Rubina Bhatti

Digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries: An investigation from university librarians in Pakistan

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the essential digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. The study identified useful training programs for university librarians to acquire digital competencies. It examined their digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries in universities of Pakistan. This study also evaluates their digital knowledge in applying security measures to protect digital contents. Design/methodology/approach The quantitative research method was used to conduct this study. Research questions and hypothesis were developed to achieve the objectives. In-depth review of related literature was conducted to draft a list of essential digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. It was circulated among the panel of experts to get their valuable feedback to make a final list of digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. A questionnaire was developed to measure the status of digital competencies of university librarians in Pakistan. It was pre-tested on 20 respondents before applying to the whole population. SPSS software was used to analyze data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to achieve results. Findings The findings of the study showed that digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries fall into three main categories: digital competencies for developing digital libraries; digital competencies for managing digital libraries; and digital competencies to protect digital contents. The results revealed that training programs offered by Higher Education Commission (HEC), library associations, library schools, in-house trainings, use of online tutorials and trainings offered by skilled professionals are highly important and useful for university librarians to acquire digital competencies. The study concluded that the university librarians working in HEC recognized universities in Punjab province possess basic level of digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. Their digital competencies vary on the basis of their university type, i.e. public and private sector. Research limitations/implications This study measures digital competencies of university librarians in Pakistan. The study has practical implications for librarians, library schools, library associations, university libraries and HEC. Practical implications This study has practical implications for librarians, information professionals, libraries and library schools. The results are useful for librarians to get knowledge of digital competencies which are essential for developing and managing digital libraries and protecting digital contents. They can develop their digital competencies in identified areas. This study has identified useful training programs for university librarians for acquiring digital competencies. The university librarians should use these programs to gain needed digital skills. Social implications Librarians can get knowledge of digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries to face the challenges of digital age. Originality/value In contrast to previous research work on investigating computer skills, information and communication technology skills, technological skills and general digital skills, this study particularly identifies the essential digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. It helps library and information science schools, library associations, training groups and university libraries to offer adequate training opportunities in identified areas to meet the challenges of the digital age.

Usage of Social Media by Medical and Dental Students at Nishtar Medical College, Multan, Pakistan

This study explores the usage of social media by Bachelor of Medicine, and Bachelor of Surgery and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (MBBS and BDS) postgraduate students (PGS) at Nishtar Medical College, Multan, Pakistan. It explores the use of social media, student reasons for using social media, the preferred place of use, problems faced in using social media sites, and social media’s effectiveness in their academic performance. A questionnaire was used that was developed after a comprehensive review of literature. The response rate was 65%. The collected data were analyzed by using SPSS Statistics, version 17. The findings show that the majority of respondents use Facebook and YouTube as compared with other social media sites. Eighty-seven percent of respondents were members of different social media communities or groups. Mostly respondents use social media for getting information and to keep in touch with their friends. All face electricity failure and time management problems. The survey showed that 88.3% of respondents spent 1 to 5 hours per week on social media sites. A majority of respondents agreed that social media plays an effective role in academic performance, recommending that social media be used for discussing issues related to health, patient care, and treatment. Libraries should utilize social media to communicate the library mission and services in order to prove their existence and worth for information users.

Information Usage Patterns of Postgraduate Students at Nishter Medical College, Multan, Pakistan

This study identifies the information usage pattern of postgraduate students at Nishter Medical College in Multan, Pakistan. It explores the purpose of students’ information seeking, preferred sources of information, level of satisfaction with library resources, library staff, and the problems faced in searching information on the Internet. A questionnaire-based survey method was used. The questionnaire was developed after comprehensive literature review and distributed among 210 postgraduate students. The response rate was 85%. The findings show that the majority of postgraduate students always use general books and were strongly satisfied with this resource. They also frequently use the Internet and most of the respondents use the Internet for educational purposes. Students were also satisfied with the librarys reference books collection. Respondents were somewhat satisfied with the periodical collection, and abstract and index services. Knowledge of the different databases supplied by the library and the usage of these databases was unsatisfactory. Students viewed the library as a convenient study place. Respondents pointed out that the slow speed of the Internet and constant electric power failures impeding access to authentic information are the problems they faced while using the Internet.

An analysis of collection development in the university libraries of Pakistan

Purpose – The study aims to explore the factors which influence collection development and management in academic libraries. In libraries and information centres, collection development is considered an essential element of the information life cycle. Collection development and management activities do not emanate from a vacuum. Several factors have a direct bearing on the way in which collections are developed and managed in the academic libraries. These factors are bridges and barriers for effective collection development and management. Design/methodology/approach – An extensive review of the available literature was made to conduct the study. Findings – The study found that several factors have a direct bearing on the way in which collections are developed and managed in the academic libraries. These factors include goals of collection development and management policies and procedures, user needs, collection development policies (CDPs), collection development budgets, collection evaluation to determi...

Determinants of academic law libraries’ use, collections, and services among the faculty members: a case study of University of Peshawar

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of academic law libraries’ use, collections and services among the faculty members of the University of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach – Keeping in view the objectives of the study, a survey based on a well-structured questionnaire was designed to collect data about law libraries’ usage, collection and services from the faculty members of 19 law colleges, including Law College, University of Peshawar, and 18 affiliated law colleges situated in the different geographical location of the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Findings – Results of the study indicate that most of the faculty members use law libraries for the issue and return of books and consult textbooks for their teaching and other academic activities. The overall results show the usage, collections and services of law libraries as somehow satisfactory. Research limitations/implications – The scope of this paper covers constituent col...

Measure of Healthcare Professionals' Behavioral Outcomes Using a Social Learning Theory.

