (Mean= 2.80). Other problems frequently faced by them
were information over load and expensive information sources (Mean values are 2.74 and
2.72 respectively). However, they sometime face following problems: “required material
is not available”; “latest information sources are not available”; “information sources are
so far located”; “lack of time for searching”; “lack of training to use the electronic
resources”; “lack of technical support/help”; “lack of information about available
Sources Mean Median Mode Std. Dev
Text Books/Monographs 3.22 3.00 4 .954
Scholarly Journals/Periodicals 1.86 2.00 2 1.088
Reference sources (encyclopaedias etc.) 2.56 3.00 3 .929
Patents/Reports/Standards 2.12 2.00 2 1.189
Data Sheets/Books 2.64 3.00 3 1.083
Conference/workshop/ Proceedings 2.08 2.00 2 1.175
Online Journals/databases 2.02 2.00 2 1.317
Multimedia sources (Audio/Video) 2.16 2.00 2 1.251
Library Catalogue (Card Catalogue/OPAC) 1.56 1.00 1 1.343
Review articles/Theses 1.82 1.50 1 1.380
Email/Online Discussion groups/chat etc 2.52 3.00 4 1.328
Face–to-face Discussions with class
fellows/friends
3.02 3.50 4 1.220
Attend seminars/Conferences/Workshops 2.52 3.00 2 1.165
Use Previous Knowledge 2.84 3.00 3 1.184
Private Correspondences 1.74 2.00 3 1.121
Discussion with librarian/reference staff 1.56 2.00 0 1.296
Discussion on phone 1.54 1.00 0 1.328
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sources”; “lack of departmental library”; “library staff is incompetent or non-cooperative”;
“lack of computer hardware or software”; and “language barriers and social barriers”
(Mean values are 2.48, 2.46, 2.28, 2.22, 1.92, 1.84, 1.82, 1.78, 1.76,1.76,1.70, and 1.60
respectively). They seldom have problem of lack of knowledge in using the library”
(Mean= 1.40). See Table-7.
Table-7
Descriptive Statistics of Respondents’ Opinion About the Problems Faced by them (N=50)
Note:-Always=4, Frequently= 3, Sometimes=2, Seldom=1, Never=0
The open ended responses though very few in number (n= 7) also supplement the
above results. The students pointed out that their curriculum pattern does not encourage
the use of information sources other than textbooks and class lectures. They mentioned
that library resources are not sufficient to fulfill their information needs.
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The study reveals that most of the pharmacy students were frequently seeking
information for class examination, class assignments, improving their personal skills and
to gain general knowledge. One factor was evident from the results that even in this age of
Internet, the pharmacy students were yet more dependent on textbooks and reference
sources, though they also used scholarly journals/periodicals, reports, articles/theses, and
private correspondences for their assignments. However, in case of any urgent information
need, they mostly discussed it with their class fellows or consulted books and internet
resources. The use of online scholarly resources/databases was very low among the
pharmacy students and it was also disappointing to know that most of them were unaware
about the online databases particularly provided by Higher Education Commission of
Pakistan (HEC). This trend could be due to the classical and traditional curriculum yet
taught at the Pharmacy Department, University of Peshawar. Furthermore, lack of relevant
resources in the libraries and shortage of time for consulting the libraries were also
playing an important role in their reliance on textbooks and class lectures.
Problems faced Mean Median Mode Std. Dev.
Required material is not available 2.22 2.00 2 1.183
Information sources are so far located 2.46 3.00 3 1.164
Information is scattered in too many sources 2.80 3.00 4 1.125
Information over load (too much information) 2.74 3.00 4 1.275
Information sources are very expensive 2.72 3.00 4 1.179
Latest information sources are not available 2.28 2.00 2 1.179
Lack of time for searching 2.48 3.00 2 1.266
Lack of training to use the electronic resources 1.78 2.00 2 1.266
Lack of knowledge in using the library 1.40 1.00 0 1.414
Lack of technical support/help 1.92 2.00 1 1.383
Lack of information about available sources 1.76 2.00 2 1.302
Lack of departmental library 1.76 2.00 0 1.572
Library staff is incompetent or non-cooperative 1.70 2.00 0a 1.359
Lack of computer hardware or software 1.82 2.00 0a 1.466
Language barriers 1.84 2.00 2 1.448
Social barriers 1.60 1.50 1a 1.278
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Following recommendations are made in the light of findings of the study.
1. Problem based curriculum should be introduced for the Pharmacy studies and
reliance on textbooks and class lectures should be reduced by:
2. developing the rich library collection in the central and departmental libraries of
University of Peshawar;
3. arranging the information literacy trainings by the library professional for
promoting the use of online databases (subscribed by HEC).
4. Users’ information needs and seeking behaviour should be assessed on regular
bases to design and develop library collection and services according to their
needs.
5. Library and information science researchers should conduct further studies to find
out the information seeking behaviour and information needs of other stakeholders
of pharmaceutical profession, such as faculty members, laboratory technicians etc.
Furthermore, comparative studies should also be conducted for finding the
information seeking pattern of pharmacy students at various
universities/institutions of Pakistan.
REFERENCES
Adams, M. (2001). The latest and the best: information needs of pharmacists. Science &
Technology Libraries, 21(3-4), 87-99. doi:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1300/J122v21n03_06
Anwar, M. A. (2007). Research on information seeking and use in Pakistan: An
assessment. Pakistan Journal of Library and Information Science, 7, 15-32.
Bashir, M. (1975). Information needs of veterinary assistant surgeons posted at the
university hospitals at the District Headquarters in the Punjab. Unpublished
master’s thesis, the Department of Library Science, University of the Punjab,
Lahore.
Chaudhary, M. A. M. (1977). Information needs of science teachers of the University of
the Punjab Lahore. Unpublished master’s thesis, Department of Library Science,
University of the Punjab, Lahore.
Dervin, B. M. N. (1986). Information needs and uses. Annual Review of Information
Science and Technology, 21.
Devadason, F. J., & Lingman, P.P (1997). A methodology for the identification of
information needs of users. IFLA journal, 23(1)
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Elayan, R.M. and Younis, A. R. M. (2005). Assessment of industrialists’ information
needs and interests in Jordan: a case study of Zarqa Governorate. The International
Information & Library Review 37 29–44. doi:10.1016/j.iilr.2004.11.001
Geetha, P. (2004). Information needs and use pattern of pure scientists. In G.Devarajan
(Ed.), New frontiers of knowledge in information science (pp. 388). New Delhi:
Ess Ess Publications.
Gokul, A. N. (2004). Information needs and use patern of veterinarians. In G.Devarajan
(Ed.), New frontiers of knowledge in information science. New Delhi: Ess Ess
Publication.
Khlil, S.A., Azhar, M. M. N. (2011). Information seeking behavior of undergraduate
medical students: a case study. Pakistan library and information science journal,
42(4).
Komolafe-Opadeji, H. O. (2009). Downsizing a pharmacy library collection and meeting
the information needs of clinical pharmacists in a Nigerian teaching hospital.
Journal of Hospital Librarianship, 9 (2), 186-194. doi:
10.1080/15323260902813680
Krikelas, J.(1983). Information Seeking Behaviour, Drexel Library Quarterly, 19(2), 5-
20.
Leckie, G. J. & Fullerton, A. (1999). Information literacy in science and engineering
undergraduate education: faculty attitudes and pedagogical practices. College &
Research Libraries 60(1):9.
Mahapatra, R.K., & Panda, K.C. (2001). Information-seeking behaviour: A conjectural
approach. SRELS Journal of Information Management, 38 (2): 121-136
Nalliah, S, and Lai, MN. (2010). Information-seeking practices of senior medical students:
The impact of an evidence-based medicine training programmeEducation for
Health, 23(1). retrieved from
http://educationforhealth.net/publishedarticles/article_print_151.pdf
Nighat, A. (1975). The information needs of scientists working in the oils, fats and waxes
division of the PCSIR laboratories, Lahore. Unpublished master’s thesis,
Department of Library and Information Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore.
Parvez, S. (1975). Information needs of dental surgeons working in the Dental College
and Hospitals of Lahore. Unpublished master’s thesis, University of the Punjab,
Lahore.
Qureshi, M. T., Zafar, K.M. & Khan, B.M. (2008). Information needs & information
seeking behavior of students in Universities of Pakistan. Journal of Applied
Sciences Research, 4(1), 40-47. Retrieved from
http://www.aensionline.com/jasr/jasr/2008/40-47.pdf on 30th
May, 2012
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Rankin, I. A. (1992). Problem-based medical education effect on library user. Bulletin of
Medical Library Association, 80(1).
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College of pharmacy faculty. Medical Reference Services Quarterly, 30(1), 31-41.
doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02763869.2011.540210
Siddique, M. (1976). Informamation needs of chemists working in the PCSIR laboratories,
Lahore. Unpublished master’s thesis, Department of Library Science, University
of the Punjab; Lahore.
Tahira, M. (2008). Information need and seeking behavior of science and technology
teachers of Punjab University. Unpublished M. Phil thesis, the Department of
Library and Information Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore.
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Integrating DDC in Library Software for effective Subject Searching
Arif Khan Research Librarian
Pakistan Academy for Rural Development, Peshawar
Haroon Idrees, PhD Assistant Professor
University of Sargodha, Sargodha
1. INTRODUCTION
Search is the fundamentally important task that enables us to access relevant data
quickly in today’s world of information. We use different search techniques to retrieve
text, images, audio and video, e-books and other material from online and offline
databases.
Querying and browsing is always a challenge for library staff to deal with, and to
achieve accurate, reliable and focused results. In order to meet this challenge, Library
Management Systems are built by the libraries to provide better and prompt services to its
patrons. These software are primarily built to perform library housekeeping activities i.e.
cataloging, classification, circulation, and searching of required material effectively.
Library material is wasted if bibliographic information could not be found timely.
Bibliographic records need to be fashioned in such a way so that each user can quickly
find relevant and comprehensive information according to their needs. Bibliographic
Information Retrieval is one of the primary objectives of the Library Management
Systems. Most of these systems using keyword based matching strategy for search.
Searching of bibliographic information is usually thought to be deliberately sought
using old-fashioned keyword-based searching technique. Information sought through
keyword-based techniques is more useful but for the information managers or people who
are required to manage catalog information, it becomes very difficult to populate each
record with sufficient and reliable keywords. Moreover, it takes a lot of efforts and time to
bring library catalog to such a reliable state and get the maximum out of it.
“Information Retrieval (IR) is the activity of obtaining information resources
relevant to an information need from a collection of information resources” (Jain,
Bhargava, & Purohit, 2013). A range of new techniques have been introduced to harness
the overflowing bibliographic records and contents (Ricci, 2013). However, information
retrieval from an Integrated Library System remains a mess query despite so many
advancements in meta-search techniques. At the other hand the library classification
scheme has a very important and pivotal role to play for categorizing the reading material
and the bibliographic information as well. The Library of Congress (LC) “annually
classifies over 110,000 books using the DDC, and spends an average amount of nearly
$100 in cataloging one book” (Wiggins, 2005). The LC collection is now over 130 million
items with increase of more than two million items per year. Dewey Classification is
distinctive in many ways that “…one of the distinctive characteristics of library
collections is that every information item has its subject matters classified with established
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knowledge schemes in detail” (J. Wang & Lee, 2007). Dewey Classification scheme is
known to be widely used classification system. Dewey Decimal Classification scheme is
used in 95% of all public and school libraries around the world (Chan, Comaromi, &
Satija, 1996); translated in more than 30 languages; and serves library users in over
200,000 libraries in 135+ countries (Moulaison, 2010). Continuous revision of DDC since
a century has established its validity and reliability that resulted in 23 editions uptil now.
DDC covers all disciplines of human knowledge, representing a natural growth and
distribution of human intellectual works; classified by professionals and the quality is
guaranteed by well-defined and continuously-refined cataloging rules. Its standard format
contains relevant information both in free-text or controlled vocabularies that allow
experiments under various conditions (J. Wang & Lee, 2007).
Looking at the advantages and usage of Dewey Decimal Classification scheme, we
felt that Classification Scheme can help out in developing Information Search & Retrieval
(IR) module of the Library Management System (LMS). Based on its established structure
of Main Class, Divisions, Sections, and Standard subdivisions, we planned to use its
Controlled Vocabulary for the searching and retrieval of bibliographic information in
LMS.
Impetus for this project was to develop a new enhanced and structured searching
module for PLUS (PARD Library Ultimate Solution)—locally build integrated library
management system.
2. PROBLEM STATEMENT
The Library Management Systems are mostly differing in variety of ways
according to database design and their information retrieval mechanism. “Traditionally,
SQL query language is used to search the data in databases. However, it is inappropriate
for end-users, since it is complex and hard to learn. It is the need of end-user, searching in
databases with keywords, like in web search engines” (S. Wang & Zhang, 2005).
Keyword-based search model is mostly supported and popularized by Internet Search
Engines i.e. Google, Bing, etc. At the other hand, traditional database management
systems do not allow keyword-based search rather they offer powerful query languages
for searching (Balmin, Hristidis, & Papakonstantinou, 2004).
In automated environment, end-user searches the library catalog is through Title,
Author, and Subject primarily. The cataloguer is required to assign proper subject
headings to each and every record in order to make the information retrievable. Obviously
it takes much longer to populate records with proper and consistent subject heading. This
is equally important that there should be a way-out to save the time and be accurate in
cataloging practices by automating the process of determining proper subject heading for
catalog entries and searching process also.
Information search & retrieval module of any LMS is meant to satisfy the users’
need with filtered results having focused approach of what is being required by the user;
or what could be most appropriate and closely related to search query. We use library
management system to search bibliographic records in database. Normally three types of
search is offered to end-user i.e. Title, Author, and Subject. When a word or phrase is
given for search by the end-user for Title, the system looks in the title field and finds
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records; similarly if a term is given in Author, the system looks in Author field for
required term and so on for subject.
The problem arises when database records are not populated with sufficient subject
headings. If catalog do not contains appropriate subject headings for each record then its
not possible to get comprehensive and high-quality results. The number of retrieved
records depends on how well and consistently is the subject headings managed in the
database. It is therefore felt necessary to adopt/define a mechanism to overcome this
problem and to make it possible for the system to retrieve all those records which even do
not have sufficient subject headings properly managed by the cataloging section.
Different studies reveal that inaccurate or irrelevant records are retrieved because
of the insufficient input provided by the user and the lack of consistency of relation
between the subject headings associated with bibliographic records. Controlled
Vocabulary makes a database easier to search and can be used to generate well-established
structure for reliable searching of bibliographic records (Harper & Tillett, 2007).
Controlled Vocabulary describing different concepts in a single word or phrase thus,
makes searching the database more efficiently (Riecks).
3. REVIEW OF LITERATURE
In recent years, there is a wide spread of research on searching techniques and
information retrieval processes. However, these systems require more sophisticated
technology for integration and still have technological hurdles for their implementation. It
is, therefore, to devise a simple workable solution for locally built software.
Agrawal (Agrawal, Chaudhuri, & Das, 2002) developed of a system which enables
keyword searches in relational database which is attached to databases via browser front-
end. The system is named as DBXplorer and implemented using commercial Relational
Database Management System (RDBMS) and Web Server.
Wen & Wang (Wen & Wang, 2005) presents design and implementation of a
system called SEEKER which support keyword-based information retrieval on metadata
in relational databases. The paper describes other existing systems that support searching
text attributes in relational databases.
Su and Widom (Su & Widom, 2005) Proposed an architecture that supports highly
efficient keyword-based search over relational databases. The system called EKSO is
designed to supports keyword-based searches with interactive response, identifying
database objects corresponding to the virtual documents matching the query.
Boberic (Boberić Krstićev, 2013) presenting a novel approach that enables the
search of an existing library management system by using Search/Retrieval via Uniform
Resource Locator (SRU) and Z39.5 protocols. This study proposes architecture of a
middleware that acts as intermediary between the database and search services. However,
the basic purpose of the developed component is to search, retrieve, and import
bibliographic records into library database. The study also provides overview to add Z39.5
and SRU functionality in library management system.
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Sarda and Jain (Sarda & Jain, 2001) experimented a similar search pattern for
databases as of Search Engines where a user specify a string of keywords and looking to
retrieve information ranked according to relevancy of search query. The developed
system is named “Mragyati” which accepts a free-form user input as a collection of
keywords and presents results in a structured and browsable form.
Novak (Novak, 2004) worked on Web crawling technique—widely used common
phenomenon for searching of web resources. Novak argues that this technique enhanced
the search capabilities of the user and is helping to save the time also, but these techniques
still have many deficiencies to be resolved. “This process requires enormous amounts of
hardware and network resources, ending up with a large fraction of the visible web on the
crawler’s storage array”.
Faloutsos and Oard (Faloutsos & Oard, 1998) surveyed major Information
Retrieval techniques and provided an overview of the traditional ones (full text scanning,
inversion, signature files and clustering). There are various other studies found on
developing and proposing solutions for effective searching for relational database
management system and library online public access catalogs (Lewandowski, 2010).
4. METHODOLOGY
Methodology of conducting this study is based on the practical experience of
working with a team of software developers, system analysts, and professional librarians
involved in the development of library management system for PARD library. The authors
adopted an explanatory method to present the process of developing information retrieval
module for library management system. Explanatory method is divided into three sections
(i.e. 4.1 to 4.3). Section one presents the structure of Controlled Vocabulary Module
(CVM). Section two explains steps-by-step execution of the process with the help of
flowchart and section three discusses the relevant issues raised during the execution and
its devised solution.
4.1 Controlled Vocabulary Module (CVM) PLUS library management system is designed in Visual Basic DotNet (at the front-
end) with Microsoft SQL Server 2005 at the back-end. Controlled Vocabulary Module
(CVM) is designed in SQL where the data is stored in five data fields as under:
Table-1:
Controlled Vocabulary Module (CV module)
Field Heading Containing data
1 Class caption Captions of DDC numbers (as in DDC electronic edition)
2 DCCN Associated Dewey class number (simply called Class
Number)
3 DCIT Relevant DDC Index Terms (as in DDC electronic ed.)
4 LCST Relevant LC Subject Terms (as in DDC electronic ed.)
The data is stored in the CV module with the help of volunteers using electronic
version of DDC 21st edition. Developers helped in creating middleware to import data
from DDC into CVM for all the main classes i.e. 001 to 999. The CVM contains four
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columns i.e. Class Caption, DDC Number, relevant DDC Index Terms and LCSH with
notes in one Table called Controlled Vocabulary Table (CVT).
4.2 Process/Steps of execution The main idea is to use Dewey Decimal Classification Scheme (managed in CVT)
for search and retrieval rather than to search data through the keyword associated with
bibliographic records. The system manipulates the user query in four steps as under:
Step1: Class Filtering (determining the Dewey number)
Queried word is searched in the Class Caption (field 1 of Table-A) and relevant
DDC numbers are retrieved and stored in a temporary table. For example the word
“terrorism” is the query word given by the user. The system looks for its DDC number and
creates a list (see Table-2) These DDC numbers contain the word “terrorism” in their
Class Captions.
Table-2:
Queried word found in Captions of DDC numbers
DDC Class Class Caption
303.625 Terrorism
341.773 Terrorism-international Law
363.32 Control of violence and terrorism
Step 2: Query Expansion (expanding the users’ query)
In step 2, system finds the queried word in DDC Index Terms and LC Subject
Terms (field 3 and 4 of Table-1) to identify all those DDC numbers which contains the
queried word in other areas. Table-3 shows other DDC numbers which contains the
queried word “Terrorism” in other areas i.e. DDC Index Terms and LC Subject Terms
(LCST).
Table-3:
Queried word found in DDC Index Terms and LCST
DDC Class Class Caption DDC Index Terms LCST
327.117 Use of force and
threats of force
Terrorism--international
relations
345.02 Crimes (offences) Terrorism--criminology--
criminal law
Terrorism--Cases
364.1 Criminal offences Terrorism--criminology Terrorism--History
Terrorism--Handbooks,
manuals, etc
Terrorism--Great
Britain--Prevention
658.473 Physical security Terrorism--prevention--
management
This step broadens the scope of search by identifying those areas which are at one
hand or the other relevant to the queried word. For example the queried word “Terrorism”
is found in the DDC Index Terms of 327.177, 345.02, 364.1, and 658.473 and LCSH of
345.02 and 364.1 as shown in Table-C. This step further expands the scope of search by
adding those class numbers which contains minute occurrences of the user query and
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ensures that no relevant discipline is missed from being checked before extracting the
bibliographic records. Finally a list of DDC numbers is created in temporary file for
executing step 3.
Step 3: Content Search (extracting bibliographic records)
This step directs the system to extract all records from the bibliographic database
against the list of DDC numbers as created in step 2.
Step 4: Sorting Results (sort and display bibliographic records)
Finally the System classifies search results by sorting records from the most
relevant to least relevant materials. This is done through a process that all the DDC
numbers, whose Class Captions are found to have exact match of the queried word, are
placed on the top. For example, the word “Terrorism” is found in the Class Captions of
three DDC numbers (as shown in Table-2) are placed at the top while others (Table-3) are
followed in ascending order. Below-mentioned Table-4 shows the criteria of sorting of
records
Table-4:
Criteria for sorting of records
303.625─Terrorism
(1) 303.625
Based on the maximum
hits i.e. 8 times + queried
word “terrorism” found
in Class Caption
341.773—Terrorism-
international Law
(2) 341.773
Second maximum hits i.e. 6
times + queried word
“terrorism” found in Class
Caption
363.32—Control of violence
and terrorism
(3) 363.32
Third maximum hits i.e.4
times + queried word
“terrorism” found in
Class Caption
Queried word found
in DDC Index Term
and LC Subject
Termss but not in the
Class Caption
345.02—Crimes offences
364.1—Criminal offences
327.117—Use of force and
threats of force
658.473─Physical Security
(4) 345.02
(5) 364.1
(6) 327.117
(7) 658.473
Figure 1 shows flowchart of the system. In the highest level, there are 4 major
components i.e. Query Expansion, Class Filtering, Content Search, and Sorting Results.
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Figure 1: Flowchart of the process execution
Summary of the process
Query word “terrorism” is given by the user. The system starts looking the word in
Class Captions, DDC Index Term & LC Subject Terms columns of CVT; collects relevant
DDC numbers; creates list of collected DDC numbers; extract records against each DDC
number from the bibliographic database and display as per defined sorting criteria.
4.3 Problems & Discussions We have faced multiple problems during development, testing, deployment and
evaluation phases. There is no sufficient space to discuss individually about all the issues;
however, the very important issue was how to update CV module with appropriate Class
Caption, LCSH and Index Terms. For this purpose the Search & Retrieval via Universal
Resource Locator (SRU) module was developed and incorporated in the Bibliographic
Module of the software. SRU basically search and retrieve Machine Readable Catalog
(MARC) records and provides copy-cataloging services; imports the relevant MARC data
and store the information in appropriate fields. Description of SRU module is given below
to understand its functionality.
4.3.1 Updating the Controlled Vocabulary Module (CVM)
This module is designed to import MARC records through SRU and is functioning
to populate each record with relevant DDC index term and LC subject terms once it
determines the exact Dewey number for a particular material. The module, while
assigning a DDC number to a particular material, takes its Class Caption, DDC Index
Terms, and LC Subject Terms and updates the CV module after checking and removing
the duplicate entries therein. In doing so the partial MARC record is imported with
required fields which further ask the cataloguer for necessary amendments in record
before permanent storage in the database. This technique is used to minimize the human
input and reduce the margin of error and recording error-free updating of CVM. However,
manual updating process of the CVM is also embedded in the software.
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5. RESULTS
The idea of using DDC to generate Controlled Vocabulary for IR module of the
LMS has been successful in retrieving relevant bibliographic records. Main objective of
this experiment was to facilitate the library users for finding relevant information
according to their requirements therefore; the output of the study was observed in two
dimensions i.e. Advantages and Shortcomings of the system.
5.1 Advantages Users (both library patrons and general users) were also involved during evaluation
phase of the development process to get unbiased results of the system. User information
has also been obtained during analysis/debugging phase of the system’s development.
