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This study aims to investigate the research experience, perceived research capabilities, and role of LIS education in reading and doing research. It further explores their preferred educational activities to learn research skills and the impact of research competencies on their work performance. An online survey was conducted through a questionnaire and the data were collected from the librarians working in academic libraries in Pakistan. The findings revealed that a majority of the academic librarians wrote either journal article/s or presented their research in conferences. With regard to research competencies, academic librarians indicated their high confidence in performing discrete steps involved in a research project. However, the participants noted their lack of confidence in knowing which statistical test(s) to run and how to code qualitative data to identify themes and sub-themes. The study also revealed that Library Information Science (LIS) qualification more adequately trained academic librarians to read about rather than conduct research. Academic librarians considered continuing education programs (i.e. workshops, seminars, sessions, and attending conferences) as an effective delivery mode for learning research methods. The research competencies of the participants also came out as a positive predictor of work performance. The study suggests that academic libraries, LIS schools, and other organizations, should be keenly aware of librarians' research learning needs and facilitate them by creating a supportive environment for learning and applying research knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyses the attitudes, involvement and competencies of Pakistani Library Information Science (LIS) professionals towards research. An online survey was carried out by using a questionnaire to collect data from LIS professionals working in various types of libraries in Pakistan. The findings reveal that the overall attitude of the Pakistani LIS professionals towards research is positive. A vast majority of them read research literature, albeit occasionally, while a small majority read the full-text articles. Two local journals, Pakistan Library & Information Science Journal (PLISJ) and Pakistan Journal of Information Management & Libraries (PJIML), are the top read titles. Though research contributions counted towards promotion of LIS professionals, a very small majority of them were currently engaged in research project/s. They do not feel very confident about their research expertise, yet aspire to increase their knowledge of research. Some of the factors that deter LIS professionals from engaging in research are: a lack of time, little support from their organisation, lack of research ideas and lack of research skills. Institutional support in terms of time, money and educational training would enhance opportunities for LIS professionals to produce more research and publication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During recent times, there is much discussion about the challenges associated with the present and future of library and information science (LIS) education in Pakistan. The present study is aimed to explore the current status, issues and challenges of LIS faculty member who are considered the pillar of academic programs. It develops our understanding of LIS educators' characteristics by presenting key findings with regard to their designation, gender, academic qualification, teaching strategies and work activities. Various issues and challenges along with faculty development strategies were also explored. Data were collected by employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A profile of LIS educators (i.e. budgeted positions for faculty members in different cadres and number of actual incumbents, gender wise distribution and academic qualification) was made by collecting quantitative data through questionnaire. Whilst interviews were conducted with17 faculty members about their teaching strategies, work activities and the overall challenges confronted to LIS educators in the country. Various faculty development strategies suggested by the respondents are also reported. The findings presented in the paper provide a unique insight into the characteristics and challenges of Pakistani library and information educators and will help to understand the needs of this workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the issue of quality assurance (QA) in library and information science (LIS) education in Pakistan. It identifies the practices of quality assessment prevalent in Pakistani LIS schools and examines the perceptions of faculty members concerning the accreditation of LIS programs. A questionnaire sent to heads of departments and semi-structured interviews with faculty were employed to collect data. The findings of the study identify human, physical, procedural, and behavioral hindrances to imparting quality education. The study revealed a need for developing and implementing robust internal and external quality assurance mechanisms. The findings may lead to the development of policy guidelines for quality assurance in Pakistan and other countries with a similar context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]