Assessment of ICT Competencies of LIS Professionals in Public Libraries of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: A Quantitative Study

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the ICT competencies and skills of LIS professionals working in public libraries. The study's specific objectives were to assess LIS professionals' knowledge and skills in library software, web application, examine the methods used to acquire ICT skills, identify areas where training is needed, and ascertain the issues faced by the staff in acquiring ICT skills. Research Design and Methodology: The questionnaire-based survey was conducted to collect data from the sample of the study. 40 LIS professionals were working in 15 public libraries of the province. Therefore, a census-based approach was used and the whole population was considered for data collection. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22 (SPSS) was used to analyze the data and obtain the results. Results: The findings show that most of the respondents had the skills to work on various operating systems, library applications software, Microsoft office and web applications. The major sources used for acquiring ICT skills include formal education, self-study, workshops, and curricula. The major problems faced by the staff in acquiring ICT competencies were lack of interest of professional associations, lack of finances, limited training opportunities, lack of coordination among staff and insufficient staff in the library. Implications: The study's findings are beneficial to the government and higher library authorities. The key point to be considered includes ICT training for LIS professionals to enhance their skills and the authorities should take practical steps to resolve the issues identified by library practitioners as barriers in acquiring ICT competencies and skills.

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