In order to validate results of the system, two PCs were installed in the library—
one with CV module and the other without CV module. Both PCs were available to library
staff and general users for searching bibliographic records. Considerable difference was
recorded in the searching results of both systems. For example, users were asked to
execute similar search query on both systems and give their opinion about results. CV
module resulted in more intellectually and logically related terms i.e the searching query
“Terrorism” retrieved 25 results and the simple system yielded 14 results only. Another
difference is that the system (containing CV module) reflected more searching terms for
example civil disorders, suicide bombing, bombing, inhumane activities, international
conflict resolution, human rights, mass destruction, social conflict, revolutions, threats
international relation, war, crimes without victims, conspiracy, violence, violent crimes,
crimes, and physical security which were determined relevant to the main search query i.e.
Terrorism by the system.
5.2 Shortcomings CV module was developed using DDC 21
st edition for which the different short-
comings were recorded during the development and evaluation phases of the system.
However, major two are discussed hereunder:
1. New terminologies/subjects i.e. cyberinfrastructure which were not found in the
Class Caption could not be searched effectively. In such cases the CV module was
directed to search the term in other fields of bibliographic database. Means if the
exact term is not found in the DDC then the system will execute the simple
keyword-based search—looking in different fields of a bibliographic module like
keywords, table of contents, summaries, note area, additional information etc. Such
vocabulary will be updated in CV module for future use.
2. For broad subject like “Economics” multiple results were extracted in Table-A
which was further increased in Table-B (See generating Table A and B in section
4.2.1). During the testing phase 222 DDC numbers were identified by the system
covering “Economics” in Class Caption. The system then created further 673
instances in Table-B (by including DDC Index Terms and LC Subject Terms). We
proposed that all number of records should be retrieved; however, sorting criteria
remains the same which help in identifying the most and least relevancy of
records.
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6. CONCLUSION
It is also well established that an ordinary keyword-based searching technique is
deficient and many of the items known to be relevant are not retrieved, even in very broad
searches which sometimes retrieve several hundred records, and very little could be done
to make them retrievable within the constraints of present cataloging practices (Lancaster,
Connell, Bishop, & McCowan, 1991).
Studies show that full-text search capabilities are mainly provided by the major
RDBMSs, however, users must have sufficient knowledge of the database schemas to use
a structured query language to search information (Liu, Yu, Meng, & Chowdhury, 2006).
Most of the time it happens that junk of information and results are retrieved which,
besides guiding the user towards their relevant information, further makes him/her
confused about what to pick and what to leave. Free-Text or Natural Language systems
often provide more results in shorter time because it searches all the fields of a given
database. Google Search Engine is a form of Free-Text search that searching the users’
query within text of documents and retrieve records based on the relevancy. Such
technique is good, however, if a topic is older or broader in scope, it retrieve irrelevant hits
(Leise, Fast, & Steckel, 2012; Spiteri, 2005).
Our system has yielded significant results in searching and retrieval of
bibliographic records by considering the associate DDC number rather than executing the
Free-Text or Natural Language searching process. The approach is to find bibliographic
information in such a consistent way that only user-centered and topic focused records are
grouped together. The IR module of PLUS1 is working satisfactorily and the results
obtained are unique of its kind to be much closer to the user’s query even though
bibliographic records are not populated with additional information like keywords, notes,
table of contents etc.
Unlike traditional keyword based searching, this system is successful in retrieving
those bibliographic records which do not contains the queried word exactly in their subject
heading, keywords, table of contents and/or additional information fields.
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Research Skills among LIS Research Scholars in Pakistan: A Study
Farha Deeba M.Phil Scholar
DLIS, University of Sargodha, Pakistan
Haroon Idrees, PhD Assistant Professor of LIS & Chief Librarian
University of Sargodha, Pakistan
ABSTRACT
The study intended to analyze the research and ICT skills of LIS research scholars.
The data were collected from the research scholars who are presently pursuing their
research degrees in various Universities of Pakistan. A well-structured questionnaire was
designed to collect the data from the respondents. It is found from the study that majority
of PhD scholars were highly skilled in the basic application of computer technologies and
further it is found that the M. Phil research scholars should improve their skills in
computer technologies and report writing. Most of M. Phil. Scholars don’t have
knowledge of using SPSS, NVIVO software. It is further recommended all the library
schools should adopt modern and advance techniques to improve the research skills
among the research scholars. They must include ICT and research skills in their
curriculum to impart these skills during the process of LIS education.
INTRODUCTION
Research, an activity, the systematic investigation of phenomena, is a core activity
in universities. Research skills assist graduates to critically investigate issues and, where
appropriate, generate and evaluate relevant data, form and test ideas, theories and
hypotheses, and successfully navigate their way through the sea of information that
characterizes the ‘information age. (Webb, 2011)
Research is being carried out in every discipline. In Pakistan many number of LIS
schools have been opened. And few of these have taken initiative to M. Phil and PhD
level. Every year articles, thesis, dissertation, conference papers are being published.
Research is being done in the majority of the field of LIS in Pakistan. But less interest is
being shown to find out if the research scholars, doing research possessed the necessary
skills.
This phenomenon of modern world has posed serious challenge for the
management as its increasing publication rate by the people especially the youth, the real
test lies for the them as to how to encourage the potential use of research skills and
subsequently control the weak studies of this rapidly growing communication medium.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The growth of Research and publication in LIS and their part in the progress of the
respected field cannot be denied. In order to produce a good research it is necessary that a
research scholar must possess required ICT and Research skills. But to succeed in
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academic and professional career many of the graduates lack the basic research skills.
More emphasis is given on the quantity of the research but whether the researches being
produced possess the quality work remains an open question.
This study intends to analyze the ICT and Research skills of LIS research scholars
in Pakistan to increase the awareness of improving research skills. This research will be
helpful in enhancing the research skills of the researchers/research scholars.
The study is conducted to identify the level of research skills and ICT skills among
LIS research scholars who are pursuing their research in M.Phil. and PhD Programmes in
Pakistan.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The survey method was used to conduct the study. A structured questionnaire was
designed to amass the data from the respondents. The questionnaire was divided into three
sections includes demographic information, ICT skills and research skills.
There are 11 LIS schools in Pakistan. Only 4 are offering this course at M. Phil
and PhD level. The population of the study was all the M. Phil and PhD Research scholars
who are pursuing their research. A total of 90 questionnaires were distributed among all
the LIS Research Scholars and 60scholars have responded to the questionnaire. So the
response rate is 60%.Among them 51 were M. Phil scholars and 9 were PhD scholars.
RELATED LITERATURE
The following literature has been reviewed.
Fatima (2012) analyzed the level of ICT skills of LIS students of final year at PU
and IUB. The demands of LIS market was highlighted in Pakistan. The satisfaction of LIS
students was revealed with the teaching methodologies and ICT facilities provided by
their institutes.
The changing scenario of research in Pakistan and the status of demand and supply
of library and information science (LIS) professionals with research qualifications to fill
the leadership positions in Pakistan reviewed in this study. It found that that research
activities are rapidly increasing in Pakistan. The gap between demand and supply of LIS
professionals with research qualifications were identified. (Mehmood, 2010)
The study based on review of literature to provide an insight to international
readers into the perspective of doctoral level research in Pakistan. It revealed that lack of
encouragement by seniors, little or no impact of early recipients of the degree on
profession, low esteem for indigenous PhD degree in the eyes of fellow professionals are
the hurdles to successful doctoral programs in LIS. (Haider, 2007)
The study analyzed published literature in Pakistan Library and Information
Science Journal (PLISJ) during 1998-2007. It observed the prevailing trends in Library
and Information Science (LIS) research in Pakistan and compared the results to previous
studies for the advancement of LIS research in Pakistan. (Naseer, 2009)
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Brief history on Information technology training in Pakistan presented in this
study. It found that curricula in library and information science needed to be revised
according to the new trends, demands, emerging technologies in Pakistan. (Mehmood,
1997)
The study aimed at finding out the ICT-focused educational backgrounds, as well
as personal and professional characteristics, of LIS practitioners in Pakistan. The skills or
techniques needed to learn by LIS professionals studied. It seeked the preferences of LIS
professionals for ICT training including methods of CE, providers, incentives, suitable
days/time, methods of announcement, payment, and language. (Mehmood, 2007)
Sivakumaren(2012) tend to identify Research skills among Research Scholars in
Tamil Nadu. It is found that majority of the scholars were high skilled in basic application
of computer and they should improve their skills in report writing, web technologies,
presentation skills and the research scholars should improve their skills in statistical
analysis.
Naushad (2012) found the ICT skills and computer self-efficacy of research
students. It aimed to investigate the awareness, usage and impact of information and
communication technologies for education, information and research purposes among the
Zoology, Botany and Biotechnology research students of Bahauddin Zakariya University,
Multan. It shows that most research students have inadequate knowledge about many
basic techniques of MS Office (Excel, Word etc), which are more essential for composing
their theses.
Hussain (2013) conducted a research on The ICT based library and Information
services: a case study of B-Schools in Delhi and NCR region. The primary way to learn
about ICT’s various aspects of Internet usage, search engines and problems faced by the
users in using the ICT in libraries were identified. Satisfaction level of users regarding
research work, online database services and infrastructure facilities were determined. It
concluded that ICT services should be enhanced further.
Meerah (2011) worked on the topic “Developing an Instrument to Measuring
Research Skills”. The skills of doctoral student and their competencies in research
knowledge were identified. The instrument was constructed in four stages and was being
judged approach for use. It found that it is beneficial for doing research in diagnosing
student preparedness.
Critical information and communication technology skills for professional
accountants by Wessels (2005) tend to identify which information and communication
technology skills are critical for professional accountants. It determined the competence
that future professional accountants will need and the impact of the changing environment
on the curricula set by the professional accounting bodies. It concluded that in today’s
work environment professional accountants must be competent.
Brown (2004) in the Realities of Relevance: A survey of Librarians’ Use of
Library and Information Science Research explore the widely held notion that librarians
disregard LIS research because they consider it irrelevant. It revealed that many
researchers themselves are doubtful about their finding affect practice. This study
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examined the research-practice gap. The research consists of the findings, ideas, and
theories that arise from the formal and intensive study of a phenomenon.
Stokking (2004) analyzed Teachers ‘assessment of student’s research’ skills. It
identified the upper secondary education natural and social science teachers’ practices
using two surveys and two rounds of expert panel judgment on teacher-submitted
assessment-related material and information. The study showed the grounds for concern
regarding the clarity of teachers’ assessment criteria, the consistency between teachers’
goals, the validity and acceptability of teacher assessment practices.
Saunders (2009) worked on “Developing researchers in the art and humanities:
lessons from a pilot programme to develop discipline –specific research skills. The study
reviewed UK graduate education for arts and humanities research students. The design and
delivery of a pilot programme of discipline-specific research skills development were
described. It is argued that doctoral training provision is more effective when it involves a
subject-specific approach in which practicing academics from the discipline play a
significant role.
Madhusudhan (2007) examined the use of internet by Research Scholars in
University of Delhi, India. The current trends in information search through internet by the
Research scholars and type of problems faced by them in their research work were
identified.
Buarki (2011) aimed to provide the comprehensive literature review on
information and communication skills of library and information science students in
worldwide LIS education and their comparison with those skills needed by job market in
Kuwait. It aided the professionals in reviewing/adding to their curriculum and
collaborating with employers to know their IT skills need.
Carrisa (2011) presented perceptions and valuations of research skills of student
consultants based on their coursework and participation in experiential consulting projects.
The study focused on student consultants and perceptions of research, the value they place
on the research skills they develop.
Juznic (2003) examined the role of research skills from the perspective of staff and
students involved in the courses of Library and Information Science. It aimed at
presenting a possible solution on how to define research skills based on this study.
Kattimani (2013),evaluated the competences in librarianship and information
communication and technology (ICT) skills between different designations of library
professionals (librarian, deputy librarian, assistant librarian and library assistants and
others) working in the engineering college libraries. It studied library professionals
working in technical institutions in Karnataka state (India) about the competences in ICT
and librarianship.
DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULTS
Table 1
Demographic Information
No Description Research Programme
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M.Phil
(n=51)
85%
P.hD
(n= 9)
15%
1 Assistant Professor 1
2%
2
22.2%
2 Lecturer 3
5.8%
2
22.2%
3 Librarian 15
29.4%
3
33.3%
4 Assistant Librarian 5
9.8%
1
11.1%
5 Library In charge
5
9.8%
0
0%
6 Cataloguer 3
5.8%
0
0%
7 Research Scholars 19
37.3%
1
11.1%
Total 51
100%
9
100%
Fig.1 (Demographic Information)
It is found from the above table that 51 (85%) M. Phil scholar and 9 (15%) P.hD
scholars are persuing their research. In M. Phil programme 15 (29.4%) respondents are
librarians, 5 (9.8%) Asst.Librarian, 3 (5.9%)Lecturer and 28 (54.9%) are research scholars
and performing their jobs in other field. In PhD programme (33.3%) respondents are
librarian, 1(11.1%) Asst.Librarian, 2 (22.2%) lecturer, and 3 (33.3%)are research scholars.
0%5%
10%15%20%25%30%35%40%
Demographic Information
M.Phil PhD
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Table 2.
Demographic Information Gender wise
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
2% 5.80%
29.40%
9.80% 9.80% 5.80%
37%
M.Phil
Sr. No Description Gender
Male
(n=32) 63.33%
Female
(n=28) 33.33%
M. Phil Ph.D M.Phil P.hD
Assisstant Professor 1
3.1%
2
6.3%
0
0%
0
0%
Lecturer 2
6.2%
2
6.2%
1
3.6%
0
0%
Assistant Librarian 4
12.5%
0
0%
1
3.6%
1
4%
Librarian 8
25%
2
6.3%
7
25%
1
3.6%
Library Incharge 4
12.5%
0
0%
1
3.6%
0
0%
Cataloguer 3
9.4%
0
0%
0
0%
0
0%
Research Scholars 4
12.5%
0
0%
15
53.6%
1
3.6%
Total 100 % 100%
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Fig. 2 Demographic Information Gender Wise
It is indicated from the above table that 32 (63.3%) male respondents and 28
(33.3%) female respondents are indulged in MPhil and PhD research programmes. It if
further indicated that in MPhil programme 8 (25%) male respondents are Librarian, 4
(12.5%) are Asst. Librarian, 3 (9.4%) are Lecturer, 12 (38%) are research scholars and
performing their jobs in other field
Table3
Workshop/Training on Research Skills and Computer Course
0.00%5.00%
10.00%15.00%20.00%25.00%30.00%35.00%
22.20% 22.20%
33.30%
11.10%
0% 0%
11.10%
PhD
Sr. No Description Have you attended any workshop or training
on:
Total
(n=60)
100% Yes
(n=60)
No
(n=60)
M. Phil
Ph.D M.Phil PhD
Research
skills
11
(18.3%)
7
(11.7%)
40
(66.7%)
2
(3.3%)
100%
Computer
course
27
(45%)
6
(10%)
24
(40%)
3
(5%)
100%
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The respondents were asked to mention about the attended workshop/ training and
computer course. Results exposed that 18 (30%) respondents have attended the workshop
or training on Research skills and 42 (70%) respondents have not yet attended any of the
training/ workshop on research skills. Regarding computer course 27 (45%) respondents
mentioned that they had undergone computer course. Majority of them have mentioned
the level as Basic computer course. 33 (55%) respondents have not followed any of the
computer courses.
0
10
20
30
40
M.Phil PhD
11
7
40
2
Workshop/Training on Research Skills
Attended Not Attended
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
M.Phil PhD
27
6
24
3
Workshop/Training on Computer Course
Attended Not Attended
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Table4
Level of ICT Skills
Keys:
Beginning = A
Developing = B
Accomplished = C
Exemplary = D
Sr. No. Description A B C D Total
Basics of Computer 4
6.7%
21
35%
23
38.3%
12
20%
100%
Operating System (Window X.P,
Linux, etc)
16
26.7%
19
31.7%
15
25%
10
16.7%
100%
Application Software
Ms. Excel 15
25%
19
31.7%
17
28.3%
9
15%
100%
Ms. Power Point 11
18.3%
18
30%
22
36.7%
9
15%
100%
Adobe PDF Reader 17
28.3%
23
38.3%
11
18.3%
9
15%
100%
Compression Software (example
Win Zip, Stufflt, 7-Zip)
31
51.6%
13
21.6%
7
11.7%
9
15%
100%
Telecommunication and Network
Internet 3
5%
13
38.3%
18
30%
16
26.7%
100%
E-Mail (Ms. Outlook, G-mail,
Yahoo etc)
7
11.7%
14
23.3%
25
41.7%
14
23.3%
100%
Social networking tools 8
13.3%
21
35%
27
45%
4
6.7%
100%
Chat voice mail 14
23.3%
15
25%
22
36.7%
9
15%
100%
Video conferencing (Skype,
Viber, etc)
18
30%
13
21.7%
19
31.7%
10
16.7%
100%
Group serves (Paklag, PLOW,
IFLA, M. Phil, PhD etc)
16
26.7%
20
33.3%
19
31.7%
5
8.3%
100%
Library Automation
Use of OPAC 17
28.3%
17
28.3%
21
35%
5
8.3%
100%
Use of MARC 28
46.7%
11
18.3%
19
31.7%
2
3.3%
100
%
Use of EDDC 23
38.3%
21
35%
9
15%
7
11.7%
100%
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Use of LIMS Software 19
31.7%
17
28.7%
13
21.7%
11
18.3%
100%
Use of KOHA Software 19
31.7%
16
26.7%
13
21.7%
12
20%
100%
Other Library Software 32
53.3%
11
18.3%
12
20%
5
8.3%
100%
Online Skills
Operating an Internet browser 14
23.3%
14
23.3%
21
35%
11
18.3%
100%
Operating online search engines 8
13.3%
18
30%
22
36.6%
12
20%
100%
Completing /filling online forms 13
21.7%
14
23.3%
23
38.3%
10
16.7%
100%
Working with online databases 35
58.3%
7
11.7%
11
18.3%
7
11.7%
100%
Boolean Search 18
30%
12
20%
20
33.3%
10
16.7%
100%
Online information interval 14
23.3%
18
30%
18
30%
10
16.7%
100%
Online indexing and abstracting
services
28
46.7%
22
36.7%
8
13.3%
2
3.3%
100%
Other search techniques
(Truncation, Range etc)
27
45%
18
30%
8
13.3%
7
11.7%
100%
Web Page Creation 37
61.7%
14
23.3%
7
11.7%
2
3.3%
100%
Web Technologies 56.66
%
25% 16.66
%
1.66% 100%
Hypermedia 40
66.7%
13
21.7%
7
11.7%
0% 100%
Storage Devices
(Drop box, Clouding etc).
34
56.7%
14
23.3%
6
10%
6
10%
100%
Respondents were asked to mention their level about the ICT skills. From the
above table it is found that a few numbers of respondents have exemplary skills on basics
of computer 20%, internet 26.7%, and operating online search engines (24%). It is further
revealed that regarding E-mail (41.7%), operating an internet browser (35%), social
networking tools (45%), MS PowerPoint (36.7%), completing / filling online forms
(38.37%), chat voice mail (33.37%), use of OPAC(35%) respondents have accomplished
their skills.
A good number of respondents are in the process of developing their ICT skills on
operating system (31.7%), Adobe PDF Reader (38.3%), Group serves (33.3%).
It is clear that majority of the respondents is at the beginning level regarding the
ICT skills on Compression software (51.7%), use of MARC (46.7%), use of EDDC
(38.3%), use of LIMS (31.7%), use of KOHA (31.7%), other library software (53.3%),
working with online databases (58.33%), online indexing and abstracting services
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(46.7%), other search techniques (45%), web page creation (61.7%), web technologies
(56.7%), Hypermedia (66.7%) and storage devices (56.7%).
Table 5
Level of Research Skills
No. Description A B C D Total
1 Selection of Research
Topic
20
33.3%
18
30%
21
35%
1
1.7%
100%
2 Preparing Research
Proposal
22
36.7%
19
31.7%
18
30%
1
1.7%
100%
3 Designing Questionnaire 31
51.7%
10
16.7%
16
26.7%
3
5%
100%
4 Literature Search 21
35%
17
28.3%
15
25%
7
11.7%
100%
5 Reviewing Literature 23
38.3%
20
33.3%
12
20%
5
8.3%
100%
6 Conducting Online Surveys 37
61.7%
10
16.7%
12
20%
1
1.7%
100%
7 Data collection 26
43.3%
18
30%
14
23.3%
2
3.3%
100%
8 Quantitative/Statistical
Analysis
29
48.3%
22
36.7%
9
15%
0
0%
100%
9 Qualitative Analysis 38
63.4%
12
20%
8
13.4%
2
3.4%
100%
10 SPSS Usages 30
50%
12
20%
16
26.7%
2
3.3%
100%
11 NVIVO Usages 46
76.7%
6
10%
7
11.7%
1
1.67%
100%
12 Endnotes 28
46.7%
14
23.3%
9
15%
9
15%
100%
13 Presentation Skills 17
28.3%
21
35%
15
25%
7
11.7%
100%
14 Report Writing 23
38.3%
18
30%
12
20%
7
11.7%
100%
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This table shows that majority of the respondents are at the beginning level in their
research skills. In Preparing Research Proposal (36.7%), Designing Questionnaire
(51.7%), Literature search (35%), Reviewing Literature (38.3%), Data collection
(43.33%), Quantitative/Statistical Analysis (48.7%), Qualitative Analysis (63.4%), SPSS
Usage (50%), NVivo (76.7%), Endnote (46.7%),Report writing (38.3%) are at the
beginning level.
(28.3%) respondents are developing their Presentation skills. It is found that
(36.7%) respondents have accomplished their skills on Selection of Research topic and
there is a less percentage of respondents who have exemplary Research skills.
