The paper describes how ChatGPT and, more precisely, Explore GPTs can be adopted in library services to enhance learning experiences, information search, and digital literacy. The survey design that was adopted was a mixed-methods descriptive survey, which used a convenience sample of 52 respondents, who included librarians, LIS students, and LIS graduates. Data were collected by using structured questionnaire which is defined as a set of closed-ended and open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data in SPSS, and content analysis was used to analyse qualitative responses. The research also indicate despite the popularity of ChatGPT, users have simply learned the fundamental functionality of this service and do not know other, more sophisticated features, such as Explore GPTs. The participants found advantages, including improved understanding, idea generation, writing assistance, and effective information retrieval. They were also concerned about misinformation, bias, privacy, plagiarism, and overdependence on AI. The paper emphasises the importance of librarians in delivering AI literacy training, ethical use guidelines, and the effective selection of tools. The results indicate that the use of Explore GPTs could be highly effective in terms of learning, teaching, and research conducted within the framework of the librarian's work, with the support of the institutional ethical policy.
This study aimed to determine the effect of mentoring on early-career librarians’ attitude towards cataloguing in federal universities in South-East Nigeria. The study specifically aimed to: identify mentoring programmes to which early-career librarians are exposed for skill development in cataloguing, examine their attitude towards cataloguing, and determine the influence of mentoring on their attitude towards cataloguing. Using quantitative method and census survey, data were collected from 63 respondents through questionnaire, and analyzed using SPSS (version 25). Findings revealed that the respondents have experienced different mentoring programmes, with one-on-one mentoring (90.5%), supervisory mentoring (88.9%), job rotation (87.3%), conferences/seminars/workshops (85.7%) and staff orientation (84.1%) being the most practiced, while reverse mentoring (28.6%), external mentoring (23.8%), and e-mentoring, (23.8%) were the least practised. The observed mean 7.90 suggests a moderate-level of exposure to mentoring indicating positive inclination to mentoring. Findings further revealed that respondents demonstrated positive attitude towards cataloguing, with overall grand mean of 4.54. Regression analysis indicated that mentoring had significantly positive, small-sized effect on early-career librarians’ attitude towards cataloguing (β = 0.248). The study concludes that mentoring positively impacts early-career librarians’ attitude towards cataloguing, but not to be solely relied on for shaping early-career librarians’ attitude towards cataloguing. Findings have implications for policy formulation, LIS education and training, professional practice, and research. Among others recommendations, the study highlighted need for university library administrators to explore and implement innovative strategies that can positively influence early-career librarians’ attitude towards cataloguing, thus complementing the impacts of the existing mentoring programmes.
Preservation of ejournals is important for long-term access. Yet, little is known about these practices in the developing world. This study aims to investigates ejournal preservation practices in university libraries of Pakistan. Data were collected through a survey from 63 public universities. Results revealed a passive implementation of these practices. Majority of institutions possessed digital content including ejournals, but a majority of them were not archiving ejournals. Very few were rarely arching them while merely 1.7% were sometimes archiving them. None of the surveyed institutions had proper preservation practices. No significant differences were reported based on institutional type or geographical location, depicting a countrywide negligence related to preserving ejournals. Findings are interpreted through Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory. This consistent negligence in terms of preserving ejournals may be linked to the lower perceived advantage, higher complexity, and limited observability. The study provides first baseline evidence related to ejournal preservation in Pakistan. It also provides workable recommendations for policymakers and other stakeholders to play their role in developing the situation.
This study investigates the attitudes of librarians towards the adoption and utilization of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in departmental seminar libraries at the University of Karachi. A descriptive survey design was employed, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 51 librarians. The findings reveal a generally positive attitude among librarians towards ICT adoption, with computers and internet facilities being the most commonly used tools. However, the availability of ICT resources remains limited, and usage is constrained by factors such as inadequate funding, poor internet connectivity, power supply issues, and insufficient ICT infrastructure. Training emerged as a critical factor influencing ICT adoption. The study offers insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with ICT use in academic libraries, informing strategies to enhance its effective utilization.