To measure the healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) behavioral outcomes (knowledge, attitude, intentions, and behaviors) about specific health information resources available online in order to determine the stage of behavioral change using social learning theory. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 36 District Headquarter Hospitals (DHQs), 89 Tehsil Headquarter Hospitals (THQs), 293 Rural Health Centers (RHCs), and 2455 Basic Health Units (BHUs) in Punjab, Pakistan. The survey population comprised of rural HCPs (e.g., physicians, surgeons, and gynecologist) working in primary and secondary healthcare facilities of Punjab province, Pakistan. The results of the study concluded that majority of the HCPs’ knowledge of online healthcare information resources is limited. However, their attitude and intention towards using the online healthcare information resources for day-to-day clinical practice is positive. The study recommends a need to launch promotional and educational activities through which HCPs’ interest and awareness about online healthcare information resources and services should be persuaded.

Prediction of Academic Performance of the University Students Through Their Use of Library Electronic Resources and Their Self-efficacy.

The objective of the study was to assess the influence of students’ self-efficacy and their use of electronic resources on their academic performance. A survey was conducted in The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan in which 307 students participated from five different faculties. A questionnaire was developed to gather the data for this study on variables related to demographic information of the respondents, their use of ‘library’s electronic resources’, ‘self-efficacy’, and ‘academic performance’. The results of the study concluded that the use of library’s e-resources has a significant influence on the academic performance of the students. However, it has a negative influence on students’ self-efficacy due to availability of wide ranging e-resources. The results of the study also concluded that self-efficacy is not correlated with academic performance of the students, however, it is negatively correlated with the use of university library’s e-resources.

The need of strategic – based measures for improving academic law libraries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: a viewpoint

Purpose The purpose of this study is to suggest strategic-based measures for improving the current situation of academic law libraries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach Using a survey method, this study attempted to explore a strategic-based measure for improving academic law libraries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Data were collected from 43 respondents through semi-structured interviews, including library and information science professionals, academicians and administrative officers of the affiliation awarding institutions and principals of the law colleges. Findings Based on the interview findings, the study found that most of the law colleges do not pay attention towards the development of their institutional libraries. Outdated collections, scarcity of information and communication technologies and budgetary issues, inactive roles of regulating bodies and professional associations, limited roles of professional library staff, limited access to the Higher Education Commission digital library, absence of proper library setup and moral obligations and responsibilities of institutional administrations towards the development of academic law libraries were the main challenges. Research limitations/implications The scope of this paper covers Constituent Law College of the University of Peshawar and its 18 affiliated law colleges (Total 19), and the geographical area is restricted to the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The scope of this paper can be extended to additional private and public sector universities in Pakistan, as well as abroad. Originality/value This study is the first of its kind in Pakistan which will help the stockholders of affiliated and affiliation granting institutions to improve the current situation of academic law libraries in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The study presents a number of suggestions for the improvement of academic law libraries, which may be of value to the local institutions and developing countries with similar situations.

The impact of higher education commission of pakistan’s funding on the collection development budgets of university libraries

Purpose This study aims to investigate the annual financial management of university libraries in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan, and its relationship with Higher Education Commission (HEC) grants to examine libraries’ share. Design/methodology/approach Using survey methods, this study explores the annual budget allocation of well-established university libraries in the province of KPK in the past five years and its relationship with HEC grants to determine libraries’ shares. The survey followed a qualitative design based on an interview technique of data collection. The scope of this study covers all those public sector universities which are chartered by the Government of KPK, recognized by HEC, and eligible for HEC grants on annual basis. Based on this formulation, 15 public sector universities were selected for the survey. Findings The data analysis of the present study revealed that no specific norms are followed by the university administrations in allocating funds for libraries out of HEC annual grants. University libraries in the province either do not have funding polices or are administered by the concerned establishments where Library and Information Science professionals have no role in the financial management of libraries. The study also found that university administrations in KPK either do not provide sufficient share to libraries out of HEC grants or specify an inadequate share which is in violation of the clear instructions of HEC ordinance 2002, Section 10(h). Originality/value This study is the first of its kind in Pakistan as it provides an insight into how much budget is allocated for collection development in the university libraries, compares it with HEC grants to calculate libraries’ share in percentage and suggests to the HEC to encourage university administration to allocate sufficient budget for libraries to improve collection development, service provision, acquisition, selection and patronage.

Barriers in seeking health information from primary healthcare facilities in Pakistan

Primary care physicians (PCPs) need a wide range of health information resources to manage their patients. The present study aimed to investigate the barriers that obstruct the health information seeking behavior of primary care physicians in Pakistan from their practice setting. A survey was carried out in 77 basic health units (BHUs), seven rural health centers (RHCs), and two tehsil headquarters (THQs) of Multan District, Pakistan. A three-part questionnaire containing participants’ demographic information, barriers in seeking health information, and required sources and services, was distributed to primary care physicians through post, email, and personal visits to participating healthcare facilities. The data was analyzed statistically using SPSS. Chi square and Kruskal Wallis tests were applied to determine if there were any significant differences in demographic information of different healthcare facilities participants, the barriers they faced in seeking health information, and the required sources and services available to them. The major barriers included: no onsite library, no health sciences librarian, scarcity of health information resources, inaccessibility of health information system, and lack of information and technological infrastructure. Consultation with seniors, improved connectivity and document delivery services were among the sources and services most required by primary care physicians. The study concluded that primary care physicians encounter multiple barriers that obstruct their health-related information seeking behavior, which compromises patient care. Medical librarians should design outreach library and information services in health sciences and health information literacy programs to overcome the barriers primary care physicians face while seeking health information from their practice settings.