Perceptions and Level of ICT Competencies: A Survey of Librarians at Public Sector Universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

This paper intends to explore the level of ICT competencies, and the training needs for updating these competencies among library professionals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It also looks at the various approaches utilized by these professionals for acquiring ICT skills and problems faced by them in this regard. Descriptive survey research method has been used for conducting this study. The population for this study comprised of 105 library professionals working in the 14 public sector universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The study revealed that the status of ICT competencies among library professionals in the region is unsatisfactory. Self-study is their main avenue of acquiring ICT skills and insufficient staff in the libraries is their main problem. Further training in establishing & maintaining a digital library software and using institutional repository software is their foremost training need for updating their ICT competencies. The results can be utilized by library administrators to organize regular ICT training programs to train library staff in modern ICT resources as per their needs and to eradicate any hurdle in updating staff ICT competencies. This study provides valuable insight into the level of the ICT competencies of library professionals in KPK, and provides a framework for the development of ICT competencies of library professionals in KPK and elsewhere. It would lead to the provision of qualitative and standardized library services to the patrons and would enable library professionals to benefit from modern ICT resources in the field of library and information science.