DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AND ITS IMPACT ON LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES AND RESOURCES IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR UNIVERSITIES OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

This research project is a case study of the public sector university libraries in Pakistan. This thesis investigates and documents the impact of digital technology on library and information services and resources in the public sector universities of the country. All 73 public sector universities in Pakistan have been covered. Questionnaires, interviews, observation, web analyses and documentary sources of information were the major data collection techniques. The findings of the study reveal that the implementations of emerging library technologies have positive impact on library services and resources in the public sector universities in Pakistan. It was pinpointed that inadequate funding for library automation, lack of skilled library professionals, lack of user education programs on emerging library technologies, frequent power failure are the major barriers to the implementation of latest technologies in university libraries of the country. The findings also reflect that public sector university libraries of Islamabad and Punjab are far ahead in modernization of library services and resources as compared with Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir& Northern Areas. Recommendations are given at the end. Among other things, it is suggested that separate budget for automation and digitization, recruitment of IT skilled human resources, supply of powerful generators/ UPS, provision of latest hardware and standardized library software, revision of LIS curriculum, systematic planning for modernization of university libraries, digitization of library own publications, provision of high bandwidth of internet speed connections , effective periodic training for library professionals and continuing user education on modern library trends for library users are the tools which can be used for the improvement of modern library culture in the universities of Pakistan .