Table 6.Level of ICT Skills vs. Research Programme
No Description M.Phil PhD
A B C D A B C D
1 Basics of Computer 4
7.8%
21
41.1%
21
41.1%
5
9.8%
0
0%
0
0%
2
22.2%
7
77.8%
2 Operating System
(Window X.P,
Linux, etc)
15
29.4%
18
35.3%
14
27.5%
4
7.8%
1
11.1%
1
11.1%
1
11.1%
6
66.7%
Application Software
1 Ms. Excel 14
27.5%
18
35.3%
17
33.3%
2
3.9%
1
11.1%
1
11.1%
0
0%
7
77.8%
2 Ms. Power Point 10
19.6%
15
29.4%
22
43.1%
2
3.9%
1
11.1%
1
11.1%
0
0%
7
77.8%
3 Adobe PDF Reader 16
31.4%
22
43.1%
9
17.6%
4
7.8%
1
11.1%
1
11.1%
1
11.1%
6
66.7%
4 Compression
Software (example
Win Zip, Stufflt, 7-
30
58.8%
12
23.5%
5
9.8%
4
7.8%
1
11.1%
1
11.1%
2
22.2%
5
55.6%
05
101520253035404550
Level of Research Skills
Beginning
Developing
Accomplished
Exemplary
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Zip)
Telecommunication and Network
1 Internet 3
5.9%
23
45.1%
18
35.3%
7
13.7%
0
0%
0
0%
0
0%
100%
2 E-Mail (Ms.
Outlook, G-mail,
Yahoo etc)
7
13.7%
14
27.5%
25
49%
5
9.8%
0
0%
0
0%
0
0%
100%
3 Social networking
tools
7
13.7%
20
39.2%
22
43.1%
2
3.9%
1
11.1%
1
11.1%
5
55.6%
2
22.2%
4 Chat voice mail 13
25.5%
16
31.4%
19
37.2%
3
5.9%
1
11.1%
1
11.1%
1
11.1%
6
66.7%
5 Video conferencing
(Skype, Viber, etc)
16
31.4%
13
25.5%
18
35.3%
4
7.8%
2
22.2%
0
0%
1
11.1%
66.7%
6 Group serves
(Paklag, PLOW,
IFLA, M. Phil, PhD
etc)
14
27.5%
20
39.2%
16
31.4%
1
2%
2
22.2%
0
0%
3
33.4%
4
44.4%
Library Automation
1 Use of OPAC 17
33.3%
16
31.4%
15
29.4%
3
5.9%
0
0%
1
11.1%
6
66.7%
2
22.2%
2 Use of MARC 27
52.9%
10
19.6%
12
23.5%
2
3.9%
1
11.1%
1
11.1%
7
77.8%
0
0%
3 Use of EDDC 23
45.1%
18
35.3%
6
11.8%
4
7.8%
0
0%
33.3% 33.3% 33.3%
4 Use of LIMS
Software
17
33.3%
15
29.4%
11
21.6%
8
15.7%
2
22.2%
2
22.2%
2
22.2%
3
33.3%
5 Use of KOHA
Software
17
33.3%
15
29.4%
12
23.5%
7
13.7%
2
22.2%
1
11.1%
1
11.1%
5
55.6%
6 Other Library
Softwares
32
62.7%
10
19.6%
6
11.8%
3
5.9%
0
0%
1
11.1%
6
66.7%
2
22.2%
Online Skills
1 Operating an
Internet browser
13
25.5%
13
25.5%
20
9.21%
5
9.8%
1
11.1%
1
11.1%
1
11.1%
6
66.7%
2 Operating online
search engines
7
13.7%
17
33.3%
21
41.2%
6
11.8%
1
11.1%
1
11.1%
1
11.1%
6
66.7%
3 Completing /filling
online forms
12
23.5%
12
23.5%
20
39.2%
7
13.7%
1
11.1%
1
11.1%
1
11.1%
6
66.7%
4 Working with online
databases
34
66.7%
5
9.8%
8
15.7%
4
7.8%
1
11.1%
2
2.2%
3
33.3%
3
33.3%
5 Boolean Search 17
33.3%
11
21.6%
17
33.3%
6
11.8%
2
22.2%
1
11.1%
3
33.3%
4
44.4%
6 Online information
interval
13
25.4%
17
33.3%
16
31.4%
5
9.8%
1
11.1%
1
11.1%
2
22.2%
5
55.6%
7 Online indexing and
abstracting services
27
52.9%
17
33.3%
6
11.8%
1
2%
1
11.1%
5
55.6%
2
22.2%
1
11.1%
8 Other search 26 17 7 1 1 1 1 6
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techniques
(Truncation, Range
etc)
51% 33.3% 13.7% 2% 11.1% 11.1% 11.1% 66.6%
9 Web Page Creation 35
68.6%
12
23.5%
3
5.9%
1
2%
2
22.2%
2
22.2%
4
44.4%
1
11.1%
10 Web Technologies 34
66.7%
11
21.6%
5
9.8%
1
2%
2
22.2%
4
44.4%
5
55.6%
0
0%
11 Hypermedia 38
74.5%
10
19.6%
3
5.9%
0
0%
2
22.2%
3
33.3%
4
44.4%
0
0%
12 Story Devices
(Drop box, Clouding
etc).
30
58.8%
12
23.5%
4
7.8%
5
9.8%
4
44.4%
2
22.2%
2
22.2%
1
11.1%
It is found from above table that regarding ICT skills respondents who are persuing
their MPhil research are at the beginning level in the use of OPAC (33.3%), compression
software (58.8%), use of EDDC (45.1%), use of LIMS software (33.3%), use of KOHA
(33.3%), use of other library software (62.7%), working with online databases (66.7%),
online indexing abstracting services (52.9%), other search techniques (50.98%), web page
creation (60.7%), web technologies (66.7%), Hypermedia (74.5%).
In the use of operating system (35.3%), MS Excel (35.3%), internet (45.1%),
Group serves (39.2%), online information retrieval (31.4%), MPhil respondents are in the
process of developing these skills. It is indicated that these respondents have exemplary
skills on the use of MS Power Point.(43.1%).
It proves that comparatively PhD respondents have accomplished their skills in the
use of social networking tools (43.1%), OPAC (66.7%), MARC (77.8%), other library
softwares (66.7%), web page creation (44.4%), web technologies (55.6%), Hypermedia
(44.4%).
They have exemplary skills on basics of computer (77.8%), operating system
(66.7%), MS Excel (77.8%), MS PowerPoint (77.8%), Adobe PDF Reader (66.7%),
Compression software (55.6%), use of internet (100%) , E-mail (100%), video
conferencing (66.7%), group serves (44.4%), use of LIMS software (33.3%), use of
KOHA (55.6%), operating an internet browser (66.7%), operating online search engines
(66.7%), completing filling online forms (66.7%), Boolean search (44.4%), online
information retrieval(55.6%) other search techniques (66.7%).
Table 7
Level of Research Skills vs. Research Programme
No Description M. Phil. Ph.D.
A B C D A B C D
1 Selection of
Research Topic
20
39.2%
18
35.3%
12
23.5%
1
2%
0
0%
0
0%
100% 0
0%
2 Preparing Research
Proposal
22
43.1%
18
35.3%
10
19.6%
1
2%
0
0%
1
11.1%
8
88.9%
0
0%
3 Designing
Questionnaire
31
60.8%
10
19.6%
8
15.7%
2
3.9%
0
0%
0
0%
8
88.9%
1
11.1%
4 Literature Search 21
41.2%
17
33.3%
11
21.6%
2
3.9%
0
0%
0
0%
4
44.4%
5
55.6%
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5 Reviewing
Literature
23
45.1%
20
39.2%
8
15.7%
0
0%
0
0%
0
0%
4
44.4%
5
55.6%
6 Conducting Online
Surveys
35
68.6%
10
19.6%
6
11.8%
0
0%
2
22.2%
0
0%
6
66.7%
1
11.1%
7 Data collection 26
51%
17
33.3%
4
13.7%
1
2%
0
0%
1
11.1%
7
77.8%
1
11.1%
8 Quantitative/Statistic
al Analysis
29
52.9%
16
31.4%
6
11.8%
0
0%
0
0%
2
22.2%
7
77.8%
0
0%
9 Qualitative Analysis 37
72.5%
10
19.6%
3
5.9%
1
2%
1
11.1%
2
22.2%
5
55.6%
1
11.1%
10 SPSS Usages 30
58.8%
11
21.6%
9
17.6%
1
2%
0
0%
1
11.1%
7
77.8%
1
11.1%
11 NVIVO Usages 45
88.2%
5
9.8%
1
2%
0
0%
1
11.1%
1
11.1%
6
66.7%
1
11.1%
12 Endnotes 28
54.9%
13
25.5%
7
13.7%
3
5.9%
0
0%
1
11.1%
2
22.2%
6
66.7%
13 Presentation Skills 17
33.3%
20
39.2%
11
21.6%
3
5.9%
0
0%
1
11.1%
4
44.4%
4
44.4%
14 Report Writing 23
41.1%
18
35.3%
7
13.7%
3
5.9%
0
0%
0
0%
4
44.4%
5
55.5%
The above information shows that in Selection of Research topic (39.2%),
Preparing Research Proposal (43.1%), Designing Questionnaire (60.8%), Literature search
(41.1), Reviewing Literature (45.1), Data collection (50.1%), Quantitative/Statistical
Analysis (52.1%), Qualitative analysis 72.5%, SPSS Usage (88.2%), NVIVO Usages
(88.2%), Endnote (54.9%), Report writing (45.1%) M.Phil. respondents are at the
beginning phases and (19.6) respondents are developing their skills on conducting online
surveys.
It is found that as compared to M.Phil. , respondents who are pursuing their
research on PhD have accomplished their skills on Selection of Research topic (100%),
Preparing Research Proposal (88.9%), Designing Questionnaire (88.9%), Conducting
online surveys (66.7%), Data collection (77.8%), Quantitative/Statistical Analysis
(77.8%), Qualitative analysis (55.6%), SPSS Usage (77.8%), NVIVO Usages (66.7%) and
Presentation skills (44.4%). They have exemplary skills on Literature search (55.6%),
Reviewing Literature (55.6%), Endnote (66.7%) and Report writing (55.6%).
Table 8.
Descriptive statistics on comparison of ICT skills of Research Scholars of M. Phil and
PhD programmes.
Sr. No. Description
Mean
MPhil PhD
1 Basics of Computer 2.52 3.77
2 Operating System (Window X.P, Linux, etc) 2.13 3.77
3 Application Software
Ms. Excel 2.13 3.44
Ms. Power Point 2.23 3.44
Adobe PDF Reader 2.01 3.33
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Compression Software (example Win Zip,
Stufflt, 7-Zip)
1.66 3.22
4 Telecommunication and Networks
Internet 2.50 4
E-Mail (Ms. Outlook, G-mail, Yahoo etc) 2.54 4
Social networking tools 2.37 2.88
Chat voice mail 2.23 3.33
Video conferencing (Skype, Viber, etc) 2.19 3.22
Group serves (Paklag, PLOW, IFLA, M. Phil,
PhD etc)
2.07 3
5 Library Automation
Use of OPAC 2.07 3.11
Use of MARC 1.78 2.66
Use of EDDC 1.82 3
Use of LIMS Software 2.19 2.66
Use of COHA Software 2.17 3
Other Library Software 1.60 3.11
6 Online Skills
Operating an Internet browser 2.13 3.33
Operating online search engines 2.50 3.33
Completing /filling online forms 2.43 3.33
Working with online databases 1.64 2.88
Boolean Search 2.23 3.11
Online information interval 2.25 3
Online indexing and abstracting services 1.62 2.11
Other search techniques (Truncation, Range
etc)
1.66 3.33
Web Page Creation 1.41 2.44
Web Technologies 1.47 2.77
Hypermedia 1.31 2.22
Storage Devices
(Drop box, Clouding etc).
1.84 2
Scale : 1= Beginning, 2= Developing, 3=Accomplished, 4=Examplary
Table 9
Descriptive statistics on comparison of Research skills of Research Scholars of M. Phil
and PhD programmes.
No. Description M.Phil PhD
1 Selection of Research Topic 1.88 3
2 Preparing Research Proposal 1.80 2.88
3 Designing Questionnaire 1.62 3.11
4 Literature Search 1.88 3.55
5 Reviewing Literature 2.09 3.55
6 Conducting Online Surveys 1.43 2.66
7 Data collection 1.66 3
8 Quantitative/Statistical Analysis 1.54 2.77
9 Qualitative Analysis 1.37 2.64
10 SPSS Usages 1.27 3
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11 NVIVO Usages 1.13 2.77
12 Endnotes 1.70 3.55
13 Presentation Skills 2 3.11
14 Report Writing 1.39
3.55
Fig. 9 Level of Research Skills
CONCLUSION
The development of Research skills have become the necessity of the 21st century.
The western technology-ridden countries have demonstrated the profound multiple-
dimensional impact of research and ICT skills on the producing literature. In addition, the
computer technology, web-based applications, emerging technologies in the libraries and
LIS schools in the developed countries have proved an agent of change. In order to
maintain the high degree of relevance to the profound change in the ICT environment, it
requires a constant change. Developing countries like Pakistan lack the basic resources in
providing the rich sources for making the libraries and LIS schools on new pattern. It is
quite a difficult task to make highly skilled research scholars. So they need training and
workshops in the accomplishment of their skills.
The results show level of research and ICT skills among M.Phil. and PhD LIS
scholars who are pursuing their research. The percentage of the research skills of the
current research scholars are not up to mark. For producing a handful studies, scholars
must have exemplary skills which the Pakistani LIS research scholars lacking. The study
found the comparison between level of ICT and Research skills among M. Phil and PhD
scholars. It reveals that LIS research scholars have developed their ICT skills and
accomplished their Research skills. PhD scholars are better in their ICT skills as compared
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
1.88 1.8 1.62
1.88 2.09
1.43 1.66
1.54 1.37 1.27
1.13
1.7
2
1.39
3 2.88
3.11
3.55 3.55
2.66
3 2.77
2.64
3 2.77
3.55
3.11
3.55
M.Phil PhD
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to M. Phil scholars. It is certain that it is because of lack of training, resources, and lack of
practices. Similarly the PhD scholars have exemplary research skills than M. Phil who are
still in the level of developing their skills.
PhD scholars have attended more workshops and training on Research and ICT
skills than M.Phil. Most of the LIS research scholars mentioned the level of their
training/workshop regarding Research and ICT skills as the usage of SPSS, END note,
workshop on the development of research skills and basics of computer.
As discussed above, presently the Pakistani LIS schools does not have the effective
and adequate tools and services to control this medium which might become a grave issue
in future if appropriate steps are not taken soon in this regard.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The literature growth throughout the world is growing day by day. The situation in
Pakistan is not different. So it has become essential for all the library schools to adopt
modern and advance techniques to improve the research skills among the research
scholars. The Associations at national level and district level should make a plan to
develop their libraries to provide better education at country and district level respectively.
Government and administration should sanctioned separate funds for the development of
library and library schools and enable them to provide better services to researchers.
Trainings play paramount role World widely particularly in developed countries
there is much emphasis on trainings but it is a neglected sector in Pakistan. The trainings
which are being offered also lack luster because of lack of interest of participants,
inadequate facilities and emphasis on lecturing instead of hands on training. The trainings
need to be introduced in universities for researchers as well.
There is a need of improvement in processing the ICT infrastructure in all the
library schools. The steps must be taken for the maintenance of IT labs in the libraries to
increase the ICT facilities for the researchers. The focus should be on the fact whenever an
ICT facility is being planned to be developed future trends and developments need to be
catered for and obviously maintenance is indispensable for ICT infrastructure.
To enhance ICT skills of research scholars the computer knowledge needs to be
pre-requisite. There need to be an evaluation test prior starting any Postgraduate course
and the individuals need to be trained in computer and IT skills based on evaluation test.
In the South Korea classes of functional subjects are conducted in labs. The students
should be bound to complete necessary hours in labs based on the evaluation test reports.
Most of M.Phil. Scholars don’t have knowledge of usage of SPSS, NVIVO
software. It should be the part of curriculum and assignments of these tools need to be
mandatory and have weightage in final result. The practical work for the use of Software
must be the part of course works. The visits to well established libraries should be
compulsory. There should be at least three periods weekly, where students, researchers are
taught and demonstrated to develop their skills on the use of automation.
Online skills may evolve with time because the social media tools are being
extensively used by the scholars. It is certain that the dynamics of Pakistani society are
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largely different from those of western countries; hence the impact of Face book and
YouTube on society is less than that on the western countries. Social media tools if used
properly can be a real boon for society and culture and in the development of research
skills.
Lack of research papers during master explains average research skills of the
research scholars. M.Phil. scholars lack these skills because students have not done it
before so they are the beginners. For admission to M.Phil, it should be compulsory that
there must be at least one study by the researcher.
Teachers should pay more attention in enhancing the research skills among the
students, researchers, research scholars by grooming their personality, communication
skills, reviewing literature, presentation skills and the report writing so they can be able to
generate and communicate the knowledge in a proper way. As a result quality research
will be produced.
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Webb, F., Smith, C., & Worsfold, K. (2011).Research Skills Toolkit.Retrieved from the
World Wide Web on 24 Sept, 2013
fromhttp://www.griffith.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/290791/Research-
skills.pdf
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Status of Library Automation and Digitization in the Public Sector
Universities of Balochistan. A case study2
Saeed ullah Jan Assistant Professor/HoD,Department of Library and Information Science,
Sarhad University of Science & IT Peshawar, Pakistan
Rafia A Sheikh Pro-Vice Chancellor & Professor in Library and Information Science,
University of Sindh Jamshoro
ABSTRACT
Emerging technologies have reshaped the library culture. These newer trends have
altered the taste and flavor of the readers’ community. Innovation and Library automation
has reduced many barriers of conventional manual system. In this piece of paper, an
Efforts were made to explore the status of library automation and digitization along with
challenges and obstacle in Balochistan province of Pakistan. A survey method was
employed for data collection. The major areas covered in this piece of research include:
general description of public sector university libraries in Balochistan; the services
provided by these libraries, the facilities they have; current status of automation and
digitization; human resources, finance and Higher Education Commission (HEC) digital
library. The investigator found that serious efforts are required to develop automated and
digital library culture in Balochistan.
Keywords: Library automation-Pakistan, Digitization- Balochistan, Emerging Trends-
Libraries, University Libraries-Pakistan
INTRODUCTION
Pakistan emerged on the map of the world as an independent sovereign state in
August 1947 as a result of the division of the British Indian Empire. The land of Pakistan
(Area 796,100 sq. km) including Federally Administered Tribal Areas
(FATA) and Federally Administered Northern Areas (FANA) has population of
nearly 135.28 million (census 1998) and is rich in landscapes and cultural traditions.3
Balochistan (Balochi, Brahui: Balocistán) is the largest province (by area) of Pakistan,
constituting approximately 44% of the total land mass of Pakistan. According to the 1998
census, Balochistan had a population of roughly 6.6 million. Its neighboring regions
are Iran to the west; Afghanistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the north;
and Punjab and Sindh to the east. To the south lies the Arabian Sea. The main languages
in the province are Balochi, Brahui, Pashto, Sindhi and Urdu. The provincial capital
2 This paper has been extracted from the PhD Thesis of the Principal author
3 http://sitara.com/pakistan/history.html
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is Quetta and Gwadar is the developing port city. Balochistan is rich in mineral resources;
it is the second major supplier of natural gas in Pakistan4. There are total Seven
universities/ degree awarding institutions in Balochistan, out of which 06 are working at
public sector.
Pakistani universities constitute one of the largest higher education systems in the
Muslim world, with 132 university level institutions which comprise of 73 universities at
public sector and 59 private sector universities. These include 66 General Universities, 15
Science and Technology Universities, 14 Engineering Universities, 06 Agriculture and
Veterinary Sciences Universities, 07 Medical Universities, 14 Universities are related to
Business and Management Sciences, 03 Education Universities, 05 Woman Universities,
01 Open and 01 Virtual University each. There are about 318281(3.2 lac) students and
19099 teachers in these universities. The student per teacher ratio is 16.7, teacher per
university is recorded as 285.1 and students per university are 4750.5.
There are seven universities in Balochistan, in which Six are in public sector.
These universities are related to Information Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, Water
and Marine studies. All these universities have libraries for the information needs of their
reader communities.
In the digital age of today, university libraries are not only store houses of printed
documents but also the information resources centre of digital information. It has been
reported that “The world produces between 1 and 2 exabytes of unique information per
year, which is roughly 250 megabytes for every man, woman, and child on earth. An
exabyte is a billion gigabytes, or 1018
bytes. Printed documents of all kinds comprise only
.003% of the total. Magnetic storage is by far the largest medium for storing information
and is the most rapidly growing, with shipped hard drive capacity doubling every year.
Magnetic storage is rapidly becoming the universal medium for information storage”5.
The university libraries are struggling to cope with challenges of modern world. The
major barriers in the way of modernization of university libraries are: management of the
ever growing huge collection of books and other reading material, price hike of
information sources coupled with shrinking fund allocation, shift in the medium of
publications, reduction in the size of available space in the libraries, the overall impact of
IT on university libraries services and consequent ever increasing demand from users, lack
of adequate staff to perform various tasks.6
Md. Shariful Islam of Bangladesh (2007) explained that Information and
Communication Technologies is influencing the role and function of a library in different
aspects. The different aspects include a growing demand of library documents,
information explosion, modern libraries trends, and the exploration of latest and affordable
computers. These trends in turn have greatly increased the number of library users. The
urban libraries are surpassing the rural libraries in this race of technology. Keeping in
view the modern age and development government must struggle seriously to equip all the
libraries with latest technology according to the demands of the library persons and
subscribers. Amer I.Kindilchie and Iman F.Sammarai (2008) described that information
4 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balochistan,_Pakistan
5 http://www.sims.berkeley.edu/research/projects/how-much-info/summary.html (Accessed on 26/05/2009)
6 Bavakutty,M, Muhammad salih T.K.et.al.(2006). Research on library computerization. P p.11
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resource centre or library of Qatar University provides all users with free access to e-
resource. Although university library have subscribed to 30 databases of electronic
resources, but it is reported that these e-resources did not met the information needs of
user community. It is suggested that there is a dire need of more online resources for the
researcher, faculty members, students and other users.
The Government of Pakistan invited Mr.L.C.Key in early 1950's to build up a plan
for Liaqat Library Karachi. At that time this library was declared as the National Library
of Pakistan. This was the first effort made by the Government for the promotion and
development of libraries in Pakistan. Pakistan Library Association also played a
prominent role in this direction. Nether land Library Development Project(NLDP), Asia
Foundation and USAID collaboration with PASTIC (Pakistan Scientific and
Technological Information Centres and UNESCO CDS/ISIS are the three first and major
library automation projects launched in Pakistan. These projects ended with the stoppage
of foreign funding.
There is shortage of computer trained resource persons in Pakistan. The
professional associations and library schools can play a serious role to solve this problem.
MARC format for Pakistan should be developed. Government should aid the libraries and
supervise the struggle for library automation (Khalid Mahmood Malik, 1995).The major
barrier to the promotion of digital libraries in Pakistan include lack of IT literacy, lack of
funding, power failure, copy right issues.These barriers can be eradicated through trained
manpower and proper equipments and infrastructure (Ashfaq Hussain et.al, 2008). The
library system in the universities of Pakistan can be improved by the provision of legal
base for library system in university set up, library finance, trained staff, users education,
formulation of national information policy, coordination among librarians (Najaf Ali
Khan, 1995). Shafi-Ullah, Farasat and Stephen A. Roberts (2009) described that
developing countries are far in emerging library technologies. The developing countries
like Pakistan have realized the importance of modern library trends. PERI and INASP
type programs have excited the high ups for automation of libraries. They also pinpointed
that poor funding, lack of bureaucracy interest in libraries and slow speed of library
automation projects are the major hindrances in the way of adaptation of latest
technologies.
Khalid Mehmmod and Muhammad Ajmal Khan (2007) conducted a study on the
ICT trainings for library professionals in Pakistan. The authors addressed some key
questions regarding the issue: What is the computer literacy level of library professionals
in Pakistan? What the library professionals prefer in technology-based library trainings?
What they require to gain from these trainings?
Ramzan Muhammad and Singh Diljit (2009) focused on more computers terminals
in the libraries, availability of e-mail services, internet provision, integrated library
management software, computerized services to the reader communities, and appropriate
budget allocation for electronic resources. The study explored poor IT infrastructure and
low bandwidth internet speed. It is suggested that standard integrated library software is
the need of the day. The role of HEC digital Library was appreciated.
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OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The basic aim of this study is to investigate the status and impact of emerging
technologies on university library services and resources in the public sector universities
of Balochistan however the specific objective of this study are as under.
1. To study the facilities available for automation and digitization in the university
libraries of Balochistan.
2. To assess the current state-of-the-art emerging technologies on university library
services in Balochistan
3. To assess the attitude of librarians towards the HEC digital library.
4. To explore the barriers to automation and digitization of university libraries
5. To suggest measures for the improvement of existing resources and services and
utilization of emerging technologies.
RESEARCH MEHODOLOGY
Survey method has been adopted to accomplish the objectives of the study. A
structured questionnaire seeking information on general description of public sector
university libraries, level of computer literacy of librarians, automation and digitization
facilities available, role of HEC digital library, human resources, finance and users were
distributed among the librarians of public sector university libraries of Balochistan. As
population of the study is very small, so no sampling was made. The questionnaire was
administered to five chief librarians of the public sector universities of Balochistan. The
response rate of the respondent’s was 100%. The data obtained from the responses were
tabulated and inferences were drawn.
Table 1.1
General descriptions of Universities under study
S.No Name of Public
Sector University
Date of
establishme
nt
No. of
Depts
Affilia
ted
Colleg
es
Yearly
Enrollm
ent
Nature
1 University of
Balochistan,Quetta
1970 45 50 2000 General
2 Balochistan
University of
Information
Technology and
Management
Sciences, Quetta
2002 8 2 900 IT &
Manageme
nt Sciences
3 Balochistan
University of
Engineering and
Technology, Khuzdar
1987 4 Nil 200 Engineerin
g
4 Sardar Bahadur Khan
Woman University,
Quetta
2004 12 Nil 2000 General
(Woman)
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ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF THE DATA
The data collected from the public sector university libraries of Balochistan have
been analyzed and interpreted here. Data were collected from the five public sector
university libraries namely University of Balochistan Quetta, Balochistan University of
Information Technology and Management Sciences Quetta, Balochistan University of
Engineering and Technology Khuzdar, Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University Quetta
and Lasbela University of Agriculture Water and Marine Sciences. The analysis of the
data and the findings are presented in four sections:
1. General description of the public sector university libraries in Balochistan, 2.
Automation and digitization, 3. Finance, 4. Human Resources.