Open-Source Software (OSS) and Open Access Resources (OARs) have revolutionized the libraries and information centers all over the world including Pakistan, especially university libraries are considered most advanced in terms of usage and adoption of emerging technologies. Therefore, the status of OSS and OARs in University Libraries of Pakistan were assessed in this study, moreover, the relationship between awareness as independent variable and perception as dependent variable of top tier of Library Professionals working in University Libraries of Pakistan were also determined. The adoption of OSS and OARs as moderator of the Awareness and Perception relationship was also assessed. The quantitative research design with cross sectional approach was used to address the objectives of the study. The survey method using structured questionnaire, containing Likert-scale questions / items and a demographic section, as research tool were applied to collect the data from the respondents such as Chief / Head / Director / Incharge Librarian or Institutional representative (focal person) of HEC Digital Library of Pakistan of each Degree Awarding Institution (DAI). The results of the study depict that respondents better aware with OSS and OARs have better perception about OSS and OARs. Similarly, the library professionals of universities who adopted OSS and OARs have better understanding about OSS and OARs. Hence, adoption moderates the relationship between awareness and perception of respondents. The research also reveals that university libraries are needed to proactively work on adoption of OARs to enhance its offered, as well as, new services and practices.
This study is designed to investigate the relationship between personality traits (PTs) and knowledge-sharing intentions (KSI) of academic librarians (ALs) and to expose the ALs's PTs effect on their KSI. This research used a quantitative research method and adopted measures for data collection that were administered online among 350 librarians working in academic institutions of Baluchistan. The questionnaire was comprised of 60 items. The researcher ensured the reliability and validity of the adopted measures and the normality of the data set to opt for parametric statistics. ALs of the Baluchistan province of Pakistan were keen to exchange information to get honor and develop relationships; they were inspired and interested to share information and; exchange information to develop relationships with colleagues. The results reveal ALs with high openness, agreeableness, and extroversion traits will boost their KSI. If ALs are in a state of neuroticism or anxiety, their knowledge-sharing (KS) will decrease. This is an interesting topic that was not explored earlier in the local literature. This could be an interesting phenomenon: how the Big Five PTs— agreeableness, extraversion, neuroticism, conscientiousness, and openness to experience—affect the KSI of ALs of underdeveloped provinces in the underdeveloped circumstances. This research is crucial for crafting tailored interventions that address regional challenges regarding PTs and KSI of ALs, thus fostering a more effective research and collaborative academic environment. The study contributes to understanding that how PTs influences KSI and offers practical implications for developing strategies to improve collaborative practices in academic libraries.
This study aimed to identify the need for digital collections, exploring the policies and methods employed, assessing the techniques utilized for management and examining the challenges faced by these libraries. Quantitative methodology was incorporated to collect data from library professionals in 60 public and private sector universities. The survey gathered data on multiple dimensions including resource allocation, policy frameworks, digital collection development practices and management techniques such as digital storage methods and cloud-based solutions. Findings revealed a significant demand for digital collection development to meet user expectations and optimize resource accessibility. Most libraries relied on formal policies and diverse methods such as purchasing digital resources and digitizing print materials. However, issues related to limited budgets, inadequate infrastructure and staffing shortages were identified as primary challenges. The study concluded that strategic planning enhanced resource allocation and capacity building for library staff are crucial to overcoming these barriers.
The purpose of this study is to explore the determinants that predict the academic use of SNSs among University of Kotli, AJK students. It analyzes important predictors and intends to suggest how SNSs can facilitate better learning and enhance the results of our educational efforts. In particular, it investigates how PU and PEOU influence students’ behavioral intentions to use and actual usage of SNSs for academic purposes. With reference to the TAM3, seventeen hypotheses were proposed. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 367 students selected by random method. All items were scaled using 5-point Likert scale. Visits to classrooms and libraries were used to augment survey completion. A pilot was performed to check reliability and validity prior to full-scale data collection. Scales were developed and items analyzed using SPSS version 22, while testing of the hypotheses was done by structural equation modeling as well as confirmatory factor analysis through AMOS version 24. Fifteen of the seventeen hypotheses were confirmed. PU-related factors (i.e., subjective norm, image, job relevance, output quality and result demonstrability) were also statistically significant. Both PU and PEOU affected BI to use SNSs for academic purpose which in turn impacted actual usage, with the support of TAM3. Two hypotheses were not supported, including the impacts of computer anxiety and direct effect between objective usability and PEOU. While PEOU is still a crucial factor, several external motives may affect students’ intentions and their academic use of SNSs. This study provides empirical evidence on the predictors of academic SNS use in university students of AJK. The results offer a basis for the formulation of institutional strategies and programs to improve learning through digital media in Pakistan. The study has several limitations. It was, in the first place, a single area study and therefore not generalizable while further studies at other universities should be conducted within the country. Second, differences across disciplinary use of SNS were not explored; such comparison by academic major might provide a more nuanced picture. Lastly, we did not consider the effects of cultural values and personal level factors on SNS adoption and future research may pay attention to these dimensions.
