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The present study aims to determine the impact of perceived information literacy (IL) skills on the research productivity of mathematics faculty members in Pakistan. The study explores their opinion of their ability to identify information needs and information sources. It also examines their perceived capability of constructing effective and efficient strategies for locating, accessing, evaluating, and applying the needed information legally and ethically. A structured questionnaire was developed based on the SCONUL Seven Pillars of Information Literacy. Questionnaires were sent to 300 academicians from 36 public sector universities in the Punjab province of Pakistan through personal visits, e-mail, and postal service. After repeated follow-up calls, 185 filled questionnaires were received. The major findings of the study showed that the mathematics faculty members believed they had reasonable IL skills. The majority of them had published research articles in learned journals. The study revealed a positive impact of perceived IL skills on the research productivity of mathematics faculty members. IL instruction sessions designed for faculty may improve the research output of mathematics scholars in their respective universities.

Purpose: Reporters are considered unique in terms of their information needs and seeking from other groups of masses. As they are running information business, the purpose of the study is to know about their skills of seeking, evaluating and engaging with information effectively and efficiently. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with electronic media reporters from 20 news channels to assess their information literacy skills (IL) and personal information management practices (PIM). Findings: The results indicated that the study's participants considered themselves as information literate. They perceived themselves competent and confident in IL skills for the overall scale and on its all sub-dimensions as well. Interestingly, the study findings show that IL skills affect PIM practices positively. However, they were less competent in advanced searching techniques (i.e. use of Boolean logic, truncation etc.) and cloud-based storing tools and applications. Practical implications: The study has inferences for information professionals, educators, media owners and other stakeholders. Policymakers in electronic media, particularly media libraries should offer training opportunities by organizing workshops, seminars etc. to enhance their advanced IL as well as PIM skills at workplace. Originality/value: Very few studies investigated the IL phenomenon beyond its skills and assessment aspects. The present study uniquely identified impact of IL on PIM practices of working electronic media journalists.

This study investigated the effect of the Big Five personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness) on knowledge acquisition and application by Pakistani university librarians. To increase their impact in academic institutions, it is imperative to examine how people acquire and apply knowledge within the field of librarianship. This study employed a quantitative research approach based on the survey research method. The Big Five personality inventory designed by John and Srivastava was adopted, however, measurement items related to knowledge acquisition and application behavior were developed with the help of the existing literature. The study population comprised academic librarians working in the university libraries of Pakistan, with a census sampling method used to collect data and 357 completed questionnaires received. The results indicated that extraversion, agreeableness, and openness to experience positively affect the university librarian's knowledge acquisition, while neuroticism has a negative effect. The findings also revealed that extraversion and openness to experience positively affects academic librarians' knowledge application behavior while neuroticism has a negative effective, however, conscientiousness and agreeableness personality traits were found to be insignificant predictors of the same. This study highlights the significant personality features contributing to knowledge acquisition and application behavior in academic libraries from a developing country's perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media such as Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Twitter have radically enhanced the public access to health information. Still, studies have unexplored the factors that contribute toward such behaviors especially in developing countries. Therefore, this study identifies the factors that contribute to the likelihood of young adults' health information seeking and sharing on social media. Specifically, drawing upon health belief model (HBM), the study attempts to understand how health belief and e-Health literacy affects health information seeking and sharing on social media. The study collected data from 413 young adults through Google Forms on a random basis. The results generated applying structural equation modeling confirmed that HBM related factors such as perceived susceptibility, perceived severity and perceived benefits positively while perceived barriers negatively influence young adults' health information seeking and sharing intentions on social media. Furthermore, e-Health literacy was positively associated with health information seeking and sharing intentions on social media. This study is amongst a first few studies in the context of developing world to investigate the young adults' intentions of seeking and sharing health information on social media based on HBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