Following are the details of the analysis and interpretation of the data which were
collected as a part of my PhD study titled “Impact of digital technology on library services
and resources in the public sector universities of Pakistan” from the public sector
universities of Balochistan. The analysis of the consolidated data has been based on the
objective set for the study.
General description of the public sector university libraries in
Balochistan This section analyses general information, various sections of the university
libraries, library collection, technical processing carried out in the libraries and variety of
library services provided by the public sector university libraries of Balochistan.
There are Seven universities in Balochistan in which 6 are in Public sector and one
is in private sector. The questionnaires were administered to the chief librarians of the five
public sector university libraries and responses have been received from 05 out of 06
libraries with 84 percent response rate.
It is seen from the table that among the 5 public sector universities, two are
general, one belongs to Information Technology and Management Sciences, one is
engineering and one is Agriculture, Water, Veterinary and Marine Sciences. It is fairly
evident from the data collected that at the time of independence of Pakistan from British
Empire in 1947, there was no university in Balochistan. Balochistan University Quetta
(BUQ) is the oldest university of the province established in 1970. Balochistan University
of Engineering and Technology Khuzdar (BUETK) is the second oldest university of
Balochistan came in to being in 1987.The rest of the three public sector universities
namely Balochistan University of Information Technology and Management Sciences,
Quetta (BUITMSQ), Sardar Bahadur Khan Woman University, Quetta (SBKWUQ) and
Lasbela University of Agriculture and Veterinary and Marine Sciences (LUAWMS) are of
recent origin and were founded in 2002, 2004 and 2005 respectively. The Balochistan
University Quetta is the largest university of the province comprises of 45 attached
departments, 50 affiliated colleges with 2000 yearly enrollments The second largest
university is Sardar Bahadur Khan Woman University, Quetta containing 12 departments
5 Lasbela University of
Agriculture and
Water and Marine
Sciences,Uthal
2005 06 1 400 Agriculture
, Water
and Marine
Sciences
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with no affiliated college and 2000 per year enrollment. Balochistan University of
Information Technology and Management Sciences, Quetta stands third in this
connection. It comprises of 8 departments, 2 affiliated colleges with 900 yearly
enrolments. Lasbela University of Agriculture Water and Marine Sciences has 6
departments, one affiliated college with 400 annual strength and Balochistan University of
Engineering and Technology Khuzdar consisted of 4 attached departments with no
affiliated college and 200 per annum enrollments.
Various sections of the libraries under study
Table 1.2 exhibits the number of various sections in the university libraries under
study. It is found that all the public sector university libraries in Balochistan have
Circulation section, Cataloguing section and Reference section. The response rate
recorded about these sections is 100%. The response rate about Acquisition section,
Newspaper clipping section and Periodical section is 60%. The digital section and Binding
section of these libraries have been assigned a response rate of 40% and 20% respectively.
Table 1.2
Various sections of the university libraries under study
Sections of
library
BUQL BUITMSQL BUETL SBKWU
L
LUAWMS
L
%Respon
se ( Yes)
Acquisition
section
Yes No Yes Yes No 60%
Circulation
section
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 100%
Binding section Yes No No No No 20%
Newspaper
clipping sec.
Yes No No Yes Yes 60%
Cataloguing
section
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 100%
Reference section Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 100%
Periodical section Yes No Yes No Yes 60%
Digital section Yes No No No Yes 40%
It is also found that BUQL comprises of all sections mentioned above. This library
also contained rare books and History (Reserved) sections. BUITMSL lacks Digital,
Periodical, Newspaper clipping, Binding and Acquisition sections. This library comprises
of Circulation, Cataloguing and Reference sections. BUETL has Acquisition, Circulation,
Cataloguing, Reference and Periodical sections. This library is deficient of Binding,
Newspaper clipping and Digital sections. SBKWUL consists of Acquisition, Circulation,
Newspaper clipping, Cataloguing and Reference sections. This library does not contain
Binding, Periodical and Digital sections. LUAWMSL has Digital, Periodical, Reference,
Cataloguing, Newspaper clipping and Circulation sections. This library lacks Binding and
Acquisition sections.
Library collections
Library collection is the back bone of a university library and regarded as one of
the major factors that determine the standard of the library. A good qualitative, properly
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processed and organized collection of multiple types of documents provides an interface
for effective services to the users of a university library. Table 1.3 shows the number of
various collections available in the public sector university libraries in Balochistan under
study as on 30th
April 2009.
Table 1.3
Library collection in the university libraries under study
Type of
documents
BUL BUITMS
L
BUETL SBKWU
L
LUAWMSL Total
Books 200,000 15000 25000 12000 4000 256000
Res.Journal
s
50 5 12 12 9 88
Magazines 40 --- 1 --- 3 44
No. of
Newspaper
3o 10 6 5 12 63
Manuscript
s/ rare
books
500(rare
books)
--- ---- --- --- 500
Audio
cassettes
70 --- --- 25 4 99
Video
cassettes
100 --- --- 20 --- 120
CDs 300 600 1500 200 200 2800
Microfilm 130 --- --- --- --- 130
Grand
Total
201220 15615 26519 12262 4228 259844
The total stock of the library material in all public sector university libraries is
259844 in which 256000(98.5% of the total collection) are books. They altogether receive
about 88 (0.034% of the total collection) research journals, 44 (0.017% of the total
collection) magazines and 63(0.024% of the total collection) daily newspapers. From the
collected data it is revealed that there is no manuscript collection in any public sector
university libraries of the province. They contained 99 (0.0381% of the total collection)
Audio cassettes, 120 (0.046% of the total collection) video cassettes, 2800 (0.011% of the
total collection) Compact Disks (CDs) and 130 (0.0005%) of the total collection)
microfilm, microfiches etc.
Regarding the library collections, BUL is reported as the richest library in
Balochistan comprised of a total collection of 201220 which is 77.7% of the total
collection of the all Public Sector University (PSU) libraries. BUET ranked second in this
connection contained a total collection of 26519 which is 10.20% of the total collection of
the 5 PSU libraries. The rest of the university libraries namely BUITMSL, SBKWUL and
LUAWMSL contained total collection of 15615, 12262 and 4228 respectively. None of
these university libraries can claim to possess even a single manuscript although BUL
contained 500 rare books.
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Technical processing
Technical processing including classification, cataloguing and assigning subject
heading to the documents are carried out as to provide better services to the clientele as
well as for the best arrangement of library material within the library. More over adopting
international standards helps the libraries in sharing the library resources in the present
networked world. Table 1.4 gives details about the standards followed by the public sector
university libraries of Balochistan in technical processing of documents.
Table 1.4
Standards used for technical processing of documents
Category BUQL BUITMSQ
L
BUETL SBKWUL LUAWMS
L
Classification
Scheme
20th Ed. 21st Ed. 21st Ed. 22nd Ed. 22nd
Ed.
Cataloguing Code AACR2-
Rev.ed.
AACR2-
Rev.Ed.
AACR2-
Rev.Ed
AACR2-
Rev.Ed
AACR2-
Rev.Ed
Regarding the adherence to the standards for technical processing comprising
classification , cataloguing ; it is learnt that BUITMSL and BUETL are using 21stedition,
SBKWL and LUAWMSL are using 22nd
edition while BUQL is using 20th
edition of
Dewey Decimal Classification scheme(DDC) for the classification of documents. It is
found that all the university libraries are using AACR2-Revised edition for the
cataloguing of their documents in libraries.
Table 1.5
Classification, cataloguing, computerization of documents
Category BUQL BUITMSQL BUETL SBKWU
L
LUAWMS
L
Classification 100% 100% 100% 5% 80%
Cataloguing 80% --- --- 25% 50%
Computerization 80% ---- --- 25% ---
It is fairly evident from the table 1.5 that apart from the BUL, the situation
regarding the automation is dismal in the public sector universities of Balochistan. BUL
reported that 80% of the library services and resources have been automated. SBKWUL
claimed that 25% of their library resources have been automated. BUETL, BUITMSL and
LUAWMSL have not yet started automation. BUQL, BUITMSL and BUETL are fully
classified libraries while LUAWMSL is 80% classified and SBKWUL is 5% classified.
Regarding cataloguing the situation is not pleasant. BUQL, BUITMSQL and LUAWMSL
have 80%, 25% and 50% catalogued the material. The rest of the two universities namely
BUITMSL and BUETL have now started the cataloguing of their documents.
Services provided by the university libraries under study
Table 1.6 lists the traditional library and information services provided by the
public sector university libraries of Balochistan.
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Table 1.6
Services provided by the university libraries under study
All the public sector university libraries studied are found to be providing New
Arrival list, Internet and Telephone facilities. Regarding the provision of other services
the libraries differ. BUQL and LUAWMSL Selective Dissemination of Information while
BUITMSL, BUETL and SBKWUL do not provide this service. BUQL, BUETL,
SBKWUL and LUAWMSL have Internet and Photocopier facilities while BUITMSL
does not have Photocopier facility. BUQL is the only university library which has
Orientation services, Reader advisory services, Reference services, Bibliographical
services and Periodical content services.
2. AUTOMATION AND DIGITIZATION SECTION We are living in the era of emerging technologies. Improvements in these
technologies have removed the barriers between the information and the users and they
always prefer to have information at their control. A full-fledged modern university library
is one in which all the information is available in hybrid form, i.e. both in physical and
digital form. The electronic information can be accessed through electronic media with a
single click. The manager of a modern library is said to be smart in his profession if he is
able to cope with challenges of this modern world. Table 2.1 shows the computer literacy
of university librarians, automation and digitization skills and training achieved in this
field.
Table 2.1
Computer literacy, automation and digitization skill and training achieved by the
librarians
Category BUQL BUITMSQL BUETL SBKWUL LUAWMS
L
%Respons
( Yes)
Computer Yes Yes No No Yes 60%
Services
provided by
the library
BUQL BUITMSQL BUETL SBKWU
L
LUAWMS
L
%Respons
e ( Yes)
New Arrival
List
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 100%
Current
Awareness
Services
Yes Yes No Yes Yes 80%
Selective
Dissemination
of Information
Yes No No No Yes 40%
Photocopying
Services
Yes No Yes Yes Yes 80%
Internet Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 100%
Fax No No No No No 00%
Telephone Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 100%
Other Yes No No No No 20%
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literacy
Library
automation
Yes Yes No No Yes 60%
digitization No No No No No 00%
Online access
to
information
Yes Yes
No Yes Yes 80%
Automation
skill
Yes No No No No 20%
Digitization
skill
No No No No No 00%
Training in
auto+ digit.
Yes No No Yes Yes 40%
Apart from BUETL and SBKWUL, all the librarians of Public Sector University
are partially computer literate with a response rate of 60%. The librarians of BUQL,
BUITMSL and LUAWMSL have little bit understandings of library automation while the
librarians of BUETL and SBKWUL have no such knowledge. Regarding digitization of
library material, the scenario is dismal. All the librarians of public sector university
libraries reported that they have no knowledge about digitization. The librarians of public
sector university libraries at Balochistan know the online access to information except
BUETL. In terms of automation skill, BUQL claimed little bit automation skill while rests
of the university libraries are lag behind in this area. Not a single librarian of these
universities was able to claim digitization skill. Table 2.1 reveals that 60%of the librarians
were given training on automation and digitization. The duration of training recorded was
“one day training course on digital library” at BUQL and LUAWMSL and SBKWUL.
The librarians of BUITMSL and BUETL reported that they have not received any sort of
training on automation and digitization in their professional career
Automation of technical processes
The availability of information at right time, in the right form and to the right
person is of utmost importance in all the developmental activities. It has been estimated
that the world produces between 1 and 2 exabytes of unique information per year, which is
roughly 250 megabytes for every man, woman, and child on earth (an exabyte is a billion
gigabyte, or 10 raise to power 18 bytes). It has become very difficult to manage the
information manually due to the explosive growth of knowledge. Hence there is a need for
the proper organization and management of knowledge. The advent of digital technologies
has made it possible to assist the clientele in a modern way with no wastage of time and
labor. For this purpose the automation of library procedures is the need of the hour. From
the analysis of the data collected it is revealed the status of library automation in
Balochistan is upsetting. Table 2.2 shows the actual position of automation of library
procedures in the university libraries of Balochistan.
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Table 2.2
Automation of technical procedure
Category BUQ
L
BUITMSQ
L
BUET
L
SBKWUL LUAWMS
L
% Response (
Yes)
Ordering system No No No No No 00%
Circulation
system
No No No yes No 20%
OPAC No No No No No 00%
Online indexing
and abstracting
No No
No No No 00%
It is fairly evident from the table 2.2 that no university librarian in Balochistan
knows how to automate the library procedures. It has been reported that the Information
Technology (IT) department of SBKWU has developed local library software for the
circulation purposes of their library. SBKWUL is using that local software for the
circulation purposes. The BUL has reported that they have the intention to automate
library procedures in near future. Almost all the librarians of these libraries are unaware of
OPAC and online access to information. The operation of library procedures is manual in
majority of the public sector university libraries of Balochistan. The data collected depicts
that all the university libraries contained computer and printer facilities. No university
library claimed to possess digital camera as a capturing device for digitization. BUQL,
BUETKL, BUITMSL reported to contain scanner as a scanning device while SBKWUL
and LUAWMSL revealed to be deficient in this area. It is observed that SBKWUL,
LUAWMSL BUQL, BUETL have photocopier while BUITMS has no such facility.
Digitization of library material
The process of converting a paper document into a digital format is called
digitization. The digital library has the ability to solve the problems of space and time. The
librarians were asked about the digitization of their library documents. The analysis of the
data received from the chief librarians revealed that no librarian has the knowledge of
digitization in the public sector university libraries of Balochistan. That is why they have
not digitized any of their library material including books, journals, manuscripts, rare
books, thesis and dissertation. They have no skill of developing and using library
software.
Perception about a network system among all university libraries under the umbrella of
HEC.
Although the librarians of the university libraries of Balochistan are not practically
involve in the automation and digitization processes, but they all agree with the view that
there must be a strong network system among all the university libraries of Pakistan. They
were agreed that the development of this network system will avoid duplication of
catalogue entries, the library services may be standardized, the resource sharing may be
enhanced, the library cooperation may be promoted, a better and standard collection may
be built and efficiency of human resources may be improved. It is found that the response
rate recorded regarding the above mentioned views about the network system among
university libraries were 100%.
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Table 2.3
Perception about a network system among all university libraries under the umbrella of
HEC
Category BUQ
L
BUITMSQ
L
BUETL SBKWU
L
LUAWMS
L
%Respons
e ( Yes)
View about
network system
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 100%
Duplication of
cat. entries
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 100%
Standardized lib.
Resources
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 100%
Enhance resource
sharing
Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes 100%
Promote
lib.cooperation
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 100%
Collection
development
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 100%
Human Resource
development
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 100%
Goals accomplished and barrier to digitization
When asked about the goals achieved by the digitization of library material, it was
observed that all the respondents were agreed with the following goals: 1. to save the
space 2. To save the time 3. To save cost 4. To save labour 5. Round the clock
availability 6. Multiple accesses. The response rate reported was 100%.
Table 2.4
Goals achieved by the digitization of library material
Goals achieved BUQL BUITMSQ
L
BUET
L
SBKWU
L
LUAWMSL %Respons
e ( Yes)
To save space Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 100%
To save time Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 100%
To save cost Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 100%
To save labour Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes 100%
Round the clock
availability
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 100%
Multiple access Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 100%
In response to a question regarding barriers to digitization, it was reported that the
following are the major barriers to digitization: 1. Information technology infrastructure 2.
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Copy right 3. Professional skills 4. Frequent electricity failure 5. Internet provision by the
institution/ organization within which the library is situated. 6. Internet speed 7. Financial
constraints 8. Systematic planning. The librarian of BUITMSL stressed the financial
barrier as the key factor along with the mentioned barriers. The librarian of LUAWMSL
declared professional skill and financial constraints as the major barriers with others to the
digitization of the library material.
How to improve the situation
Respondents were asked to indicate whether they agree with the suggestions given
below for the improvement of the present alarming situation of automation and
digitization in the province of Balochistan. Table 2.5 gives the categories of suggestions.
Table 2.5
Suggestions for the improvement of the present library automation and Digitization
situation in Balochistan
Suggestions BUQL BUITMSQ
L
BUETL SBKWU
L
LUAWMS
L
%Respons
e ( Yes)
Use of emerging
technologies
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 100%
Information policy Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 100%
Training and
development of
work force
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 100%
Comprehensive
planning
Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes 100%
Involving Govt:
agencies, lib
assoc;,
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 100%
Creating
awareness
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 100%
Table 2.5 depicts that the librarians of BUQL, BUITMSL, BUETL, SBKWUL
and LUAWMSL were agreed with suggestions. These suggestions include use of
emerging technologies in libraries, framing of information policy, Training and
development of workforce, comprehensive planning, involving government agencies,
nation, regional library associations and creating awareness among the librarians and
patrons. The response rate recorded was 100% for all suggestions.
HEC digital library
Higher Education Commission (HEC); Government of Pakistan has established
and launched a digital library in 2004. This library was named as HEC Digital Library.
The prime aim of this digital repository was to quench the information thirst of the
researchers, faculty members and students of academic institutions and non-profit
organizations. This library has given access to more than 300 universities/ Degree
Awarding Institutions (DAIs)/ Research and Development Organization (R & D).
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HEC digital library has been playing a dynamic role in the socio-economic
development of Pakistan for the last five years. The main theme behind the establishment
of this repository is to facilitate the institutions of higher learning. It provides free access
to the e-resources of 35 full text databases (subscribing agencies) to more than 300
public/private sector universities and non profitable research and development
organizations, all over the country. The total number of subscribing agencies (35 data
bases) includes 3 for e-books, 32 for e-journals. There are also 130 free e-publications.
Out of total e-resources on the HEC digital library, 49% reserved for social science while
the rest of 51% reserved for science and technology. This digital library was established
in 2004. The project coordinator (BPS-19) is the head of this repository. This e-library
comprises of acquisition and processing sections. The institution repository software;
Green Stone Digital Library (GSDL) has been in practice.
Questions were asked about the overall satisfaction of users and librarians about
HEC digital library. Table 2.6 exhibits the responses of the librarians towards the
operation and functioning of the HEC digital library.
Table 2.6
HEC digital library
Views BUQL BUITMSQ
L
BUETL SBKWU
L
LUAWMS
L
%Respons
e ( Yes)
Agreement
with
accessibility
of HEC sites
All are
accessible
Not using
HEC DL
Some of
them are
not aces
Not using
HEC DL
Some of
them are not
accessible
-------
Can all
seminar
libraries
access HEC
DL
Yes No. there is
no seminar
lib
Yes No. there
is no
seminar lb
No. There is
no seminar
lib
40%
Satisfaction
regarding
HEC DL
sites
Extremly
sat
No opinion Extremely
sat.
No
opinion
Extremely
satisf
60%
In order to analyze the views about the accessibility of the HEC digital library
sites, librarian of BUQL argue that all of the HEC digital library sites are accessible. The
librarians of BUETL and LUAWMSL are of the view that some of these sites are not
accessible. The librarians of BUITMSL and SBKWUL reported with the remarks that they
have not used the HEC digital library so far.
A question was asked from the librarians of the public sector university libraries of
Balochistan about the satisfaction of HEC digital library site. The BUQL, BUETL and
LUAWMSL were extremely satisfied with the functionality of HEC digital library while
BUITMSL and SBKWUL have given no opinion about this matter.
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3. FINANCE Adequate funding is a prerequisite for the smooth and successful functioning of a
library. Financial constraint is considered as the main barrier to the development and
implementation of technology based library setup. From the analysis of the data collected,
it is revealed that there is no separate budget for the automation and digitization of the
public sector university libraries of Balochistan. It has been observed that BUETL is
satisfied with allocation of budget to its library. It is reported that due the grant in aid
system in the university, there is no separate budget for the library. They forward their
demand to the finance wing of the university for approval. The rest of the acquisition
process carried out by the finance wing till the delivery of the stock. The average annual
grant utilized by the library is approximately one million rupees but it can vary as per
request and demand of the librarian.
LUAWMSL reported that they receive one million rupees per annum. They
demanded one million more to meet their requirements. BUITMSL is not satisfied with
budget allocation for the various tasks of the library. They demanded a reasonable increase
in the budget. The SBKWUL reported that they are receiving two millions rupees per
year, which is not sufficient for the needs of the library. They demanded a 100% increase
in the annual budget. From the analysis of the recorded data, it has been observed that
there is no fixed amount of budget per annum. It vary from year to year depends on total
university budget.
4. HUMAN RESOURCES Qualified and competent workforce is the asset of any organization especially
libraries. There should be a combination of professional and non-professional manpower
available for the smooth functioning of the university library. Human resources with
sound professional skill are needed for accomplishing various technical tasks while non-
professional staff is required for providing services to the patrons. Apart from these,
professional with strong computer background is the dire need of a modern university
library. The availability of human resources varies from university to university
depending upon its nature and size.
HUMAN RESOURCES AT PUBLIC SECTOR UNIVERSITIES OF BALOCHISTAN
Table 4.1 shows the total workforce at public sector universities of Balochistan is
3750 in which 1120 was declared as teaching staff while the rest of the human resources
belonged to administrative staff. Out of the total of teaching staff at these public sector
universities of Balochistan, a majority (44.6%) declared by BUQ as its teaching staff.
BUITMSQ claimed 31.5% of the total teaching staff as their teaching manpower.8.9% of
the total teaching staff as their teaching force was declared by LUAWMS and
SBKWUQ.BUET Khuzdar claimed only 6.2% of the teaching man power. In context of
administrative staff, BUQ stands first in this ranking by declaring 73.66% as their
administrative staff out of the total administrative human resources. BUITMSQ ranked
second by declaring 18.4% out of the total administrative staff. 3.68% of the total was
declared by SBKWU as their administrative staff. 0.55% of the total population
(administrative staff) was claimed by both LUAWMS Uthal and BUET Khuzdar.
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Table 4.1
Human resources at public sector universities in Balochistan
HR at
university
BUQL BUITMSQ
L
BUETL SBKW
UL
LUAWMS
L
%Response
( Yes)
Teaching
staff
500 350 70 100 100 1120
Administrati
ve
staff
2000 500 15 100 15 2715
HUMAN RESOURCES AT UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES OF BALOCHISTAN
Professional and skilled manpower is the backbone of a university library. It is
required for performing various professional jobs in the library. The availability of
workforce varies from university to university. It is found that among the libraries under
study, only a single library, i.e. BUQL has chief librarian of grade-20. The BUETL is
headed by Deputy Librarian (BPS-18). The rest of the libraries are administered by junior
librarians of Grade-17.BUQL has one Deputy Librarian (BPS-18), 5 Assistant librarian
(BPS-17), two classifiers (BPS-16), two cataloguers (BPS-16) and 10 non-professional
staff members. Apart from one librarian (BPS-17), BUITMSL has one cataloguer (BPS-
16). There are 3 professionals in BUETL, out of which one Deputy librarian (BPS-18),
one cataloguer (BPS-16) and one classifier (BPS-16). There are also 5 non-professionals
in BUETL Khuzdar. SBKWUL has one professional librarian (BPS-17) and 3 non-
professionals. LUAWMSL has one librarian (BPS-17), one cataloguer (BPS-16) and two
non-professional staff. There was no PhD/ MPhil scholar in these university libraries. All
the in-charge librarians are Master degree holder. There were no separate automation and
digitization workforce at these university libraries. Table 4.2 exhibits the human
resources at the public sector university libraries of Balochistan.