The study offered an overview of the research on knowledge sharing through the use of academic social networking sites (ASNS’s) at Government College, University, Lahore. The ways that academics engage, share content, collaborate, and communicate have evolved in the age of information and communications technologies. The quantitative survey based on a self-developed questionnaire was conducted to gather data from 150 researchers selected from 03 faculties: the faculty of science, social science, and humanities at Government College, University, Lahore. The researchers of postgraduate students and faculty members were approached from the faculty of sciences (mathematics, physics, and chemistry), the faculty of social sciences (political sciences, psychology), and the humanities (English). The study demonstrated that the researchers of Government College University, Lahore, were well aware of the use of academic social networking sites. Their use of these sites is increasing in terms of knowledge sharing, collaboration, diffusion of studies, and information management, and gives a new perspective and better understanding of this phenomenon. The results showed that all sample members (100%) use ASNS’s, with female researchers using them more frequently than male researchers (45%). According to the findings, 40% of the researchers had an MPhil and 60% had a PhD. The data show how responses were distributed throughout the Government College, University, Lahore's departments. At 35%, mathematics is the most represented department, while sociology is the least at 6%. The results showed that the PhD researchers have a significantly higher mean in ASNS’s use compared to MPhil researchers (p = .014). However, there is no significant difference between MPhil and PhD researchers regarding knowledge sharing (p = .823). According to the results of the one-way ANOVA test, there is no statistical difference in the use of ASNS’s (p = 0.595) and knowledge sharing (p = 0.394) based on designations. ASNS’s are crucial and a necessity for researchers in academic institutes. The study will be helpful for academic researchers to become more conversant and proficient in the use of resources and services offered by the ASNS’s. The study will also establish that academic social networking sites are invaluable resources being used at individual and organizational levels to support the academic community.
This study aimed to examine the effect of digital literacy skills on work performance and creativity among the college librarians in Punjab, Pakistan. It also explored how information skills, digital transformation, and digital tools influence task performance, contextual performance, counterproductive work behavior, and creativity. A quantitative research design was adopted using a structured questionnaire. A total of 222 questionnaire were distributed, out of which 214 were fully completed and returned, achieving a 96% response rate. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to analyze the collected data. The findings revealed significant and strong correlation between the digital literacy skills, work performance and creativity. This shows that higher level of digital literacy skills enhance the work performance and creativity of college librarians. Furthermore, findings of the simple linear regression test is also supported and indicating that digital literacy skills have predicts the creativity and work performance. The findings of the study highlights the need of various training programs related to digital literacy skills to increase the efficiency of librarians. Moreover, integration of these skills into various professional development programs can enhance the creativity and work performance in the modern digital environment. This study incorporated framework that interrelate the digital literacy skills with work performance and creativity, an area with rarely explored in the context of college librarians. It also provides evidence regarding the important role of digital competencies in increasing the innovation, ethical practices and efficiency in various library services.
Oldest and most well-known professional association of librarians and information professionals in Pakistan is the Pakistan Library Association (PLA) founded in 1957 and registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860. In this paper, a thorough review of the PLA in terms of its past evolution, organizational structure, professional practice, and contribution to the library and information science (LIS) field will be discussed. It examines the governance system of the association, which areas it covers, its standing committees, and major projects such as annual conferences, workshops, publications, and advocacy. To inform the discussion of strengths and weaknesses, the paper takes stock of the strengths of PLA, which include national penetration, impact, and international cooperation, as well as highlights the weaknesses, which include the lack of consistency in academic productivity, the use of volunteers, and the inconsistency between time segments. Areas of renewal research are the increase of digital spaces, research involvement, global networking, and development programs. Other threats that will be discussed include the threat of dependency, the threat of loss of relevancy, the threat of loss of funding, and the threat of informal online groups. The research establishes that PLA has an illustrious reputation to adhere to, where it needs to take strategic steps on research, the incorporation of the digital aspect, and the training of the workforce to remain relevant and steer the transformation of librarianship in Pakistan. The present paper can provide LIS professionals, the leadership of PLA, and policy-makers with practical ideas on effectiveness in library services and scholarly cooperation nationwide.
