Digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. An investigation from university librarians in Pakistan
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-06-2016-0133 |
| Published date | 05 June 2017 |
| Pages | 573-597 |
| Date | 05 June 2017 |
| Author | Shakeel Ahmad Khan,Rubina Bhatti |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Information & communications technology,Internet |
Digital competencies for
developing and managing
digital libraries
An investigation from university librarians
in Pakistan
Shakeel Ahmad Khan
Department of Libraries, Government College University Lahore,
Lahore, Pakistan, and
Rubina Bhatti
Department of Library and Information Science,
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this study was to explore the essential digital competencies for developing and
managing digital libraries. The study identied useful training programs for university librarians to acquire
digital competencies. It examined their digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries in
universities of Pakistan. This study also evaluates their digital knowledge in applying security measures to
protect digital contents.
Design/methodology/approach –The quantitative research method was used to conduct this study.
Research questions and hypothesis were developed to achieve the objectives. In-depth review of related
literature was conducted to draft a list of essential digital competencies for developing and managing digital
libraries. It was circulated among the panel of experts to get their valuable feedback to make a nal list of
digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. A questionnaire was developed to
measure the status of digital competencies of university librarians in Pakistan. It was pre-tested on 20
respondents before applying to the whole population. SPSS software was used to analyze data. Descriptive
and inferential statistics were applied to achieve results.
Findings –The ndings of the study showed that digital competencies for developing and managing digital
libraries fall into three main categories: digital competencies for developing digital libraries; digital
competencies for managing digital libraries; and digital competencies to protect digital contents. The results
revealed that training programs offered by Higher Education Commission (HEC), library associations, library
schools, in-house trainings, use of online tutorials and trainings offered by skilled professionals are highly
important and useful for university librarians to acquire digital competencies. The study concluded that the
university librarians working in HEC recognized universities in Punjab province possess basic level of digital
competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. Their digital competencies vary on the basis of
their university type, i.e. public and private sector.
Research limitations/implications –This study measures digital competencies of university
librarians in Pakistan. The study has practical implications for librarians, library schools, library
associations, university libraries and HEC.
Practical implications –This study has practical implications for librarians, information professionals,
libraries and library schools. The results are useful for librarians to get knowledge of digital competencies
which are essential for developing and managing digital libraries and protecting digital contents. They can
This research work is a subset of doctoral research conducted by the principal author for the
requirements of the PhD degree in LIS. No external funding has been received to conduct this study.
This work has not been published earlier in any journal.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm
Digital
libraries
573
Received 14 June 2016
Accepted 28 August 2016
TheElectronic Library
Vol.35 No. 3, 2017
pp.573-597
©Emerald Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/EL-06-2016-0133
develop their digital competencies in identied areas. This study has identied useful training programs for
university librarians for acquiring digital competencies. The university librarians should use these programs
to gain needed digital skills.
Social implications –Librarians can get knowledge of digital competencies for developing and managing
digital libraries to face the challenges of digital age.
Originality/value –In contrast to previous research work on investigating computer skills, information
and communication technology skills, technological skills and general digital skills, this study particularly
identies the essential digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. It helps library and
information science schools, library associations, training groups and university libraries to offer adequate
training opportunities in identied areas to meet the challenges of the digital age.
Keywords Pakistan, Digital libraries, Systems development, Management strategy,
Digital competencies, Digital skills
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
The use of digital information tools in libraries and information centers demands technical
competencies to successfully navigate through digital information. Librarians require new
skills to work effectively in this digital environment and to meet the challenges of digital
librarianship. Sreenivasulu (2000) described digital librarians as managers of digital
libraries. A digital librarian has a dynamic role in providing digital information to the users
by utilizing technology. Machlin-Mastromatteo (2009) described digital librarians as
professionals with a good working knowledge of information and communication
technologies (ICTs), and that librarians with digital skills have opportunities to become
digital librarians by applying technology in libraries. It has become inevitable for librarians
to acquire and maintain their digital skills. Trepanier (2012) dened digital skills as the
capability to use digital information systems including computer hardware and software to
apply appropriate security measures and protect digital information. Chinien and Boutin
(2011) dened digital skills as the ability to use digital tools and work in computerized
environments. Digital competencies are the skills necessary to work in digital library
environments and manage electronic library infrastructures and services. Ferrari (2012)
elaborated on digital competence as the knowledge, skills, attitudes and digital literacy that
are needed for developing and managing digital information systems. Ilomaki et al. (2011)
pointed out that digital competence consists of technical skills to use digital technology in a
modern information environment.
In the current digital information environment, it has become inevitable that librarians
need to acquire digital competencies (Graham, 2003). Seshaiah and Veeraanjaneyulu (2009)
emphasized that librarians must build digital libraries for their users. Missingham (2006)
reported that the use of pod-casting, wikis and other technologies has made digital
information more available and accessible to users. Singh and Pinki (2009) stressed that
library professionals must develop digital competencies and skills to manage change and
full the information needs of users. The new information environment demands modern
skills and library and information science (LIS) professionals to become adaptable for this
new environment (Chinien and Boutin, 2011). McDonald (2004) stated that library
professionals should acquire technical and analytical skills to meet the future demands of
digital librarianship. Raju (2014) concluded that librarians must possess knowledge of
digitization, metadata creation and management, preservation of digital information and
computer skills, which are useful to work in online information environments. Mendez (2002)
highlighted that librarians should play their dynamic role in the emerging digital culture by
demonstrating digital skills to serve library users efciently. Yakel (2007) explained that
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