Table 4.2
Human resources at Public Sector University (PSU) libraries of Balochistan
Human
resources
BUQL BUITMSQL BUETL SBKWU
L
LUAWMS
L
total
Professional staff 6 2 3 1 2 14
Para professional
staff
10 Nil Nil Nil Nil 10
Non –
professional staff
10 Nil 6 3 2 21
Automation&
digitization staff
Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil
When asked about the special qualification required for the person incharge of the
automation and digitization section of the university libraries, the respondents expressed
that the incumbent must be MLISc with Diploma in computer science.
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VIEWS ABOUT THE USERS OF THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES
Table 4.3 depicts the perception of librarians regarding the users of the public
sector university libraries of Balochistan.
Table 4.3
Views about the users of the university libraries
It is fairly evident from the table that BUQL has a greater frequency of user’s visit.
It is observed that the total number of users per day is 1960, in which 3.06%are faculty
members, 1.2% are researchers, 66.32% are students and 25.51% are others readers of the
university of Balochistan Quetta. The total number of clientele recorded per day at
BUITMSL is 86. Out of these users, 6.9% are faculty members and 93% are students. The
collected data revealed that there is no flow of researchers to the university library of
BUITMS.
The total per day strength of the users at BUETL Khuzdar is 376, in which 2.4%
are teaching staff, 93% are students and 4.5% are other readers. This university library has
no researcher as its regular member. SBKWUL reported 144 as its total per day users’
strength. Out of the total users, 16% are faculty members, 6% are researchers, 76% are
students and 1.3 % is other patrons. It is evident that there are total 249 users per day at
LUAWMSL in which 1.6% is teaching workforce and 80% are students.
BUITMSL, BUETL and SBKWUL have no formal digital library section. There
fore they recorded no response when asked about the visit to digital library section of their
university library. BUQL responded with the remarks that approximately 75 patron
browse the digital library of the university on daily basis. LUAWMSL reported that about
45 potential user uses the digital library of the university.
The University of Balochistan Quetta reported that they have given demonstration
on the usage of HEC digital library. The rest of the university libraries have not performed
such activities in past.
Views about
frequency of
users
BUQL BUITMSQ
L
BUETL SBKWU
L
LUAWMS
L
total
Faculty
member
60 6 9 23 4 102
Researchers 25 --- --- 9 ---- 34
Students 1300 80 350 110 200 2040
Others 500 --- 17 2 ---- 519
Visit to digital
library section
75 No such
facility
No such
facility
No such
facility
45 120
Total 1960 86 376 144 249 2815
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SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENT OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR
UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES OF BALOCHISTAN
It is fact that no library can compete with contemporary world without the proper
utilization of the emerging technologies. It is in this context the investigator felt necessary
to explore the state–of-the-art application of latest technologies in university libraries of
Balochistan. The numerous views offered by the librarians have enabled the investigator
to offer some viable suggestions for the improvement of public sector university libraries
in Balochistan. The investigator found that serious efforts are required to develop
automated and digital library culture in Balochistan. On the basis of the findings unveiled
by the study, certain suggestions are put forwarded for the improvement of automated
and digitized library environment in the public sector university libraries in Balochistan.
1. The university libraries in Balochistan face a lot of problems regarding collection
development. It is appreciable that some of the university libraries especially
Balochistan University Quetta have a good resources in hard form; however, the
same cannot be said about the digital resources. It is suggested that the
Collections of the university libraries should be developed in a balance manner
giving due share to digital resources also. A few libraries are poor in collection
development due to their recent origin. They should build their collection both in
hard and soft form in a balanced manner. Online journals have a lot of
advantages than their hard copy counterparts but library remains empty handed
when the subscription ends. It will be safe to take a copy of CD-ROM databases
for preservation and security. In order to fulfill the deficiency of collection and to
quench the information thirst of the users, the users may be given access to the
HEC digital library.
2. Libraries should have sufficient facilities. There must be reasonable number of
computer terminals, printers, scanners, bar code readers, digital cameras, CD
Writes and VCD players etc. Software is the life blood of the hardware. In this
area, the scenario in Pakistan especially in Balochistan is dismal. Local and
foreign software packages like INMAGIC, CDS/ISIS, MINISIS, Kitabdar, Pak
Library Software, LAMP, LIMS, D-space, Greenstone Digital Library, Koha,
Zebra server and MARC editor etc are all concerned with digital library. But there
is a need for the development of standardized, uniform, integrated foreign + local
multilingual software which will be more feasible for both automation and
digitization of our materials including the local languages. HEC can take a serious
role in this direction. The issues such as installation, output ; capability for system
expansion and upgrading; its cost, maintenance, training, documentation,
supplier’s past performance, credibility and overall suitability of the system;
flexible data structure, simple to learn and use, powerful data management, rapid
and powerful searches, flexible report generation, importation of data from any
source and reliable data security be also given due attention while purchasing or
developing a library software for university libraries. There must be a powerful
power generator in the library to cope with frequent electricity failure.
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3. This study has seriously considered the lack of technical and adept manpower as
the major factor that hindered the application of current technologies in university
libraries of Balochistan. Unfortunately, there is an acute shortage of well trained,
competent and capable manpower in the public sector university libraries of
Balochistan. Most of the top level managerial positions are being run by junior
librarians. To improve the situation, it is recommended that the top managerial
positions be filled with MPhil/PhD scholars. In case of unavailability, the junior
librarians may be sent to the developed countries for management courses in
librarianship. The university libraries should take steps to recruit qualified
computer cum library personnel to manage the modern e-library systems. They
may be given periodic training in latest library tools so that they may be able to
cope with the tremendous changes taking place in the field of digital technology.
The modern library professionals should have skills in programming, system
administration, networking, hardware maintenance and trouble shooting . They
also need to have managerial skills like office management, marketing,
accounting, communication and negotiation .
4. In view of the increased pressure on the university libraries for the provision of
information sources and services, they are forced to depend on each other.
Therefore it is suggested that there must be a strong network system among all
public sector university libraries of Balochistan to share information both in the
shape of hard copy and digital resources. They can also utilize telephone, fax and
e-mail facilities for this purpose. In order to cope with international challenges, it
is suggested that the digitization of university libraries in Pakistan especially
Balochistan should be carried out to avoid duplication of cataloguing entries, to
standardize library services and resources, to enhance resource sharing, to build
standard and better collection, to improve the efficiency of human resources.
The proposed library network should be protected from unauthorized access
through various techniques such as encryption, remote access regulations etc.
They should ensure security by setting routers, firewalls and proxy servers etc.
5. Finance is major factor in building up of a modern well equipped library. The
budget provision to the public sector university libraries of Balochistan is far
below the level of sufficiency. Therefore a reasonable increase in the annual
budget is indispensable. The public sector universities may also request the HEC
for funds and grant –in-aid through PC-1. There are also some other organizations
which can assist the libraries. These include Asia Foundation Islamabad, library
friend’s forums, UNESCO, World Bank and individual donors. The lapsed
security of the university students may also be utilized for this purpose.
6. In fact, HEC has brought about some dramatic changes in the area of
automation and digitization and has launched HEC Digital library. To some
extent, this library has quenched the information thirst of many users especially
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researchers, faculty and students. But there are still more challenges to HEC
digital library. A strong network system may be established among all the public
sector university libraries of Balochistan to share their resources, competencies
and skills. Another alarming issue which needs to be resolved is the non-
accessibility of most of the sites at HEC digital library. It is suggested that there
must be a daily check and balance of these sites by the HEC digital library staff.
In case of any discrepancies, the subscribing agencies may be consulted to
remove the dissatisfaction of the clientele. One serious issue is the recruitment of
non-library professional staff at HEC digital library. The library professional
knows better about the infrastructure of a library as compared to others. It is
recommended that, along with computer professionals there must be a competent,
computer literate library professional for the overall smooth functioning of the
digital library. It is further suggested that selection of e-publications may be given
due attention in order to fulfill the information needs of the browsing community.
7. All the university libraries should make possible the utilization of emerging
technologies in all areas of library operations including acquisition procedures,
technical processing, circulation control, stock verification and statistical
purposes.
This investigation has provided a summary of the current state-of-the-art
application of the emerging technologies in the public sector university libraries of
Balochistan. The application of emerging technologies in university libraries in
Balochistan is not up to the mark and the pace of these changes is very slow. This state of
affairs has been largely due to inadequate finance, lack of skilled and competent
workforce, inadequate infrastructure and absence of comprehensive planning. To
overcome this ill-fated situation, university library management need to review their
policies, try to raise the library budget and to give priority to staff training. The study
concluded that most of the public sector university libraries in Balochistan need proper
automation and digitization facilities including latest model of hardware and software,
trained and competent human ware adept in latest technologies to make use of the
resources.
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Ibid.Pp.6-9
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Social media use by the members of Lahore Gymkhana
Ms. Fouzia Shafique Manager Library, Lahore Gymkhana
INTRODUCTION
There have been many changes & developments in information and
communication technology in recent years and internet is the most significant invention of
this era. Increasing bandwidth accompanied these developments has also contributed
towards the creation of online communities and popularized the creation of networking
sites. This new technology has allowed users to make two way communications without
the constraint of time and space. Web 2.0 is a term often used for multi- way interaction
or communication. Social media has gained more popularity than email. And according to
Sampson (2010), 67 % of the total population using internet also uses social media,
while10% of the total time is spent on browsing/ using the social media sites. Social
Media has got pivotal position in this digital era and has got to the prominence due to its
collaborative features and ease of use.
Social Media are online tools created with Web 2.0 applications that allow people
to share their experiences, opinions and interests with others. Social media is the medium
for interaction among users with their family and friends, they make their profiles and they
share, discuss, comment, generate and exchange information among themselves in virtual
environment. Social media is a platform that allows users and organizations to share their
information online with the broad public or selected group.
Social Media is an influential tool for interaction, communication and
collaboration since its inception. There are several forms of Social Media including wikis,
video conferencing, discussion forums, instant messaging services, weblogs, podcasts,
pictures and videos etc. These different types of social media can be generally categorized
as collaborative projects, example is wikipedia, facebook and twitter are good examples of
social networking sites, microblogger represents blogging, Social bookmarking can be
explained by Delicious and Digg, while You tube and flicker comes under media sharing
sites. Blogs and discussions platforms are usually informational websites on the World Wide
Web, while wiki is a website in which participants can read, edit and even modify information or
create a new page. Social bookmarking is an online service which allows people to add, edit,
make comment, and share bookmarks on web documents. Microblogging is a medium in
which one can add some information and share it with others. A microblog, as the name
reveals is different from normal blog as it is usually smaller in file size. Another important
category of social media is the media sharing sites which allow users to post video or
photographs, youtube is a good example of video sharing site and flicker a pictures
sharing site.
The Lahore Gymkhana was founded in 1878 and was initially known as The
Lahore and Mian Mir Institute in the Lawrence Gardens, the majestic sign of power and
authority of the Raj. The aim of the Lahore Gymkhana Club was to provide a platform for
social interaction and recreation for its members who were mostly residing in Lahore and
its nearby cantonment areas. The two main halls built initially were known as Lawrence
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Hall and Montgomery Hall. The Lawrence Hall was one of the main buildings of the
institution which was built in 1861-62 in remembrance of Sir John Laird Lawrence, who
was also the Viceroy of India during 1863-69. While the oterh one, Montgomery Hall was
built in 1866 to honor Robert Montgomery. The Club halls were available to the elite class
of the Raj era, for conducting their social events.
Lahore and Mian Mir Institute was renamed as to The Lahore Gymkhana on 23rd
March 1906. Later on in 1972, the entire Club facility was relocated in the new building
on upper Mall, where it used to have the Lahore Gymkhana Club’s golf course. In 1972
the other building was taken over by Government of Punjab and finally shifted into a
public library known as the Quaid-e-Azam Library the Golf course of the Club covered an
area of 117 acres. The major cost of the building was borne by the members of the Club.
The new building of the Lahore Gymkhana offers a variety of facilities which are enjoyed
only by its members, including luxuries hostel rooms, fine dining, state of the art health
club, lush green golf course and several sports activities on a very nominal monthly
subscription fee. The Club administration is run by a Committee of Management
comprising of 12 permanent members of the Club elected every year through election.
The members are categorized as permanent members, regular members, non-
earning members, mess members and invitation members
The Library of the Club provides a wide range of books on almost all topics on the
interests of the members. Library and reading room are situated in the basement of the
main building, and provides an amiable reading environment for book lovers. The
Reading Room is the reference section of the library and is a separate room which also
acquires almost international and local magazines and newspapers. Library on the other
hand is the lending part and is considered to be one of the best libraries in Lahore because
of it rare books section. The large collection of the library is built in a time span of almost
20 years, especially catering the needs of the members and built on the recommendations
of the experts. Library also holds literary lectures and events and has the separate sections
of books which are autographed by the speakers and guests invited to deliver a talk or
lecture. Other facilities of the library include internet facility, photocopying facility, and
separate children section. The library is controlled by the committee formed by the elected
convenor, and administratively run and managed by manager library. Most of the member
of the Club use internet frequently several reasons.
This study investigated the frequency of use of social media by the members of
Lahore Gymkhana, and what are the primary reasons behind, while approaching towards
social media. This article also identified the main purposes of using social media and the
place where it is being used. This research ascertained the impacts of social media on the
businesses of members and their preferred choice for social medial sites.
LITERATURE REVIEW
The social media encourages social connections and brings people together with
different backgrounds and encourages interaction among numerous countries through
ignoring the factor of distance According to study conducted by (Nielsen, 2011) social
media is being used by people of all origins and Facebook is the most attractive social
media tool that has more than 140 million visitors a month alone in the United States
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According to Purcell (2011), online activities and e-mail are among the top most
popular activities done online, this study reported that 92% of the adults use search
engines for searching the desired information. Madden & Zickuhr, (2011) reported that
Social media is getting famous among the young adults and growing age users, while the
older generation is still not very much familiar with social media sites. He also revealed
that almost 80% of the young adults use social media when they are online, while 50% of
the adults between the age group 50-64 use social media when they are using internet. The
average of use of social media among the persons above the age of 65 is much more
reduced.
The extended use of Social Networking sites has become a worldwide
phenomenon in the past number of years. Some computer related people started this as a
hobby which gradually turned into a norm of life for majority around the world (Boyd,
2007). Most of the young adults and teenagers started using these sites to remain
connected with their friends and peers, to share information and to socialize with them
about their happenings (Boyd, 2007).
According to a study, 75% persons who surf internet used Social Media in the half
of 2008 by using several social networks like, blogs, or contributing reviews to shopping
sites; which seems to be at graphical rise as compared to the year 2007 in which it was
56% (Kaplan & Haenlein 2010).
Facebook is one of popular site of social media that encourage communication
exchange between users across the globe, it was created by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004,
with a mission to bring with different backgrounds of people together and promote
interaction (Facebook, 2012). Mark Zuckerberg said that “If Facebook were a country, it
would be the 6th most populated country in the world”. Facebook, the most famous social
media site has 845 million active visitors worldwide, this site allows its users to manage a
profile containing information about them, connect with “friends,” share information,
pictures and videos with others, and receive comments and feedback from those with
which they are connected. (Facebook, 2012)
Different studies are done to identify the purposes of use of social media which
varies like face to face communication, recreation purposes, sharing events and personal
information and experiences, to interact with people and also for research work (Ivana ,
2013; Z. David Xia ,2009)
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the study were to find out:
The frequency of use of social media by members of Lahore Gymkhana.
To investigate the purpose of using social media and preferred sites of the
members.
Identify problems faced by members in using these sites and level of satisfaction
with the information available on social media will be measured
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METHODOLOGY
This study was conducted to know the social media usage behavior of members of
Lahore Gymkhana. For this purpose a survey questionnaire design was adopted to elicit
the opinion of members. A structured (closed end questions) questionnaire was
constructed, and distributed to 100 members of Lahore Gymkhana. This data was
collected during the month of November 2012 from the members who were using internet
in the computer section of the library. The total membership of Lahore Gymkhana is
around 7500 while the members who use library frequently are around 400. Appropriate
or accidental sampling method was used and members who frequently come to library
computer section were requested to fill the form. Questionnaire comprises of different
sections. In the first section contains demographic or general information like gender and
age was collected from members. In the second stage information about usage pattern,
purposes and obstacles faced by the member were collected from the users of library. It is
worth mentioning that as the data was collected by 100 members of the Club and the first
question was that either they use social media or not, only one respondent answered “No”.
This question was followed by other questions concerning the use of social media. This
process was completed in two weeks’ time. The gathered data was then analyzed by using
SPSS 19 software.
ANALYSIS OF DATA
General Information: Frequency distribution on the basis of gender
According to the data collected, the results shows that out of 100 members 66 were
male and 34 were female.
Table 1
Frequency distribution on gender bases
Gender Frequency Percent Valid Percent
Valid Male 66 66.0 66.0
Female 34 34.0 34.0
Total 100 100.0 100.0
Frequency distribution on the basis of gender
As we know that social media is getting popular among the younger generation
rapidly, the same can be seen from the results. It shows that 37 respondents were up to the
age of 25, and 27 were in the age group of 26-35. The use of social media in other age
groups were comparatively on lower side particularly in the age group of 36-45 and
generally in the above two age group of 46-55 and 56 & above having 14 and 18 members
each.
Table No. 2
Frequency distribution on age basis
Age groups Frequency Percent Valid Percent
Valid Up to 25 37 37.0 37.0
26-35 27 27.0 27.0
36-45 4 4.0 4.0
46-55 14 14.0 14.0
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56 & Above 18 18.0 18.0
Total 100 100.0 100.0
Distribution of respondents on the basis of membership category
The results shows that 43 members who participated in the study were from
Permanent member category and after that Regular and Non-earning were 19 in number.
The members in Invitation category who filled the questionnaire were 18 and only one
member belongs to S Membership category (widow). It is worth mentioning that more
than 50% of the members of the club are permanent members.
Table 3
Membership status of respondents on category basis
Category of membership Frequency Percent Valid Percent
Permanent 43 43.0 43.0
Regular 19 19.0 19.0
Invitation 18 18.0 18.0
Non- earning 19 19.0 19.0
S (Widow) 1 1.0 1.0
Total 100 100.0 100.0
Frequency distribution of usage of social media tools
The results gained have substantiated the prior research findings of different
researchers across the globe. Social networking sites remained a very popular social
communication tool and favorite sites among respondents, as 92% of the respondents
selected social networking which included Facebook and LinkedIn etc. Facebook is
mostly used to stay connected to family and friends, users can upload, download and share
pictures, text, and videos. Video sharing which includes YouTube was prominent with
percentage share of 76% for watching, sharing and downloading videos while photo
sharing sites remain below. It indicates that respondents share their photos on Facebook
instead of photo sharing sites. Wikis and microblogging (Twitter) were also among the
famous sites being used by 69 and 42 percent members respectively. Other categories like
bookmarking, community question answer and employment websites were also used but
their usage was less than the above mentioned.
Table No. 4
Frequency distribution of usage of social media tools
Social media tools YES NO
Frequency Percentage Frequency Percentage
1 Social Networking 92 92.0 8 8.0
2 Video Sharing 76 76.0 24 24.0
3 Wikis 69 69.0 31 31.00
4 Live Casting 45 45.00 55 55.0
5 Community Q & A 45 45.0 55 55.0
6 Micro-blogging 42 42.0 58 58.0
7 Photo Sharing 29 29.0 71 71.0
8 Social Bookmarking 21 21.0 79 79.0
9 Employment Websites 17 17.0 83 83.0
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10 Business Review 11 11.0 89 89.0
11 Social News 10 10.0 90 90.0
12 Information aggregates 2 2.0 98 98.0
Time period since using social media
This question was regarding the time since the respondent was using social media.
Its results indicate that 65% members were using it for more than 5 years. Number of
usage dropped sharply for 4 years (9 member), 3 years (12) 2 years (11) and one year (2)
indicates the trend of early adoption of social media among respondents.
Table 5
Time period since using social media
Time in Years Frequency Percent Valid Percent
Valid 0 1 1.0 1.0
Since 1 Year 2 2.0 2.0
2 Years 11 11.0 11.0
3 Years 12 12.0 12.0
4 Years 9 9.0 9.0
5 or More 65 65.0 65.0
Total 100 100.0 100.0
Time spend on social media on an average day (Frequency of use)
It was noticed from the analysis of the results that not so much time is spent on the
use of social media sites as 34% of the mebers use it only for 30 minutes to one hour, it
was followed by 23% who opted for one to 1.5 hours. 1.5 to 2 hours and 2 to 3 hours was
selected by 14 and 17 members. And only 2 member use it for moren then 5 hours in an
average day.
Table No. 6
Time spend on social media on an average day (Frequency of use)
Time Spent Frequency Percent Valid Percent
Valid 0 1 1.0 1.0
30 minutes to 1 hour 34 34.0 34.0
1 hour to 1.5 hours 23 23.0 23.0
1.5 hour to 2 hours 14 14.0 14.0
2 hours to 3 hours 17 17.0 17.0
3 hours to 4 hours 2 2.0 2.0
4 hours to 5 hours 7 7.0 7.0
5+ hours 2 2.0 2.0
Total 100 100.0 100.0
Places of Social Media use
As most of the members filled the questionnaire in the computer section of Lahore
Gymkhana library, so the response rate of using internet at library was 59%, but the
highest usage rate was seen at home where it was 80 %. Only 5 members were using these
sites at internet Cafe, as table no. 7 shows.
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Table No. 7
Places of social media use
Place of Usage YES NO
Frequency Percentage Frequency Percentage
Gymkhana Library 59 59.0 41 41.0
Home 80 80.0 20 20.0
Office 11 11.0 89 89.0
Internet Café 5 5.0 95 95.0
Reason for social media use
Different people use social media for different reasons. The result shows that the
main reason for using these sites is to stay in touch with the contacts, which include family
members, friends and colleagues. 55% people use it to find old as well as new friends.
Members also use it for sharing personal and professional information and do marketing &
advertising for the business promotion.
Table 8
Main reason of using Social Media
Reasons for using social media YES NO
Frequency Percentage Frequency Percentage
Keep in touch with family and friends 86 86.0 14 14.0
Find out friends 55 55.0 45 45.0
Meet New People 44 44.0 56 56.0
Share Picture, Videos, games 44 44.0 56 56.0
To share personal information 41 41.0 59 59.0
Share Interests 41 41.0 59 59.0
To share professional Information 40 40.0 60 60.0
Promote Ideas 25 25.0 75 75.0
Make new Business contacts 23 23.0 77 77.0
Promote Business 12 12.0 88 88.0
Social Media Bullying
Social network bullying is mistreatment or harassment that takes place using
electronic technology, including devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers,
and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages,
chat, and websites. Examples include unpleasant text messages or emails, rumors sent by
email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or
fake profiles. The response rate was more NO (87%), while 13% people accepted that they
have been a victim of bullying while using social media.
Table 9
Have you been a victim of Social Media bullying
Victim of social media Frequency Percent Valid Percent
Valid No 87 87.0 87.0
Yes 13 13.0 13.0
Total 100 100.0 100.0
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Number of friends/ contacts on social media Social media is used to stay in connection, therefore when asked about number of friends on, 40
persons said they have more than 100 friends as shown in table no. 10, while 21 members responded
that they have about 26-50 friends.
Table 10
How many friends do you have on your primary social network site
Number of Friends Frequency Percent Valid Percent
Valid 0 1 1.0 1.0
Up to 25 14 14.0 14.0
26-50 21 21.0 21.0
51-75 16 16.0 16.0
76-100 8 8.0 8.0
More then 100 40 40.0 40.0
Total 100 100.0 100.0
Using social media for business & personal reasons
Promoting the business through advertising and marketing is one of the major
trends these days. Web technology is considered a powerful tool in this regard. But the
facts and figures shown in table no 11 indicates that Lahore gymkhana members are using
it more for personal reasons(61%) than the professional reasons 6%. 25 members opted
for using them equally for business and personal reasons.