This paper examines the insight of OER initiatives, benefits, and challenges based on a survey designed to gauge the students’ perceptions of adopting OER. The survey was conducted in January 2024 among 116 students from 12 Faculties at Rajshahi University, Bangladesh. An overwhelming majority of respondents (99.14%) strongly agree that OER includes research, teaching, and learning resources accessible to everyone. Most respondents (97.41%) agree that UGC Digital Library (UDL) plays a significant role in facilitating access to a wide range of digital academic materials, helping higher education institutions to integrate and disseminate OER (x̄ = 1.97, σ = 0.16). OER is also considered as a popular and efficient method for collaborative learning (99.14%; x̄ = 1.01; σ = 0.09). However, there are numerous obstacles to developing OER in Bangladeshi educational institutions. To promote OER in higher education, frequent capacity-building programs should be conducted within educational institutions to establish sustainable OER-based services (50%; x̄ = 1.51; σ = 0.52). Everyone has the right to access accurate information. Therefore, OER transforms the approach to education by promoting a more humanistic view of knowledge.
The notion of inclusion in education undertakes the principle that each student has a right to equitable access to education. It also expects that all educational institutions must organize learning spaces that facilitate every student either gifted, special or general. It is an on-going process and quest, aimed to increase participation of all learners in learning process. In this study the author was focused to get an insight regarding academic challenges and experiences through the lens of visually impaired student in an inclusive classroom at university. Case study approach was used to get the insight about learning experiences and challenges of visually impaired student. To select the single case for the study purposive sampling was used. Semi-structured interview guide was developed to collect the data. The collected data was transcribed and after that thematic analysis was used to develop themes from the data. Major themes emerged as a result of thematic analysis are Life changing event, Role of a teacher, Challenges regarding admission, classroom activities and peers behaviour and lastly Measures to support gifted student in an inclusive classroom. The study findings revealed that problems and challenges experienced by visually impaired student are associated with teachers who are unskilled and non-proficient in the execution of their duties in an inclusive classroom as well as the negative attitude and unsupportive behaviour of peers towards them. These findings will be helpful for departments and university on how they can take effective measures to address these problems and improve learning environment to make such students feel supported and a part of general classroom.
Digital leadership is emerging as a key driver of innovative work behaviors, enabling libraries to enhance services, accessibility, and user experiences. This study explores the impact of digital leadership to accelerate innovative work behaviors inspiring libraries to improve services and accessibility for better user experiences. The study explores the correlation between digital leadership and advanced practices in libraries by collecting data from 290 library managers and department heads in higher education institutions across Pakistan. Path analysis via AMOS and statistical evaluation with SPSS was used for this study. Leaders' digital competencies, paired with AI-powered tools and technology, play an important role in improving library services through creative and innovative initiatives. By investigating how digital transformation and innovation change leadership styles, this study adds to the expanding conversation on library leadership. It gives useful information to the libraries of Pakistan to adjust to the changing digital environment.
This study aimed to scrutinize the effect of work-related stress on job performance and health of library and information professionals’. The study utilized a survey research approach; the participants of this survey were the LIS professionals working in various universities of Karachi. They were approached to record their views via a self-developed questionnaire, with a response rate of 76%. The collected data was scrutinized using SPSS through various descriptive and inferential statistical tests. The outcomes of study affirm that librarians experience a modest level of stress and it adversely affects their work performance such as negligence at work, difficulty in decision making, fear of failure, and late sittings at the office, but they consider stress did not affect their normal routine activities, errors at work, meet work deadlines. Job stress has a strong relationship with work performance, which means that academic librarians’ job performance is affected by work stress. Work stress has effects on library professionals’ health at a moderate level, and found that work stress has a positive relation with health of librarians. The respondents were on the same pitch because there is no substantial change found in their opinions with respect to their gender and type of institutions. So the study found that work-related stress has effects on work performance and library professionals’ psychological and physical health.
This study aims to analyse the aspects of employee engagement in employee innovation in the public sector. Standardised face-to-face open-ended interviews were used in this study. To meet the goals of this study, six open-ended questions and one topic comprise the research measuring tool. Content analysis was used in tandem with the continuous comparative data analysis technique. The researcher grouped the data according to both their commonalities and differences. The absence of innovative ideas and employee engagement in the public sector makes innovation challenging to achieve. Employee engagement encourages employees to develop innovative concepts since they are confident they will make sense. No study has ever been carried out focusing on employee engagement and innovation in the public sector. Thus, more research is needed on the effects of employee engagement on employee innovation within public sector organisations. The value of this study lies in filling this gap. Public sector organisations, specifically local government, will continue to provide poor service to their communities due to disengaged employees and their respective municipalities not promoting a conducive work environment and a culture of innovation among employees.