This study examined the use of smartphones as an academic tool amongst medical students from a developing country context. The study also aimed at identifying the perceived benefits and barriers to using smartphones in medical education. A cross sectional survey was administered to the students from nine medical institutes in Pakistan. A structured questionnaire was self-administered to 270 students from MBBS program. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23. All the respondents owned a smartphone. They used smartphones to browse the Internet to find medical information (100%), to share educational material (90%), and to take notes (79%). Easy and speedy access to information and improvement in study skills were the major benefits, while limited wireless access, small screen, and lack of awareness about medical resources were the main barriers. The students had a positive attitude towards smartphone as an academic tool. Smartphones use is likely to increase with the emergence of new developments in terms of design, medical apps and educational resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge sharing among individuals is very crucial for greater creativity and enhancing performance in knowledge-based organizations. The present study investigates the association of Big Five personality traits and the knowledge sharing intentions of university librarians in Pakistan. Based on quantitative design, this study employs survey research method. The Big Five personality inventory designed by John and Srivastava (1999) was adopted, while measurement items related to knowledge sharing intentions were developed with the help of the existing literature. The population of the study comprised library and information science professionals working in the university libraries of Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). A census sampling method was used for collecting data and 103 dully filled questionnaires were received. The results indicated that agreeableness and openness to experience positively while neuroticism negatively influenced the university librarian's knowledge sharing intentions. However, conscientiousness and extraversion personality traits were found to be insignificant predictors of the same. This study is first of its nature which highlights the significant personality features contributing towards KS intentions in academic libraries from a developing country's perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media has evolved over the last decade as a key driver for sharing and acquiring information in various domains of life. The increasing popularity of social media raises a number of questions regarding the extent of its use and the types of information shared. This study is designed to answer these questions by investigating university students' use of social media in terms of commonly used social media platforms, frequency of use and the types of information shared. It also looks at differences of opinion based on gender, academic discipline and programme of study. The study is based on a cross-sectional survey; a structured questionnaire was developed and data was collected from 400 students at four universities in Faisalabad, Pakistan. The findings indicate that the majority of the students were frequent users of social media and visited platforms daily or several times a day. WhatsApp, Facebook and YouTube were the most widely used social media platforms. Male students tended to use social media more frequently than their female counterparts. This study will serve as a guideline for further research as it addresses an untouched area from a local perspective and reports original research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information literacy (IL) skills comprise the set of competencies, which are useful for research, lifelong learning and to become the critical consumer of information in 21st century. The present study aimed to assess IL skills of mathematics faculty members in higher education institutes of Pakistan. The study explored their ability to identify the information need and sources; to plan strategies for locating, accessing, evaluating and ethically applying the needed information effectively and efficiently. The study employed a quantitative research approach and structured questionnaire based on SCONUL Seven Pillars of Information Literacy, was sent to 300 faculty members from 36 HEC recognized public sector universities of the Punjab province. After repeated follow up calls, 185 filled questionnaires were received. The data were analyzed using SPSS-24. The major findings of the study showed that the mathematics faculty members had reasonable IL skills of basic level. They were able to identify information need and related information sources. They were able to scope, plan, gather, evaluate, manage and present information legally and ethically. However, they were less competent at the advanced level of IL skills. The study suggested that information professionals/librarians working in university libraries should design need-based IL programs to cater the needs of faculty members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to identify the challenges students faced in accessing the information from academic libraries during COVID and factors that contributed to stress among students during the pandemic. Another purpose of the study was to know the expectations of the students regarding libraries' services and library professionals' competencies in the post-COVID era. A quantitative research approach and survey method was employed to conduct this study. The population of the study was students of public and private sector universities in Pakistan. Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the collected data. Results revealed that lack of digital resources (limited access to the internet and digital devices such as smartphones) and limited information skills found the highest mean score (3.92 and 3.90 respectively) regarding contributing to stress among the students. Similarly, findings confirmed that lack of access to printed material and printers, scanners, recorders, and websites with limited guidelines were the major challenges students faced while accessing the information from academic libraries during the period of a pandemic. Students agreed and expected remote access to information sources, availability of more electronic content, presence of online tutorials regarding the use of information sources and access to institutional repositories from libraries after the COVID era. Respondents also agreed that post-COVID librarians should be good information managers, communicators, problem solvers and internet librarians. The study also shares the implications for practitioners and polisymakers and future research directions for academics and researchers. [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]

Newspapers have always been extensively used for research and as such they are the primary source for recording and tracing ancient history, cultures and civilizations. The present study aims to highlight the local preservation practices undertaken by the two oldest libraries of Pakistan. It further identifies the prevalent challenges and issues in relation to the cost and space for the preservation and conservation of newspapers owed to their large volume. The data were collected through the interview and observation methods from a public academic library that housed a rich and rare collection of newspapers. The study highlights the need to ensure the longevity of current and historic newsprints for future generations by adopting adequate preservation methods. The findings may be applicable for other developing countries with the same context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reports a research study aimed to explore the readiness for digital reference service (DRS) of university libraries of the province of Punjab, Pakistan, in terms of organizational awareness, willingness, planning and strength of resources. This descriptive research employed the survey method. The survey instrument (questionnaire) was reviewed by a panel of LIS experts of national level and was worded to achieve an official organizational response to probe the status. Thirty-eight libraries of Higher Education Commission (HEC) recognized universities participated in the study. The findings reveal that only a few libraries were at a level of DRS readiness while the others were adopting this system at a slow pace. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose – Modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) are transforming reference service (RS) from physical to virtual. The paper aims to explore the current status of ICT infrastructure necessary for delivering effective digital reference service (DRS) in university libraries of the Punjab. Design/methodology/approach – This exploratory study used questionnaire survey method to probe the current status. The questionnaire was worded to achieve an official organizational response. For ensuring the content validity, comments from some well-known LIS professionals were sought. In the light of experts' opinions, necessary modifications were made to the instrument. University libraries of the Punjab province (n=40) recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) were identified as targeted population. The questionnaire was distributed through post and e-mail. The researchers were able to get questionnaires filled from 38 universities. Findings – The findings reveal that the ICT infrastructure needed for designing and implementing an effective DRS in libraries is better than before but it needs further improvement. Many libraries also own general and reference collection in electronic format. Only a few libraries have started DRS while most of them are still using face to face channel for reference transactions. Practical implications – This study is an attempt to fill a gap in the local literature on the topic and provides baseline information to design and implement DRS in academic libraries. Originality/value – The findings will be helpful in designing better and more effective DRS systems in Pakistan as well as in other developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The World Wide Web is now known to be the richest source of information. The growth rate of the web is exponential. This paper explores different aspects of web search behavior of university students, in terms of user's background and experience with web, purpose of use, searching skills, query formulation, frequency of use, favorite search engine, etc. All these factors contribute to the way in which the students search the web. Data have been collected from students of the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore through questionnaire. Key findings include the use of web for academic tasks, preference of Google, reformulation of query, use of basic and advance search features, browsing of first ten hits and problem of slow speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]