Table 11
Do you use social media tools for business or personal purpose
Reasons for using social media Frequency Percent Valid Percent
Valid 0 1 1.0 1.0
Business usage 6 6.0 6.0
Personal usage 61 61.0 61.0
I use them equally 25 25.0 25.0
I don’t know 7 7.0 7.0
Total 100 100.0 100.0
Benefits of using social media in business
The benefits for social media for business were asked in this question. This was a
mixed response, not so many people said that they have gained some benefits in business
after using social media, but mostly said that they don’t use social media for business
purposes.
Table 12
Benefits of using social media in Business
Benefits of using social media in
Business Frequency Percent
Valid
Percent
0 1 1.0 1.0
It has significantly benefitted my
business
18 18.0 18.0
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It has benefitted my business to a
degree
14 14.0 14.0
It hurts my business 3 3.0 3.0
I have no way to tell 22 22.0 22.0
Total 100 100.0 100.0
FINDING AND CONCLUSION
This study shows that social media is being used by members of Lahore
Gymkhana, especially the Facebook and Twitter. They spend almost 30 minutes to one
hour every day to surf these sites. It is also seen that social media is more used for
personal reasons. One important element was rough treatment at social media but this
study indicated that most of the respondents were free from victimization. More usage of
social media at home indicates that many respondents have internet and other facilities at
home and they feel comfortable to usage social media at home instead of work
environment. Respondent’s responses indicate their preferences for making contacts with
family and friends.
It is concluded that use of social media is rapidly increasing in Pakistan and it is
being used positively for seeking knowledge and making friends.
REFERENCES
Asur, S., & Huberman, B. A. (2010, August). Predicting the future with social media. In
Web Intelligence and Intelligent Agent Technology (WI-IAT), 2010
IEEE/WIC/ACM International Conference on (Vol. 1, pp. 492-499). IEEE
Boyd, danah. (2007) “Why Youth (Heart) Social Network Sites: The role of networked
Publics in Teenage Social Life.” MacArthur Foundation Series on Digital Learning
–Youth, Identity, and Digital Media Volume (ed. David Buckingham). Cambridge,
MA: MIT Press
Facebook. (2012, Dec 10) Retrieved from website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facebook
Schrock, A., (2009). Examining Social Media Usage: Technology Clusters and Social
Network Site Membership. First Monday, 14(1): 5
Bashir, Sakina., Mahmood, Khalid., Shafique, Farzana. Internet use among university
students: A survey in University of the Punjab, Lahore
Dewing, Michael. (2010). Social media: an introduction, Library of Parliament,
Kaplan, M. Andreas., Haenlein Michael. (2010). Users of the world unite! The Challenges
and opportunities of Social Media Business Horizons, 53(1), 59–68.
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Purcell, Kristen. (2011) search and email still top the list of most popular online activities.
Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/2011/08/09/search-and-email-still-top-
the-list-of-most-popular-online-activities
Idrees, Haroon., Rehman, Ali. Internet use Behaviour of the LIS Community in Pakistan
Library Philosophy and Practice, http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/481/
Ivana Hebrang Grgic, (2013) "Croatian school libraries on Facebook: meeting the needs
of young library users", New Library World, 114 (9/10), pp.416 – 427
Nielsen. (2011). State of the Media: The Social Media Report Q3 2011. Nielsen. Retrieved
from http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/social.
Sampson, Barry. (2010) An introduction to social media and learning, Inside Learning
Technology and Skills, 113
Scott, Linda. (2010). Social Media: Introduction to Social Media. Naea : web & e-
communications Manager.
Z. David Xia (2009), Marketing library services through Facebook groups
Library Management Volume: 30 Issue: 6/7
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Information Resources, Facilities and Services in Public Libraries: A Survey
of the Users’ Satisfaction in Model Town Library, Lahore
Ms. Saima Hanif Regional Coordinator Libraries (North)
The City School Network
ABSTRACT
This research paper aims to survey the information resources, facilities and
services provided by the Model Town public Library, Lahore. The user’s satisfaction level
was surveyed. This survey was used to know how much the users are satisfied and it was
found that users were more satisfied with facilities but less satisfied with information
resources and services. Data collection was done through a Questionnaire and the data
were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages, mean and standard
deviation. The decision point was 3.5 since the questionnaire was a five point scale 5=
Very satisfied, 4=satisfied, 3=Adequate, 2=Dissatisfied, 1=Strongly Dissatisfied. An item
having a mean of 3.5 and more than 3.5 was considered as satisfied while an item having a
mean of less than 3.5 was regarded as dissatisfied. The library was found to be useful for
the users however the user’s satisfaction level was not higher. This study found that users
were more satisfied with facilities but less satisfied with information resources and
services. This article will be useful for library authorities and professionals to plan out the
policies and rules for improving the level of satisfaction with resources, facilities and
services.
INTRODUCTION
Public libraries are for all the citizens. As public library is an important part of the
society, therefore, services of Model Town Public Library are also not restricted to any
class but these services are freely available to all. International Encyclopedia of
information and library science.(2003) defines the public libraries as “Libraries that are
provided through public funding, for public use and the public good, public library make
use of material in printed, audio visual and electronic format in order to collect, preserve,
organize, retrieve, disseminate and communicate information, ideas and the creative
product of human imagination”
Prytherch, Ray. (2005) for the public libraries stated that “A library provided
wholly or partially from public funds, and the use of which is not restricted to any class of
person in the community but is freely available to all”
At the present time the expectations and the information requirements are changing
continuously. In this scenario, the libraries have to re-orient their services and facilities
and the feedback of user is always considered the most reliable factor for measuring the
effectiveness of any library.
OBJECTIVES
To reveal the present status of resources facilities and services in Model town
public library.
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To survey the user’s satisfaction level regarding existing resources, facilities and
services.
In the light of the study, to have suggestions and recommendations for the
enhancement and development of the Model town public library of Lahore.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Very few efforts have been made to evaluate the resources, physical facilities and
services in public libraries of Lahore, especially to know the users satisfaction level. So
the literature review of the following resources is used.
Khurshid (1961) observed in his article “Public libraries in Pakistan” that existing
facilities available in these libraries are far below the standard of new Public Libraries.
This is the reason that the use of public libraries is less. For the good use of public
libraries the physical facilities and services should be improved.
Sattar , (1975) conducted the survey in public libraries in Punjab and investigated
that most of the buildings of public libraries are not functional, having less space and
insufficient number of seats. Collection of facilities is not up to the mark.
Godfrey, (1977) has stated that, proper furniture and suitable arrangement of
lighting is necessary for good use of a library. All the instruments to avoid from flood and
fire are also included. He suggests the proper number of heaters and air conditions for
pleasant environment in public libraries. He also suggests a good and peaceful location for
library, where the users may not be disturbed due to external noise.
Basharat, (1978) conducted a survey on the use of public libraries in Lahore. He
studied their acquisition policy, collection budget and library building, staff and services.
Five Public libraries
(Dayal Singh public library, Punjab public library, Dar-us-Salam, municipal
corporation and Pakistan national center) were selected.
Nolan, (1980) stated that the public libraries should be located near the community
and there should be facilities of parking for the users and staff. There should be
comfortable furniture according to collection, staff and user’s requirement because all
these physical facilities directly affect the user’s attitude and behavior.
William (1980) has described about the public library building, its design, size and
furniture. He mentions the design, size and number of chairs tables and study carrels for
users and scholars. Equipment like computer, scanner, printer and audio-visual aids are
also included for pleasant environment of a public library, He emphasis on the proper
number of A.C, heater and lighting system.
Sharma, (1987) stated that public library building should be functional and
modular. Functional and modular building allows flexibility and space adjustment. Public
libraries should have adequate provision for natural and artificial lighting. While planning
and construction a public library building, keeping in the mind the necessity of computer
lab, different kind of rooms, connected units should be adjacent to each other.
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Mirza, (1997) evaluated the services of five public libraries. A little information
has given about the physical facilities in this research. Library building, furniture, cooling,
heating, lighting and other equipment included in the study. He found that four libraries
are built according to its functional needs.51% respondents were satisfied with lighting,
heating and cooling, 91% respondents were satisfied with the comfortable and peaceful
environment and they were not disturbed by the internal and external noise.
Ahmed (2007) conducted a survey “physical facilities in public libraries of
Lahore”. He mentioned that many problems are due to lack of budget, public library
legislation is needed badly, there should be separate reading rooms with every section and
mostly public libraries have ancient type of furniture.
The current scenario does not show that the number of Public Libraries is
sufficient in Pakistan, there is no exact data of public libraries whereas it is assumed the
number of public libraries is not more than 400 for the people of Pakistan but the existing
public libraries along with their unsatisfactory conditions are fully trying to provide the
maximum possible facilities and services to their users.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Public libraries enable the public to access information easily and efficiently. It is a
well-known reality that public libraries are playing vital role in any society, however little
research is reported about user satisfaction level with the services and resources provided
by public libraries in Pakistan. This is the main reason that very less literature is available
regarding user’s satisfaction level. On the other hand public libraries cannot improve
without knowing the satisfaction level of their users. This survey has been design to know
the user’s satisfaction level regarding information resources, facilities and services
provided by the Model Town public library, located in a posh area of Lahore and serving
an educated class. The results of this study will helpful for the authorities to streamline the
thinking regarding the sources and services provided by Public Libraries.
METHODOLOGY
The descriptive survey research was used in this study. Hundred (100) users were
chosen using the availability sampling technique. Questionnaire was prepared for the
collection of data and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as
percentages, mean and standard deviation. Decision point was fixed at 3.5 while the
questionnaire was a five point scale 5= Very satisfied, 4=satisfied, 3=Adequate,
2=Dissatisfied, 1=Strongly Dissatisfied.
Any item having a mean of 3.5 and more than 3.5 was considered as satisfied
while an item having a mean of less than 3.5 was considered as dissatisfied.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
For getting the demographic information about the respondents different group
options were given to the respondents to choose the relevant one regarding their Gender,
age and qualification. Collected data has been represented in the figures A, B and C.
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A: Gender of Respondent
The diagram showing the gender of respondent is clearly showing that the number
of male participants was higher than the females.
B: Age group of Respondent
The Diagram for age group of respondent, showing that the age of mostly
participant was up to 25. While the number of participants having the age group of 46-55
was the smallest.
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C : Qualification of Respondent
The above mentioned diagram is showing that most of the participants were
bachelor and master degree holders.
Respondents Satisfaction with the Information Resources, facilities and
Services For the interpretation of results the researcher considered those users satisfied with
resources, facilities and services, having the mean score of 3.5 and more than 3.5. The
statements were categorized for data analysis. These categories are:
INFORMATION RESOURCES:
Table 1
Descriptive Statistics of Respondent’s Satisfaction with the Information Resources.
Statements Mean Std.
Deviation
Decision
Fiction Books in this library? 3.25 1.018 Not Satisfied
Non-Fiction Books in this library? 3.21 .9877 Not Satisfied
Text Books in this library? 3.12 1.273 Not Satisfied
Journals in this library? 3.69 1.160 Satisfied
Magazines and Newspaper in this library? 4.29 1.056 Satisfied
Reference Books in this library? 3.58 1.046 Satisfied
Audio Visual Material in this library? 2.52 1.184 Not satisfied
CD ROMs in this library? 2.25 1.209 Not Satisfied
Toys in this Library? 3.01 1.359 Not Satisfied
Table 1 shows the descriptive statistics of respondent’s satisfaction with the
Information Resources of Model Town Public Library. They were asked to rate different
statements against a five point Likert scale.
The result revealed that users were not satisfied with these resources. The first,
second and third item on table 1 is on the level of Not satisfied with fiction , non-fiction
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and text books and they had mean of 3.25, 3.21 and 3.12, while no one can deny the
importance of fiction , text books and non-fiction books because reading the fiction and
nonfiction books can help children to develop their reading habits and interest in reading.
The reading habit develops the imaginative capacity and confidence. It also impact on
their future career choices. Even for the reluctant readers the nonfiction books are very
useful and a way to engage them with reading. Text books are compulsory for the course
needs.
So the implication is, many of the children and adults who are coming to use the
library are unable to have access to this valuable resource and there is no doubt that it will
affect the capability of readers. On the other hand the other resources which are equally
important like, magazines, Journals, news papers, reference books among other had a
mean of more than 3.5 which shows the users satisfaction with these resources.
Audio video material and CD ROM’s availability and toys again showing the
dissatisfaction level with mean of 2.52, 2.25 and 3.01 .Overall average for all the items
indicated that users are not satisfied with the overall information resources at Model Town
Public library. Overall average for all these items shows that the readers are not satisfied
with these resources.
Table 2
User’s satisfaction with available facilities
Statements Mean Std.
Deviation
Decision
Reading Tables in this library? 4.09 .9438 Satisfied
Sitting Chairs in this library? 3.99 1.010 Satisfied
Toilet Facilities in this library? 3.53 1.105 Satisfied
Fan and Air Conditions in this library? 3.57 1.342 Satisfied
Lightings in this library? 3.72 1.101 Satisfied
Ventilations in this library? 3.63 1.116 Satisfied
Restaurant facilities in this library? 2.12 1.281 Not Satisfied
Photo Copier Facilities in this library? 2.14 1.247 Not Satisfied
Bookshelves facilities in this library? 3.50 1.218 Satisfied
Notice Board facilities in this library? 3.20 1.119 Not Satisfied
Parking Space in this library?
2.72 1.318 Not Satisfied
Computers in this library?
3.19 1.211 Not Satisfied
Entrance and Exit facilities in this library? 3.63 1.001 Satisfied
In the Table 2 it is clear that users are satisfied with the furniture, Toilet, lighting
and entrance and exit facilities at Model Town Public library. However, table 2 shows that
users are not satisfied with the Restaurant, photocopier facility, Notice board facilities,
parking facilities and computers, with mean of 2.12, 2.14, 3.20, 2.72 and 3.19
respectively. However, it is very important for the public library to have photocopier
because many readers may have the need of photocopies for those resources which are not
allowed to take out of the library.
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Table 3
User’s satisfaction with available services
Statements Mean Std.
Deviation
Decision
Community Information services in this library? 3.31 1.107 Not Satisfied
Reference services in this library? 3.50 .9692 Satisfied
Issue Return services in this library? 2.60 1.287 Not Satisfied
Telephone Service in this library? 2.39 1.294 Not Satisfied
Audio Visual Services in this library?
2.52 1.184 Not Satisfied
Online Internet Search services in this library? 3.24 1.577 Not Satisfied
The libraries are made to serve the readers. Thus, the library eservices is the main
product of the library. In the table no 3 the user’s satisfaction level with services of the
Model town Public Library is clear with a mean of 3.50.while remaining all the services
which are already less in numbers are unable to satisfy the users. These services were,
Community information services with a mean of 3.31,Issue and return services with a
mean of 2.60,telephone services with a mean of 2.39,Audio visual services with a mean of
2.52 and Online internet services with a mean of 3.24.With all these services users are not
satisfied.
The Model Town Public Library needs to improve its services to fulfill the purpose
of a public library.
Suggestions provided by participants: Sr. No Suggestions Frequency
1 collection of books should be increased 80
2 Photocopy facility should be available 99
3 Library timing should be increased 85
4 Internet facility should be available for long hours 75
5 Literature books must be increased. 70
6 Canteen/cafeteria facility must be available 99
7 Facilities should be according to temperature, like Ac/Heaters 88
8 Place for reading newspapers should be separate 25
9 In November the library should not be closed 10
10 The lighting should be proper 55
11 Water supply in washrooms. The washrooms should be clean 83
12 Switch boxes should be near the reading tables 35
13 library should not be on the main road 15
14 Female users should be provided with separate computers and
internet facilities.
25
FINDINGS
The study has shown that although library users have shown their satisfaction with
some of the statements regarding services, facilities and information resources. Out of 29
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statements only 12 falls in the category of satisfaction level. The recommendations
provided by participants clearly show their needs and concerns.
Many users may not be aware with the complexities and administration of public
libraries but the authorities should take users expectations serious. Some suggestions
provided by the users were very serious. In short this is a significant finding that the
respondent’s satisfactory level is not higher with Services, resources and facilities.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The findings are showing clearly that the respondents are satisfied with many
facilities but not very satisfied with information Resources and with all the services
provided at Model Town public Library Lahore. The services are ultimately attached with
the resources. The better resources will provide better services so there is need to increase
the resources of public libraries to fulfill the needs of users.
It is hoped that the concerned authorities will pay attention on the points
recommended by the researcher. These points are actually the public’s need and to fulfill
the public’s need is the aim of Public Library. Many suggestions were made by the
participants, all the 100participants recommended their suggestions, the points on which
everyone focused are mentioned below in points.
1. The most important thing that the collection of books should be increased, text
books should be provided and new additions of books must be available specially
related to the topics of Law and Tex.
2. Photocopy facility should be available for the library users.
3. Library timing should be increased, many people when getting free time, unable to
use the library due to its limited time especially in evening.
4. During library hours the use of internet facility is fixed for few hours only this is a
basic facility which is not available full time in the library. The present condition
of computers is also not better. It is great demand that Wi-Fi service should be
provided.
5. The number of Literature books must be increased.
6. Canteen/cafeteria facility must be available in better form.
7. The temperature is highly affecting the user’s efficiency because reading halls are
extremely cold in winter and extremely hot in summers. Heater’s facility for winter
and Ac’s facility for summer should be available.
8. Place for reading newspapers should be separate and all the newspapers must be at
a specific place.
9. During the month of November the library is closed that time is very critical
especially for students.
10. The lighting should be proper and there is serious issue of water supply in
washrooms. The washrooms should be clean properly and regularly.
11. Switch boxes should be near the reading tables for laptop charging.
12. The library is located on the main road, the noise level disturbing the readers. The
library should be at peaceful place.
13. The female users should be provided with separate computers and internet
facilities.
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experiment in providing information services in a rural setting. Libri 34, 3:234- 62.
Cadotte, E.R., Woodruff, R.B., & Jenkins, R.L. (1987). Expectations and norms in
models of consumer satisfaction. Journal of Marketing Research 24: 305-314.
Danuta A.N. (1996). Changing the concept and measure of service quality in academic
libraries. Journal of Academic Librarianship 22(3): 181-90.
Fawowe, S.O. (1989). Students' use of an academic library: A survey at the University
of Ilorin Libraries. Nigerian Library and Information Science Review 7(1);
47-56.
International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) (2001). The public library
service: IFLA/UNESCO guidelines for development. Available:
http://www.ifla.org/VII/s8/proj/publ97.pdf
Iyiade, A.K., & Oladipupo, F.I. (2004). Survey and evaluation of the use of Osun State
Public Library Board, Osogbo. Gateway Library Journal 7 (2) 59-63.
Ojo, R.A., & Akande, S.O. (2005). Students access, usage and awareness of electronic
information resources at the University College Hospital Library, U.I, Ibadan.
Lagos Journal of Library & Information Science 3(1): 10-24. (khan A. , 2006b)
Onohwakpor, J.E. (2009). Evaluation of library system effectiveness and users'
satisfaction in the Delta State Public Library Board. (Ph.D Thesis) Abraka, Delsu:
Department of Library and Information Science.
The Schoolrun (2011) .The importance of fiction and non-fiction books for children.
Available: http://www.theschoolrun.com/articles/non- fiction-reading-
children-842
Thorhauge, J. (2003). Danish strategies in public library services to ethnic minorities.
IFLA Journal (4) 29: 312.
Uddin, M.N., Quaddus, M., & Islam, M.S. (2006). Socio-economic-cultural aspects and
mass information need: The case of public library users in Bangladesh. Library
Management 27(9): 636- 652.
Feather,John.International Encyclopedia of information and Library Science
(2003).London:Paul Starges Routledge.
Khurshid,Anis.(1961).Public Library Service in Pakistan.PLA Journal, 1(4):18-20, April.
Thompson,Godfrey.(1977).Planning and designing of Library buildings,2nd
edition.CRRI.
Pierce, William S.(1980). Furnishing the Library interior.New York:M.Dekker.
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Sharma,Pandey S.K.(1987).Libraries and Society. 2nd
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Prytherch,Ray.(2005).Harrod’s Librarians Glossary and Reference Book,Tenth edition
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Ahmed, Bilal. (2007). Physical Facilities in Public Libraries of Lahore.
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Bashir, A. (1977). College Libraries and Reference Services. Pakistan Library Bulletin,
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Haq, I. (1993). Reference Services in Quaid i Azam Library. PULSAA, 77-90.
Jamil, H. (Mar-June,1991). Public Library Development in pakista. Pakistan Library
Bullitin,22(1-2), 10-13.
khan, A. (1975). Punjab Public library:Aik Jaiza.(UnPublished Master Thesis,Department
of Library and Information Science,University of the Punjab,Lahore).
khan, A. (2006b). Reference Librarian's Services and Customers satisfaction. Pakistan
Library and Information Science Journal, 37(2), 30-37.
Khursid, A. (1961). Public Library Service in Pakistan. Quarterly Journal of pakistan
Library association, 18-20.
King, D. B. (2005). User Surveys:Libraries ask,'Hey, How am I doing? Law Library
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M.Basharat. (1978). A Survey on the use of public Libraries in Lahore. (Un-Published
Master Thesis,Department of Library and Information Secience,University of the
Punjab,Lahore.)
Majeed, S. (1998). Evaluation of Reader's Services of the Punjab University
Library.(UnPublished Master Thesis,Department of Library and Information
Science,University of the Punjab,Lahore).
Mirza, M. S. (1996). Evaluation of Public Library Services of Lahore. (Unpublised Master
thesis, Library and infromation science department,university of the
Punjab,Lahore).
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SAARC Documentation Centre: An overview
Mr. Muhammad Yousuf Ali Librarian/Incharge Research, Reference & Faculty Section
Sindh Madressatul Islam University, Karachi [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Documentation Centers play proactive role in providing instant information to its
user. The purpose of this paper is to explore the status of SAARC documentation Centre
(SDC). This paper analyzes the role of this center for promoting research and education
among member countries. This study has identified and critical appraised the services,
resource, and other collaborative activities among the member countries. In this study
multi method approach was adopted to carry out the analysis of SDC. Literature searching,
web surfing was conducted to get basic information about the status of SDC. Informal
discussions ware held with professional experts in Pakistan, social network face book &
twitter etc. This study found that this platform has provided enormous opportunities to
faculty, scholars, researchers and professionals to acquire information for conducting their
research. This study has also highlighted the advantages of SDC for research community
in Pakistan and member countries.
Key Words: Documentation center, SAARC, Overview
INTRODUCTION
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established
when its Charter was formally adopted on 8 December 1985 by the Heads of States or
Governments of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka (Rai
2010). Afghanistan joined SAARC as a Member at the Fourteenth SAARC Summit,
Delhi, on April 3-4, 2007 (Dwivedi, 2010).This association provides a platform for the
people of South Asia to work together in a spirit of friendship, trust and understanding. It
aims to promote the welfare of the people of South Asia and to improve their quality of
life through accelerated economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the
region. Cooperation in the SAARC is based on respect for the principles of sovereign,
equality, territorial integrity, political independence, noninterference in internal affairs of
the member states and mutual benefits. Regional cooperation is seen as a complement to
the bilateral and multilateral relations of SAARC Member States. Decisions are taken on
the basis of unanimity and bilateral and contentious issues are excluded from the
deliberations of SAARC.
SSARC region occupies an area of 5,136,740 square km and host population of
1,467,255,669. The entire GDP of SAARC countries is US$ 4,074,031 and per capita
income is US$ 2,777 ((Patra, & Chand, 2009). For fast track growth and socio-economic
development in region, we need more advances in the field of science, technology, health,
agriculture, education and other sectors. Education is the main source of inspiration to
meet the challenges faced by member states. Education is one of the most interesting
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phenomena in this region. Education status of all the member states is illustrated and
shown as under.
Table 1
Literacy & Population Rate
S.No Country Name Population Literacy Rate
1 Maldives 328,536 99.2%
2 Sri Lanka 20,263,723 91.2%
3 India 1,270,272,105 76.04%
4 Nepal 26,494,504 60.30%
5 Bangladesh 158,570,535 56.80%
6 Pakistan 187,343,000 54.9%
7 Bhutan 742,737 47.00%
8 Afghanistan 33,995,331 28.00%
Population and literary rate of SAARC Region (source : http:www.wikipedia.org)
By taking into consideration the above scenario SAARC organization has
contributed towards the realization of goals of education and research in this region.