This study aims to assess the favourable ecosystem for supporting OS in Tanzania and the factors hindering its adoption and implementation. Employing a cross-sectional research design, the study evaluates the enabling environment for Open Science adoption and practices within Tanzania. The study population comprises academicians, researchers, students, librarians, and science communicators. A total of 144 participants took part in the survey, predominantly early career researchers affiliated with both public and private institutions. The findings underscore that to some extent several institutions within Tanzania provides some kind of support for open science practices. This support manifests through the provision of Institutional Repositories, online journal publishing systems, financial coverage for publishing processing charges, and the establishment of improved mechanisms for researchers to share their publications and data. Nonetheless, the results also highlight several challenges. These include a lack of awareness regarding OS practices, absence of institutional policies, inadequate budget allocation to cover article processing charges (APCs), and the high costs associated with publishing in prestigious Open Access (OA) journals. Concerted efforts at both national and institutional levels to foster the widespread adoption of OS practices in Tanzania should be put in place. The efforts should focus on enhancing awareness, developing comprehensive policies, allocating adequate budgets to support APCs, and exploring strategies to mitigate the financial barriers associated with publishing in prestigious OA journals. By addressing these challenges proactively, Tanzania can pave the way for a more robust and inclusive research ecosystem aligned with the principles of Open Science.
The study analyzes the level of digital information literacy skills (DILS) of university teachers of Peshawar and its relationship with their certain personal and academic variables. Using survey method of research, a research instrument based on similar studies was administered to the university teachers working in the public sector universities of Peshawar for collecting the data. Total population of this study was comprised of 1678 faculty members in all six public sector universities situated in Peshawar, Pakistan. The research instrument was sent to a sample of 500 faculty members with a representation of 30% from each university. The researchers received back 340 usable questionnaires with 68% response rate. Results indicated that faculty members were comfortable with 13 DILS. They showed least comfort in the use of digital journals, digital books, listserv and discussion groups. The study found that participants were well acquainted in computer usage; however, they were not well versed in searching literature of their choice. Moreover, the study observed significant differences in faculty members’ specialty, educational qualification (degree), their proficiency in English, and the accessibility to computers or laptops at their homes. Similarly, significant difference was also found keeping in view respondents’ sex and societal background. The study concluded that university teachers, in general, lack DILS. The available literature indicates that only a few studies on such kind of topics have been conducted in Pakistan and elsewhere. However, no study till date has examined DILS of teachers of public sector universities in Peshawar, Pakistan. Being a pioneering study, It will help in promoting and organizing digital information literacy programs for faculty members and improve their DILS.
The purpose of this research is to synthesize the findings of existing studies on the sharing of health information among older adults. This SLR follows the PRISMA model to provide an extensive analysis of the practices of health information sharing among older adults. This review synthesizes the results of the searches in Google Scholar, Web of Science (WoS), and Scopus databases that investigated the purpose to share health related information, technologies used, and challenges faced by older adults in sharing their health information. Most of the studies emphasize that the elderly use computers, mobile phones, and social media apps to discuss their health issues with doctors and families. However, there are challenges like technology constraints, people’s resistance to technology, and lack of funds that hinder information sharing. Moreover, the study shows the variety of technologies used by older people, indicating the necessity for more individualized approaches to the development of interventions. Subsequent studies should focus on tackling these barriers with the help of specific interventions and creating effective technology designs that would enhance the accessibility of healthcare services for elderly people. By bridging the digital divide and enhancing access to technology, stakeholders can foster a more equitable healthcare system that empowers older adults to actively engage in health information sharing, ultimately improving their health outcomes and overall well-being.
The present paper identifies information literacy self-efficacy in workplace context among academicians working in all QS-ranked universities of Lahore. In addition, the current study aims to find a correlation of information literacy with different socio-cultural variables of academicians. This study opted for a quantitative approach, using a survey questionnaire for data collection. There were 356 responses collected from academicians working in all QS-ranked universities in Lahore. The data analysis was carried out through SPSS software. In order to achieve the study objectives, both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The outcomes disclosed that the participants of the survey were highly skilled and self-possessed in information literacy as a whole and in all sub-dimensions too. Investigating the correlation between variables, it was found that the respondents’ age, job and research experiences were positively correlative to information literacy. It indicates that the academicians’ IL enhanced as they become older, research, and job experience upgraded. No statistical difference was found in respondents' IL with their gender, qualification and designation. No previous research studies have been published on information literacy self-efficacy of university academicians in workplace context in Pakistan. The present study has two limitations: 1) Study results are established on self-reported views of participants' IL self-efficacy, and 2) the current study was commenced at the QS-ranked universities of Lahore. The understanding may include formulating advanced university information literacy programs to support research-based learning.