Among different centers created in different counties, one center was established in
Pakistan. SAARC Documentation Centre, established in the year 1994, is one of the
Regional Centers of SAARC (Ray, 2007). It acts as an effective information system for
the SAARC member states that enables exchange of information in the areas of biological,
physical, chemical, engineering and life sciences as well as in developmental matters.
SAARC documentation center is the under the host of INSDOC (26) SDC acts as a
repository of documents/reports produced in the region and on the region about scientific,
technical, economical, industry-related and developmental matters. Publications of the
SDC include the Directory of Research and Industrial Institutions in the SAARC Region
and Select Bibliography on Alternative Systems of Medicine in the SAARC Region.
OBJECTIVES OF STUDY
This study intends to achieve following objectives:
To find the nature of nature of publication of the center
To ascertain what services and activities are conducted by the center.
METHODOLOGY
In this study multi method approach was adopted to carry out the analysis of SDC.
Literature searching, web surfing was conducted to get basic information about the status
of SDC. Informal discussions ware held with professional experts in Pakistan. Content
analysis was conducted of SDC accounts on social networks like face book & twitter etc.
Status of SAARC documentation center Objectives and services of center
One of the objectives of the SAARC Documentation Centre (SDC) is to meet the
information needs of the scholars in the SAARC region. This objective of the SDC is
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fulfilled through an array of information services. SAARC documentation center was
established to achieve the following objectives:
To meet the information needs of the scholars in the SAARC region
To harness the applications of information technology in information management
in Member States
To create Traditional Knowledge Digital Libraries, e-journal Access facility,
networking the focal points for SAARC Member States
To develop the web enabled databases of SDC information and to provide the
other information related to its activities, programmes, meetings, events, etc.
To facilitate in furthering the economic, social, and industrial development of the
Member States by providing timely access to relevant and accurate information
The resources for the information services are drawn from the Centre's own
resources and also from the well-endowed resources of the SDC's host institution,
NISCAIR. SDC provide following web technology service to communicate it users like
(SDC-ON-Facebook, SDC Blog, SDC Slide share, RSS Feeds, SDC Tweet, SDC
Wikipedia, +Google). Scholars and students of the SAARC region are invited to avail the
following services of the SDC:
a. Literature Search Service
b. Contents, Abstract & Photocopy Service (CAPS)
c. Document Copy Supply Service
d. Consultancy Services in setting up Digital Libraries in member States
e. Library Services
f. E-journals Access
g. Technical Query service
Publications of the center
Key factor and focus of resource sharing of SDC is its publication which are vital
to all the member state. Specially it Directory and Directory of Research, Bibliography
publication is the key resource of information member state.
The directory of Training Facilities in the SAARC Region
The SAARC directory of Training Facilities covers list of institutions providing
training / education in the field of Library and Information Science in SAARC Region.
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The directory of periodicals in the SAARC Region
The SAARC directory of periodicals covers all the current and active publications
published in the SAARC region. The periodicals cover a wide range of subjects viz.
Agriculture, Health, Population Activities and Child Welfare, Economics, Environment
and Meterology, Energy, Physical and Chemical Sciences, Poverty Eradication, Rural
Development, Science and Technology, Tourism, Trade and Transport etc.
SAARC Abstracts on Developmental Matters
The main objective of publication is to have effective bibliographic control of
literature. Development matters originating from SAARC countries and consolidate this
information in database from which will serve as a reference tool for managers, planners
and decision makers on one hand and the research workers in institutions and R&D labs
on the other hand.
The developmental matters covered are: -
Information Technology
Environmental Science
Biotechnology
Energy
Bibliography on Alternative System of Medicine in the SAARC Region
SAARC region has been a treasure house of knowledge on the Alternative Systems
of Medicine. Enormous amount of literature is published every year on this topic. In this
bibliography an attempt has been made to collate this wealth of information and create a
machine-readable database of the available literature on the Alternative Systems of
Medicines practiced in the SAARC countries. The information has been collected mostly
from articles published in journals but monographs as well as papers presented in
conferences, etc. have also been covered.
Activities of the center
The three major activities of the SAARC Documentation Centre are firstly
organizing and conducting training courses and workshops, second is the collection
development and third is to render information services to its member countries.
Human resource development is an important activity of SDC. It conducts short
term and attachment training programmes in information technology applications for
library/documentation/information professionals in the Member States. The Centre also
offers information services for research scholars in the Member States.
The Centre on an average organizes two Short Term Training courses, two
Attachment Training Programmes and one Workshop every year. While the short term and
attachment training courses are conducted at New Delhi, the Workshop is organized by
the National Focal Point of a Member State. The focus of the training courses and the
workshop is mostly on the application of information technology to library and
information activities.
To provide information services to the scholars in the region, the SDC has been
steadily building its collection. It also draws on the information resources of its host
institution NISCAIR, whenever needed.
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SAARC National Focal Point of the center
In order to effectively implement the programmes of SDC, the National Focal
Points (NFPs) of the SDC have been established in each SAARC Member State. The
functioning of the SDC-NFP is administered by a Coordinator in each NFP. The NFPs
also play an important role in popularizing the activities and functions of SDC in the
respective Member States. The SDC-NFP Coordinators meet to ensure effective
coordination in implementing the programmes and activities of SDC. SDC-NFP meeting
takes place once in a year. This meeting is always organized before the Governing Board
Meeting. The main purpose of this meeting is to take review of the activities of NFP
Coordinators in the other countries and identify the program of next year.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Following recommendations are being forwarded here in the light of the above
findings about the center to make it more effective:
a. Library consortia should be building up among the SAARC member state through
SDC.
b. SDCL branch or regional offices should open all member state
c. SDCL should be held at least 1 conference by the Headquarter /regional office
and at least 2 representatives attend from the member state Library association.
d. All state Library association will contact to head of the state regarding the Set up
of the SDCL regional office rather than National Focal Person (NFP).
CONCLUSION
SDC is one of the good information sources of information to the member state as
well as all over the world. All the documents of SSARC Committees, subcommittee, all
SARRC Summit papers, SAARC Secretariat papers etc are available for researcher,
scholars and general users. These papers are helpful not only for the LIS researchers but
for also for researchers and scholars of other fields. There is urgent need to acquire/store
more data (articles, research paper, online journals etc) regarding SAARC member state to
expand this source regionally as well as globally.
REFERENCES
Dwivedi, R.(2010). India in world affairs, India 2010(pp 17-4). New Dehli: Tata McGraw
Hill.
Gupta B M, Mishra P K and Munshi U M. (2004) Regional collaboration in S &T among
the South Asian Countries. Annals of Library and information Science Studies 51
(4), 121-132.
Rai, A ed. (2010). General Knowledge degist 2010 pp.3-18. New Dehli, Tata McGraw
Hill.
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Ray , J K.(2007). Center of studies in civilization: Aspect of Indian International
civilization PHISPC, p.453.
Patra, S.K. & Chand, P.(2009). Library and Information Science research in SAARC and
ASEAN countries as reflected thorugh LISA. Annuals of library & information
Science studies 56(1),41-51.
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Promotion of library and Information services and resources and user
awareness: A case study of SCEE NUST Library Islamabad
Mr. Naimat Ullah Shah Assistant at SCEE, NUST, Islamabad, Pakistan
Dr. Haroon Idrees Assistant Professor
DLIS, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
ABSTRACT
This study has been taken to evaluate the approach adopted by library
professionals for the promotion of information services and resources of SCEE NUST
(School of Civil and Environmental Engineering National University of Science and
Technology Islamabad) Library and elicit the level of awareness among students towards
services and resources. A well structured interview was conducted amongst the library
officers to ascertain the modes used for the promotion of services and resources.
Interviews of ten users of SCEE NUST library were also conducted to find their level of
awareness about library services and resources. The responses were gathered from 10
users (4 female and 6 male users). The survey found that library professional used Email
alerts, library website, Facebook page, newsletters, brochures, notice boards and
displaying fresh arrivals and library website for the promotion of information resources
and services of the library. Most of (90%) the respondents were aware about information
services and resources through promotional activities done by SCEE NUST library. On
the base of the findings, it is suggested that library professional should regularly conduct
these promotional activities to improve awareness of the users through promotion of
information services and products of the libraries.
Key Words: Promotion, Library and Information Service, Brochures, Newsletter, new
arrivals, web page, resources.
INTRODUCTION
The word library can be used as an information center and the user of information
center are the consumers of information. Information is a very important source for
national growth. Growing awareness of the job of information has concluded in the
organization of information systems to give a quality of information services and
resources. Awareness about services and resources is necessary in the preparation,
scheming, and use of these services and resources for most favorable use of information.
Library acquisition, managing and distribution should be based on the current concept of
marketing. Federal area public sector universities libraries of Pakistan have ascended
enormously in quantity, basic structure serving people and service quality ever since the
inception of first library of such type in this area. (Jestin & Parameswari, 2005) has
examined that the progressively more important function of information is the outcome in
information systems that give a quality of services and products to users. The authors
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believe that library services should be based on the current concept of marketing to attain
user satisfaction, and to care for a society of users to improve the library's representation
in the view of the users.
Despite the fact that the idea of promoting the library services is relatively new, the
same has become essential for the amelioration of libraries in federal area of Pakistan.
Promotion of the library and information services will be very important and must not
only be strongly canvassed for, but also must be carefully executed. The quick emergent
sectors of the market of the world like foods, banking, publicity and electronics,
information and communication technology win to where are they at present not because
they propose free services and goods, but for the reason that of their "litheness",
"compromise" and "on loan-leave" attitude (Adeyoyin, 2005).
The term promotion has been variously defined but yet the definition that suits our
context more appropriately is cited by (Kotler) comes from American marketing
association which says that promotion is the procedure of awareness of individuals and
organization motives which involves the planning carrying out the distribution of ideas,
goods, services which result in such an exchange that would satisfy concerned individuals
or organizational motives. We may compare a library with market that is there to provide
information where as the user is the consumer of information that the library provides. For
the achievement of user satisfaction libraries need to improve practice of promoting of
library services and resources through better promotional techniques and circulation of
information. In order to compete with ever-growing internet and other information
technology facilities and to attract user libraries ought to improve their services by
upgrading their culture which is only attainable through constant efforts. (Kotler & Fox,
1995) is of the view that universities, museums charities and libraries must promote their
resources and services to achieve political social, and economic sponsorship.
Libraries must look for new and original steps to enhance their service quality and
to expand their user base. For this purpose they must focus on user need and ways to
attract and aware user through powerful and effective promotion. According to (Kotler,
1997) promotion embraces various aspects like analysis, planning and carefully devised
programs to enable willful exchange with target markets to meet organizations goals. This
is dependent on effective pricing, communication and distribution for informing and
motivating as well as providing a service to the organization. Promotion may also be
defined as the management process which is there to identify , anticipate and ensure
efficient supplies in line with customer requirements(Nicholas, 1998). As the users of
libraries are usually unknown therefore the process of satisfying library users varies
enormously from the process of sale and promotion. But in case of library, promotion is
restricted to known users having specific requirements.
The concept of promotion in information sector has been debated for a long period
by librarians and information experts and many factors have been responsible in making
us learn and implement promotional techniques. Librarianship is evolving continuously
and rapidly. Information technology has played an important role in making libraries and
information centers more competitive and alert. Libraries have been constantly under
pressure due to information revolution. Factors such as budget cuts, increased numbers of
users, rising cost and complexity in information requirements are constantly compelling
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professionals to espouse marketing to improve management of library and information
centers.
The main objectives of promotion are to make aware and meet the requirements
through identifying client base as well as supply the right kind of service and products. As
this concept gives extreme importance to customer satisfaction so customer are the main
focus of the concept. . (J. Rowley, 2001) Term promotion as a process of awareness of
LIS services in a way is beneficial for efficient, and proper delivery of goods and services
to customers. This study is confined to the scope of subject to promotion of information
products and services. A university library has to identify its objectives, users and their
particular needs and to provide such service and product which embrace the identified
aims. This implies that university libraries are now becoming more market oriented in
which every single operation aims at not only satisfying customer satisfaction but also
creating, awaking and enhancing the existing demand by attractiveness of users (Kavulya,
2004).
LITERATURE REVIEW
All kinds of libraries need to focus on adopting a customer-centered and strategic
promotional planning to ensure effective library management (Cooper, 2000). The long
standing concept that that libraries are the natural places for the fulfillment of information
needs has now been replaced by the pressure of providing quality services in time based
on customer orientation(Leisner, 1995) . The increase in services has not been coordinated
by service management’s considerate or taking of the marketing concept. Service oriented
organizations has low rate to take up marketing activities and techniques that, in product
promotion, have bring satisfaction to customers and beneficial to producers (Adeyoyin,
2005). The promotional idea is founded on client satisfaction; this involves knowing client
needs and then fulfills to gather those needs (J. E. Rowley, 1995).According to (Kotler,
1994)promotional tools as the explanation to achieving organizational aims consist in
shaping the needs and demand of the users and giving the full satisfactions more fruitfully
and resourcefully than the competitors; the promotional tools rests on four type pillars,
that are target market, customer needs, coordinated marketing and profitability. It has been
observed that libraries still to absolutes techniques of promotion, advertising and public
relation which aim to convince the library users that the already existing services are more
than their requirements (Kavulya, 2004). According to (Weingand, 2001) users usually
gauge the advantage of a library on the basis of previous experiences and knowledge of
quality and types of services being offered. so it is necessary to inter-act with customers
regarding with their previous experiences of using the libraries are meeting the
expectation of users marketing may go a long in promotion .according to (Morgan &
Noble, 1992) believe that adoption of promotional techniques as a basic organizing
process is inventible for the survival of libraries and according to this is the only way in an
era of where rapid technological changes are taking place. (Weingand, 1995) holds the
same opinion as he considers that promotion is a marketing tool that is essential to meet
organizational objectives of libraries where satisfying customers is the top priority.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
The proposed study focuses on promotional activities of the libraries that create
awareness among the users about their Library's services and resources. Since promotion
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is an important aspect in libraries but little work has been done on it in libraries. A lot is
needed to be done on promotion of library information services and resources, because it
is essential to match with basic standards of librarian ship to make use of good resources
and provide good services in time.
OBJECTIVES
The study will meet the following objectives:
• To know about the promotional activities in the library under study.
• To identify the tools used for the promotion of information resources and service
in the universities libraries.
• To know about the level of awareness of the users about information resources and
services.
• To give recommendation for the better utilization of information resources and
services.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
• What are the practiced promotional activities in the libraries under study?
• What are the tools used for the promotion of information of resources and
services?
• What is the level of awareness of the users about information resources and
services?
• What are the recommendations for the better utilization of library by applying
appropriate promotional activities?
METHODOLOGY
The study will be qualitative in nature and structured interview method will be
used for the purpose of the study. The target population for this study will be the users of
SCEE NUST library of Islamabad. Structured interview method will used as a tool for
data collection. Two questionnaires will be developed, one for the librarian to collect data
about the library and current promotional activities and another will be used to collect data
from the library users to know about their level of awareness about current information
services and resources. A sample of 10 users will be selected from SCEE NUST library by
using convenient sampling technique.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
SCEE NUST library The described data was collected by interview with library officer of SCEE NUST
library. National university of Science and technology is a top ranked engineering
University of Pakistan and also ranked in top 150 universities of Asia and in top 500
universities of the world. School of Civil and Environmental Engineering National
University of Science and Technology (SCEE NUST) library was established in 2003.It
has a wonderful building that includes computer lab, stacks, reference section, circulation
area, study area, Periodical section, reception and is fully air-conditioned. The traditional
collection of the library crossed the point of 15000 volumes which cover all disciplines of
civil and environmental engineering and also cover historical and Islamic, literature. The
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number of subscribed journals is 13 which cover wide area of required civil and
environmental engineering researchers and also subscribed top level of electronic database
which provide access to academic research journals. The users of the library are more than
900.
Promotional Activities at SCEE NUST Library Presently it is not sufficient if libraries just offer a high-quality service. Libraries
need to 'show' what we do and this message should get to the customer very quickly.
Libraries are competing with a range of groups such as the mass media, electronic media,
internet, information brokers, and others. The aim of any promotional movement in
libraries is to raise the customer foundation (Rani, 2007).
No doubt that it is international phenomena that you have to promote your library
and if you have to promote your library and take promotional steps these steps are not
beneficial just for users but beneficial for the institution as a whole. If the user of the
library knows about resources and services of the library they use those maximum times
and thus you will be in the position that you market your resources and services more and
more. SCEE NUST library uses a lot of activities to promote the library services and
resources. In this regard they preferred a library web page, face book page in the
institutional library name and time to time update their status. Secondly the library officer
arranges the orientation program for the users and during study inside the library keeps
inquiring the user about any problem(s) being faced while using the services in the library,
and tells them regarding the awareness about library services and resources and urges
them to visit the library web page. They use SMS and send mail to the students and
faculty about new services. Library also has a separate fresh arrival section. The students
come over there and get to know about the new arrivals. Library uses signboards’ as a
promotional tool for different type of resources. It guides the students about different type
of collections and sections of the library.
Some of the techniques used for promotion of library resources and services in
SCEE NUST Library are as under:
E-Mail Alerts: Libraries send mails to their users. The addresses of the users can be
achieved from library member ship form of user.
Orientation Programmes: In university libraries librarians construct a brief presentation
about the library show out their resources and services.
Brochures: Libraries can create well designed, interesting, attractive brochures. These
brochures should highlight benefits to the user and should keep the user engaged till the
end.
Newsletters: Library's Newsletter works as a medium of letting the user know the variety
of library activities, also those that have already taken place, or those that are designed for
the future. Newsletter can work as a good promotional tool.
Facebook Page: Can work as an excellent promotional tool .The librarian should promote
their services and resources through FB page. Like new arrival list may be displayed at FB
page. Timing and introduction of new services are provided by library.
Library Website: A well designed and easily usable page automatically commercializes
library and can be a good tool for promotional activities. any new information can be
easily uploaded and the website also works as a notice board.
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Notice Board/ Sign Board: This can provide easy and in time access to the users to the
resources and services. It may also used for awareness of users regarding library
resources.
Fresh Arival Section: This section can work as good promotional tool .the student come
over there and come to know about the new arrivals.
FINDINGS OF THE USER SURVEY
The Described data was collected through interviews taken from 10 users of the
SCEE NUST library, in which 4 respondents are female users and 6 respondents are male
users of the library.
Male Female
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Re
sp
on
de
nts (%
)
Gender
50% of the respondents visit the library three times a week, 20% of them visits the library
once a week and 30% visit daily.
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Daily Visit Once a week Thrice a week
0
10
20
30
40
50
Visito
rs (%
)
Ratio of Visit
Most of the respondents (90%) become aware about information services and
resources of SCEE NUST library through web page and face book page and (70%) by
attending library Orientation programs, seminars/conferences and workshops. All of the
respondents (100%) use the Signboards to find out books in their fields of interest. More
than 60% of the respondents keep themselves up to date through published Newsletters
and Brochures and by face book page/ library website.
A majority (90%) of the respondents knows about newly acquired books and e-
resources of the library through fresh arrivals section. Through e-mails (40%) about
newly acquired books. A majority of the respondents need and take help from the library
staff for their needful information in their respective field of interest. .
On the basis of the findings, some suggestions are deposited to improve the
promotion of library information services and resources.
Current awareness tools such as brochures, newsletters, new arrival lists should be
prepared, compiled and disseminated regularly and properly.
Orientation programs should be used to inform users about new and up-to-date
information needed by them.
Conferences and workshops should be conducted to aware the users about the use
of resources and services.
CONCLUSION
Promotion is necessary for every library for awareness of the library users about
their current information services and resources. The achievement and continued existence
of academic libraries is dependent on receiving the users to use the library information
services and resources since a library with no users is a waste of time and to achieve
something in this it is necessary to let the users be aware of the individual of the library
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and information services and resources. So the academic libraries should use promotional
techniques to know the requirements of their users and to sketch successfully to fulfill
their necessities and needs.
The crucial mean of the promotion at this time is to make users aware about the
accurate information to the right user in the right time. Keeping in view the emerging
scenario we may conclude that promotion is well organized process of marketing which
requires planning, analysis of customer needs in order to find ways for promotion of LIS
services this needs in such a way that is beneficial for both the costumer and the
organization (Durkin & Howcroft, 2003).
REFERENCES
Adeyoyin, S. O. (2005)." Strategic planning for marketing library services". Library
Management, 26(8/9), 494-507.
Cooper, L. G. (2000)." Strategic marketing planning for radically new products". The
Journal of Marketing, 1-16.
Durkin, M. G., & Howcroft, B. (2003)." Relationship marketing in the banking sector: the
impact of new technologies". Marketing Intelligence & Planning, 21(1), 61-71.
Jestin, J., & Parameswari, B. (2005). "Marketing of information products and services for
libraries in India". Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 32.
Kavulya, J. M. (2004). "Marketing of library services: a case study of selected university
libraries in Kenya". Library Management, 25(3), 118-126.
Kotler, P. "Marketing Management, 2000". The Millennium Edition. Prentice Hall.
Kotler, P. (1994). Administração de marketing: análise, planejamento, implementação e
controle; Marketing administration: analysis, planning, implementation and
control: Atlas.
Kotler, P. (1997). "The marketing for nations: a strategic approach to building nation
wealth".
Kotler, P., & Fox, K. F. (1995). Strategic marketing for educational institutions.
Leisner, T. (1995). "Should libraries engage in marketing? "Paper presented at the
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. Conference.
Morgan, P., & Noble, S. (1992). "Marketing library and information services in the'90s".
Australian Library Journal, 41, 283-283.
Nicholas, J. (1998). "Marketing and promotion of library services". Paper presented at the
Library and Information Services in Astronomy III.
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Rani, S. (2007). "Marketing of information services and products in university libraries of
Punjab and Chandigarh (India): An exploratory Study". Electronic Journal of
Academic and Special Librarianship, 8(3).
Rowley, J. (2001)." Remodelling marketing communications in an Internet environment".
Internet Research, 11(3), 203-212.
Rowley, J. E. (1995). "From storekeeper to salesman: implementing the marketing concept
in libraries". Library review, 44(1), 24-35.
Weingand, D. E. (1995). "Preparing for the new millenium: the case for using marketing
strategies". Library Trends, 43(3), 295-317.
Weingand, D. E. (2001). Administration of the small public library: Chicago: American
Library Association.
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A Bird Eye View of France and French Libraries
Muhammad Ijaz Mairaj, PhD Librarian
Punjab Institute of Cardiology
Lahore
Five years ago, I got scholarship of Higher Education Commission (HEC),
Government of Pakistan under French-Pakistan Scientific and Technical Cooperation
Programme for my doctoral studies. I was very happy on getting scholarship for France,
but bit worried how to adjust in new environment especially when one does not know
French language before departure. Similarly, I was somewhat unaware about the status of
Library and Information Science (LIS) education in France. Perhaps it was due to the
presence of more LIS literature in French language.
During my stay in France, I had a chance to visit some cities, like: Paris, Lyon, Aix
en Provence, Vichy, Clermont Ferrand and Nice for language learning, studies or
recreations. Each city, I visited has its own distinction and values. The classic art and
architecture of Notre Dame, le Sacré Coeur (Sacred Heart) and Louvre Museum, amazing
Euro-Disney, walking on Champs Elysees and unforgettable view of Eifel Tower in Paris;
lively city of Lyon among mountains with river Rhone; ancient streets and building in Aix
en Provence; historical city of Vichy with its river Allier and religious city of Clermont
Ferrand with many ancient buildings, churches representing beautiful art and architecture -
especially Clermont Ferrand Cathedral made with black stone gives different view. I
passed some good time also with friends at beautiful beach of Mediterranean sea in Nice
while travelling for our five European countries tour.
Lille, the city where I studied for last three years has added some good memories
in my life. The LAM, Beaux Art, and Piscine Museums reflect a variety of art and
architecture of France. Citadel Park and the historical citadel wall add value in the beauty
of the city. The cultural visits of University Lille Nord de France for PhD researchers to
explore northern areas of France such as Bassin Minier, Littoral, Matisse Museum,
Cambrai city, Roche cemetery, the mysteries and legends of Artois, etc. Similarly;
different strategic sites of First World War in the region North-Pas-de-Calais and
Belgium, such as Ploestreet Memorial, Messine, the Pool of Peace in Wijchscate, John
Mac Crae Memorial, Boezinge trench, Langmark German cemetery, site of the Battle of
Passchendael, Tyne Cot cemetery, and Notre Dame de Lorrete, the largest cemetery in
France provided me an opportunity to know more about French history and culture.
Regarding libraries, before describing my university library in some details, I
would like to mention about two libraries. First, the library of Cavilam
(http://www.cavilam.com/learn-french-in-france/) a renowned French language centre in
Vichy, commonly known as the city of senior citizens, where I learnt French for few
months after arrival in France. Cavilam library is well equipped with good books and
multimedia equipment and offer better services to foreigners for language learning. I
consider Cavilam as an institute that makes Vichy a lively city with many youngsters who
come to learn French from different countries especially during summer holidays. Second
is Bibliothèque François Mitterrand/Bibliothèque Nationale de France
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(http://www.bnf.fr/fr/acc/x.accueil.html), the national library of France with graceful
building and location. French people really should be proud to have a good national
library equipped with ancient and modern collections with multimedia equipment. The
electronic system of delivering requested material in the library four buildings looks slow
but interesting.
I was enrolled in University of Charles de Gaulle - Lille 3 for my PhD studies. The
university is designated for human and social sciences discipline and commonly known as
University of Lille 3 (http://www.univ-lille3.fr/documentation/buc/services/). I have often
been a user of the central library of the university for my studies. Therefore, my views are
mainly concerned with the central library and the library staff of the university. I have
used the university library several times for borrowing and reading books, journals, etc. In
addition, I have attended two workshops organized by the library administration namely
“Formation Hypotheses.org et les carnets de recherche en Sciences Humaines et
Sociales” [Hypotheses.org and Research Notebook Training in Social Sciences] and
“Introduction à l’utilisation des resources du Service Commune de la Documentation
[SCD]” [Introduction to the use of resources of Common Documentation Service]. The
second workshop helped me a lot to get awareness of the library resources and services,
and how to use them in a better way. I consider such workshops are useful if conducted
regularly for new users to enhance the use of library resources and services.
My experience of my university library is overall good. I found Common
Documentation Service of Lille 3 useful and consider the union catalogue of French
universities known as Systeme Universtaire du Documentation (SUDOC)
(http://www.sudoc.abes.fr) as one of the important achievement that I really miss in
Pakistan. It enables library users of universities and research organizations all over France
to access a variety of resources in large amount to fulfill their research and information
needs. The library has reasonable collection and the services are adequate but I have bit
concern over the LIS collection which is not up to the mark and demands attention of the
library authorities especially the journal collection. The library should subscribe LIS
renowned databases like ProQuest full of good LIS journals. It does not have Library and
Information Science Abstract (LISA) and there are only 4 out of 8 Jstor modules available.
The library is required to subscribe more peer reviewed international LIS journals and
books for students, researchers and faculty especially in all those university libraries
where LIS education is given at different level. However, an interesting and useful service
is Inter Library Loan called Prêt Entre Bibliotheque (PEB) within French universities that
overcomes this deficiency to greater extent. It has made possible for me to access some
needed resources using this service. But one problem is that it requires to know already
the bibliographic data of the needed materials. If we want to do our own searching, there
is no sufficient number of e-resources for our domain.
I found Dewey Decimal Classification System (DDC) like in Pakistan, commonly
used in many French libraries to classify library resources. Regarding the library staff
attitude of my university, I found most of the staff serious and calm but friendly. Perhaps
due to nature of job, it is a universal phenomenon associated with librarians to some
extent. However exemptions are there as I have experienced of attending the second
workshop in the library where two library professionals made a different impression. Both
presenters taught enthusiastically and devotedly. The trend of conducting such workshops
though is not very common, but steadily growing in Pakistan as well. I found library
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collection well organized with good display, adequate library hours and nice study
environment.
I had an honour of conducting a research study based on a questionnaire survey on
the library website of University of Lille 3 during my studies entitled “Use of University
Library Website: A case study”. It was actually a pilot study regarding my PhD research
project and I have presented this work in an International Symposium “The book,
Romania, Europe” held in 20-23 September 2010 at Bucharest, Romania.
Finally, I would like to mention that though generally libraries in France are rich in
collection, well organized, have adequate staff and actively use modern technologies as
compared to Pakistan, they lack bilinguism. Most of the LIS journals are in French only
and library web pages are in French mainly. French LIS publishing is closed for French-
speaking readers and library web pages are only for users who already know French very
well. Also there is no offer of library instructions in foreign languages, what is surprising
in a country with such a big number of international students – not all of them at once can
speak French while coming to France. English language might be adopted as an
international language with French. It would attract more students from English speaking
countries to get education in France being comparatively less expensive than in other
developed countries.
Additionally, I would like to add that librarians as practitioners understand users’
needs and prevailing trends and can help academia for developing curriculum in order to
prepare and train future librarians considering the changing library and users’ needs.
Librarians in France though help academia for developing curriculum. However, like in
Pakistan, there is a need to extend more coordination between university faculty and the
library professionals for collection development and promotion of LIS domain in France
such as for subscribing peer reviewed international journals, bilingual libraries and library
websites, and curriculum development following international trends, etc. Similarly, LIS
academia and librarians of France and Pakistan can join hands to increase cooperation in
LIS education and professional development. There is a need to develop and promote LIS
education and librarianship as a profession while going one step forward.
REFERENCE
Mairaj, M. I. & Mustafa El-Hadi, W. (2011). Use of university library website: A case
study. In F. Rotaru (Ed.), Travaux de symposium international le livre, la
Romanie, L’Europe (pp. 161-176). Bucarest: Bibliothèque Métropolitaine
Bucarest.
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Proceedings of the Pakistan Library Association (PLA) International
Conference 2013 Mr. Muhammad Zeeshan Senior Librarian, LUMS
Mr. Amir Subhani Librarian, LUMS
Mr. Muhammad Rafiq MPhil Scholar, University of Sargodha
It is a matter of pleasure and honor for us that at present we have exceptionally
dynamic and energetic individuals in PLA. They have successfully lead collaborative
exercises and have significantly contributed in promoting the mission of librarianship in
the country in specific and throughout the world in general. They have initiated several
projects investing their expertise and have strived hard to get the success.
In current times PLA has excellently fulfilled its part in the country and its Punjab
extension has added new successes in organizing PLA conference. In meeting of the PLA
it was noticed that an exceptional number of research article were presented through PLA.
A total number of 32 articles were presented in this conference which is a record in the
history of PLA conferences
Pakistan Library Association in collaboration with Punjab University library,
Lahore organized two days International Conference on “Champions of Libraries” at
University of the Punjab, Lahore from 16-17 December, 2013. The arena selected for this
conference was the Punjab University Law College Auditorium. The professional
librarians, LIS students, Research Scholars, LIS Faculty members and people from other
walk of life interested in libraries and librarianship were excited to attend this auspicious
gathering to exchange their views with one another to teach and learn from experiences of
one another.
The program schedule and abstracts of papers were distributed in the audience by
organizers of the conference in advance. Registration process started at 8.00 am and ended
at 9.30 am. Chief guest of the PLA International Conference was Ch. Muhammad Shafiq.
The conference formally started with recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. In the
inaugural session, the PLA President Ch. Muhammad Hanif and PLA (Punjab) President
Dr. Muhammad Ramzan welcomed the participants of the conference. The Vice
Chancellor Punjab University Dr. Mujahid Kamran addressed the audience. Thereafter Dr.
Muhammad Ramzan called the Patrons? For a moot wherein the Rectors of different
universities participated and question answer session of this moot was very interesting.
Chief Guest, Choudhary Muhammad Shafiq, Provincial Minister for Industry,
Commerce and Investment.
Ch. Muhammad Shafiq, said,
“The existence of libraries is a proof of living nations. He also said that promotion
of knowledge is the only way to cope with terrorism, illiteracy and other such problems.
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He assured that Punjab government is taking every step for promotion of education and
knowledge in the province. He expressed his deep concern about the negligence of nation
from books and libraries and said that because of this negligence the nation is not
progressing at the pace at which it should have been”
Prof. Dr. Mujahid Kamran, Vice Chancellor, University of the Punjab said:
“Knowledge is amongst basic requirements for respectable survival in the world.
He said that around 1/8 of Holy Quran stresses on resolving mysteries of the universe, this
discussion in the divine revelation shows how important knowledge is to A|llah”
He also said that the basic purpose of the universities is to create and develop the
existing knowledge, he also pointed out that libraries have played an important role in this
regard. The Vice Chancellor at the end of his speech requested the government to provide
books on subsidized rates to libraries.
Choudhary Muhammad Hanif, President Pakistan Library Association, said:
“The purpose of this conference is to provide a platform to the library professional
to get benefit from experiences of each other” He thanked Dr. Mujahid Kamran, VC,
Punjab University for his support and cooperation in organizing the conference.
Dr Muhammad Ramzan, President PLA Punjab, said:
“Libraries play an important role in saving history of mankind but librarians are
facing numerous problems these days. He said that we have to work hard and put all our
efforts for putting our nation on the road of progress and prosperity in the field of
education. He requested the government to establish a vast network of libraries at school,
college and union council level to make accessible the required information to students
and general public”
Dr. Sangi Vice Chancellor, University AIOU said:
“Libraries are home to the people who love books, he also said that government
should establish libraries at union council level to promote books reading culture general
public in the country”
Maj. Gen ( R) Prof Dr. Muhammad Aslam, Vice Chancellor, University of Health
Sciences said:
“Librarians are facing problems because of lack of funding and decline in reading
habits. The progress of education is impossible without progression of libraries. He said
that teachers, students and librarians must play their collective role for promotion of
education”
Dr. Hussain Mohy ud Din, Vice Chairman BOG, Minhaj University,
“He discussed the historical aspects of library development in the Islamic reign in
specific and throughout the world in general. He congratulated management of the
conference for organizing this international conference for the information managers,
library professional, LIS students, Research Scholars and LIS Faculty members”
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Mr. Shahid Soroya, Secretary General, Pakistan Library Association was the secretary of
inaugural ceremony.
First Session:
After Lunch and Prayer break, the first session which was named as
“technological Innovations in libraries” began at 2.00 pm. The Chairman of this session
was Prof. Dr. Qaiser Shehryar Durani and Raja Muhammad Ibrahim was the Co-Chair,
Ashfaq Hussain performed the duties of Session secretary, while Amna Farzand Ali and
zaheer Ahmed fulfilled the responsibilities of Repertoires. In this session the following
three papers were presented.
Implementing Institutional Repository (IR) System in a Multi- campus
International University: Nuts and Bolts by Ashraf Sharif
Librarian as a Change Agent: Transformation of a Traditional Interior Sindh
Library into a State-of-the-Art Modern Library" by Asif Munir
An Assessment of Human Resource Towards Successful Automation Process of
Academic Libraries in Pakistan by Naushad Ghanzanfar & RubinaBhatti
All the three papers presented in this session were exceptional. The question and
answer session at the end of each paper was also very fruitful for audience.
Second Session:
The second session of the conference was named as “Changing role of
librarians”, this session began at 2.00pm. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Fazil Khan Baluch
Chaired this session with Dr Saeed Ullah Jaan as co-chairman. Waris Ali Arsalan was the
session secretary while Sohail Iqbal and Kashif Khurshid worked the Repertoires. In this
session the following four papers were presented.
Application of Total Quality Management Approaches in the Academic Libraries
of Public Sector Universities by Uzma Akhtar and Khalid Mahmood Sanghera
Integrating DDC in Library Software for Effective Subject Searching by Arif
Khan and Dr. Haroon Idrees
School Librarians instructional role by Hins Shahid
Literature on Medical librarianship in Pakistan: A bibliometrics Analysis by
Ikram-ul-Haq
At the end of each paper several questions were posed by the audience on
presenters. At the end of this session, Prof. Dr Fazil Khan Baluch addressed the audience
and shared his lifelong experiences with the audience.
Third Session:
The third session which was labeled as “Assessing Information seeking
behaviors” began at 3.00pm in the Auditorium. In this session three papers were
presented, Prof. Dr. Kanwal Ameen chaired the session with Abid Ali Gill as Co-Chair.
Ashraf Sharif, performed the duties of session secretary while Zia Ur Rehman and
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Ghulam Fareed served as Repertoires. Titles of three papers that were presented in this
session are:
Clinical Information Needs in Primary Care: A Comparative Cross- Sectional
Study of Rural and Non Rural Primary Care Physicians by Salman Bin Naeem
and Rubina Bhatti
Research Skills among LIS Research Scholars in Pakistan by Farah Deeba and
Dr. Haroon Idrees
Searching Skills of Business Students by Muhammad Tariq and Dr Shafiq-ur
Rehman
In this session, paper of Muhammad Tariq was extremely enlightening due to the
fact that his study was focused on students of business education. Finally Prof. Dr. Kanwal
Ameen addressed the gathering and acknowledged the excellent work of young research
scholars of social sciences.
Fourth Session:
This session was named as “Trends in librarianship” it began at 3.00pm in
meeting corridor 1; it was additionally a parallel session. Prof. Dr. Mumtaz Ali Anwar was
the chair of this session with Dr. Haroon Idrees as the Co-chair. Haseeb Ahmed Piracha
was the session secretary, Sakina Bashir and Tahira Yasmeen were the Repertoires of this
session. In this session the following three papers were presented.
Pakistan Bibliographical Working Group (PWBG) Karachi, Role in Library
Education by Muhammad Yousuf Ali
Status of Digital immigrant Academic librarians Continuing professional
development by Uzma Anwar & Dr Nosheen Fatima
Impact of Interactional Justice on Librarian Task Performance: Mediating Role of
Leader-Member Exchange Relationship by Sidra Shan
The session was highly educational like other sessions in light of the fact that
junior analyst presented their work. At the end of papers presentations Prof. Dr Mumtaz
Ali Anwar said that these papers were marvelous, he gave his productive suggestions to
the presenters as well.
Explore the Glories of Lahore & Dinner Sufi Night
At the end of the first day of this international conference Pakistan Library
Association arranged a tour of historical city of Lahore for all outsiders, and celebrated
Sufi night with dinner at Punjab University Executive Club with Vice Chancellor Punjab
University Dr. Mujahid Kamran as the chief guest. The participant enjoyed this
arrangement and appreciated these efforts of PLA.
Day 2 Tuesday 17 December 2013
Fifth Session:
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The fifth session of the conference was titled as “Learning through information
literacy”. This session began at 9.00am on the second day of the conference. In this
session three papers were presented. Ch. Muhammad Nazir chaired this session alongside
Abdul Rehman Qaisrani as Co-Chair. Hina Batool was the session Secretary, Asif Ch and
Fauzia Ahmed delivered the services of Repertoires during this session.
From Library Orientation to Information Literacy by Ahmed Ali Shah and
Khawaja Mustafa
Perceptions of Medical librarians of Information Literacy Skills by Midrar Ullah
and Dr Kanwal Ameen
Information Literacy Skills of Engineering Students by Azra Rafique and Dr
Khalid Mehmood
Like the previous sessions, this session also ended with a question and answer
session. The audience presented their questions and suggestions to the paper presented.
Sixth Session:
Theme of the sixth session was “Training and development”, it started at
10.15am. In this session three papers were introduced. Orya Maqbool Jan was the Session
Chair with Prof Hamid Rehman as the Co-Chair of the session. Tariq Najmi was the
session Secretary and Abubaker Saddique and Sehar Riaz were the Repertoires of the
session.
Mid-Career Development through Advanced Management Education by Dr
Mumtaz Ali Anwar
Librarians Training Need Assessment (TNA) in Karachi by Arshad Mahmood
Institutional Role in Training and Development of LIS Professionals in Pakistan by
Hafiza zaheer Fatima, Attia Firdous and Dr Farzana Shafique
This session was very much thought provoking because the questions raised from
audience were very informative.
Seventh Session:
Seventh session was focused on the theme of “Development of librarian”, it
began at 11.40 am, Prof Dr Faisal Bari was the Chairman of this session and Dr Haroon
Usmani was the Co-Chair, Naushad Ghanzanfer was the Session Secretary and alongside
him Amir Subhani and Muhammad Zeeshan worked as Repertoires during this session. In
this session the following three papers were presented.
Service Structure of Librarians in Public Sector Universities of the Punjab: An
analysis by Ammara Yousaf & Dr Khalid Mehmood and Shahid Soroya
Punjab College Library Association: A Historical Perspective by Abdul Majeed
Khan Sajid
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User’s Satisfaction towards the Service Quality of the Front Desk Staff in the
Medical Colleges of Lahore by Waqar Ahmed and Shahid Soroya.
Eighth Sessions:
The eighth session of this conference was themed on “Librarians as innovators”.
This began at 12.30 pm under the Chairmanship of Prof Dr Shahid Saddiqui. Dr Zaheer
Ahmed Babar the Co-Chair. Asif Munir was the Session Secretary and Shahzada Nadeem
Raza along with Hamid Ali worked as Repertoires during this session. In this session four
papers were presented which are:
A Study on Adaptation of Electronic Books and Usability of E-resources among
Researchers in Scientific Organization by Dr Haroon Usmani & Ch.
Muhammad Hanif and Muhammad Asif
Reinventing the Library Place: The Case of ILRC at University of Dammam, KSA
by Dr. Farzana Shafiq
Masood Jhandir Research Library Mailsi: A pride for Pakistan by Khalid
Mahmood Sanghera
Leadership Assessment Personal Satisfaction Survey of Librarians by Sakina
Bashir and Dr Khalid Mehmood
Ninth Sessions:
Prof. Dr. Shafay Shamail Chaired this session and Bashir Ahmad Zia was the Co-
Chair. The theme of this session was “Changing Cultural of Libraries” It began at
2.15pm. Ms Qaisar Sultana was the Secretary of this session. Azam Shabbir and Sania
Awais delivered their services as Repertoires during this session. A total number of papers
presented during this session were three, which are:
Usage of Electronic Books in Academic Libraries: Professionals’ View Point by
Sadaf Rafiq and Dr Nosheen Fatima Warraich
New Roles of Librarians in Web 2.0 Environment by Fauzia Ahmed
A Framework for Implementing Information Literacy Program: A Case of Riphah
International University by Aisha Shafi and Muhammad Farooq
High quality papers were presented during this session. At the end of presentation
of papers the audience posed interesting questions on the presenters which they answered
in a satisfactory manner.
Tenth Sessions:
Dr. Muhammad Ramzan was the Chairman and Mr. Zaheer Sarwar was the Co-
Chair of this session. The main theme of this session was “Knowledge sharing”. This
session started at 3.00 pm. Dr Haroon Usmani was the session secretary of this session. In
this session the following two papers were introduced.
Digital information creation and Management, Ms Faisal Yousuf, Director
General, Punjab Information Technology Board, Lahore
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Akhuwat Foundation: Philosophy and knowledge Management, Dr Muhammad
Amjid Saqib
This session was basically focused on “Akhuwat and Akhuwat ka Safar” Dr Saqib
presented the paper that depicted the struggle and journey of Akhuwat and how they help
the destitute individuals through loan without interest.
The Conference was attended by over 500 representatives coming from the country
and abroad and around 30 research papers were presented. There were 10 academic
sessions and two parallel sessions were on first day of this international conference. In the
concluding ceremony, life time achievement awards were given to senior library
professionals.
Life Time Achievement awards: While acknowledging their services for LIS
community, PLA presented life time Achievement awards to the following:
Prof Dr Mumtaz Ali Anwar (Hon Prof, DLIS University of the Punjab) Sain
Mohammad malik (Former Chief Librarian Khyber Medical University and former
president PLA (HQ) Mohammad Ashraf Jalal (Former Librarian Central Library, Islamia
University of Bahawalpur) Rana Jamat Ali Khan (Former President Punjab College
Library Association)
For the first time, print and electronic media extensively covered the whole event
and patrons moot was introduced. In patrons moot Vice Chancellors of different
universities and Directors of different institutions were present and question answer
session was very interesting. Pakistan Library Association organized this event very
successfully in the history of librarianship in Pakistan.
Recommendation:
By the grace of Almighty Allah the conference ended successfully and at the end
Mr. Afzal Haq Qarshi presented recommendations of the conference.
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ACADEMIC NEWS UPDATES The following students earned MPhil degrees in the year 2013 from different LIS
Schools around the country.
DLIS, University of the Punjab
Name of Student Supervisor Thesis Title
Mr. Abubaker
Siddique
Prof. Dr. Mumtaz A. Anwar Information Seeking Behavior of
Pakistani Historians: A Qualitative
Study.
Mr. Inaam Ullah Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmood Relationship between Work Motivation
and Job Satisfaction of Male College
Librarians.
Ms. Lubna Pervin Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmood Relationship Between Job Satisfaction
and Organizational Commitment of
Female College Librarians.
Mr. Syed Fakhar
Abbas
Prof. Dr. Kanwal Ameen Status of Medical Libraries in Meeting
Information Needs of the B.Sc. Nursing
DLIS, University of Sargodha
Name of Student Supervisor Thesis Title
Mr. Imtiaz Ahmad
Khalil
Dr. Haroon Idrees Career Development and Progression of
University Librarians in Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa
Mr. Rahim Jan Dr. Haroon Idrees Information Needs and Seeking
Behaviour of Judges of the District
Courts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: A
Survey of District Courts Charsadda,
Mardan, Peshawar and Affiliated Towns
and Tehsils
Ms. Naveeda Ilahi Dr. Haroon Idrees Bibliometric Analysis of Journal of Law
and Society, Law College, University of
Peshawar Published from 1982 to 2012
Mir Bahader Dr. Haroon Idrees Customer Relationship Management: A
Study of Private Sector University
Libraries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa &
Islamabad
Mr. Muhammad
Ahmed Shah
Dr. Haroon Idrees The Relationship Between Job
Satisfaction and Job Commitment
Amongst the College Librarians of
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Punjab
Mr. Tahir Jan Dr. Haroon Idrees Users’ Perception and Practices on the
Use of Electronic Resources: A Study
of PhD Scholars in Public Sector
Universities of Peshawar
Mr. Nasir Ahmed
Gujjar
Dr. Muhammad Fazil Khan Preservation, Management and
Preparation Of Annotated Bibliography
of Manuscripts and Rare Book
Collections in Sargodha Region (Chaj
Doaba)
Mr. Muhammad
Shafiq
Dr. Muhammad Fazil Khan Determinants of Users’ Satisfaction
with University Library Services: A
Survey of Universities of Rawalpindi
and Islamabad (Pakistan)
Mr. Habib ur
Rehman
Dr. Muhammad Fazil Khan Human Resource Management Practices
in University Libraries of Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa
DLIS, University of Bahawalpur
Name of Student Supervisor Thesis Title
Mr. Javed Iqbal Dr. Rubina Bhatti
Public Libraries as Community
Learning Centers: A Case Study of
Public Libraries under Higher
Education Department, Government of
Punjab
Ms. Anam Amjad Dr. Shamshad Ahmed
Impact of Electronic Resources on
Research: A Survey of Research
Scholars in the Universities of South
Punjab
Mr. Muhammad
Naushad Ghazanfar
Dr. Rubina Bhatti
Human Resource Development Needs
Regarding Automation in University
Libraries of Punjab and Federal Capital
of Pakistan
Mr. Amjad Khan Dr. Shamshad Ahmed The Effectiveness of HEC Digital
Library in Research
Mr. Atta-Ur-
Rehman
Dr. Shamshad Ahmed
Information and Communication
Technology Competencies among
Library Professionals in the Universities
of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa
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Mr. Rana Jamil Dr. Rubina Bhatti
Attitude towards HEC Digital Library
by the Faculty Members: A Survey of
Universities of South Punjab
Mr. Salman Bin
Naeem
Dr. Shamshad Ahmed Clinical Information Needs and Seeking
Behavior of Remote Health
Professionals
