Management and Organization of Theses held in University Libraries: An Investigation from Information Professionals in Pakistan

This research aims to investigate the management and organization of theses collection held in university libraries of Punjab Province. It also examines the availability of theses in university libraries, procedures, and techniques applied to organize theses collection and provide access. The quantitative research method by using a questionnaire as a research tool has been applied to collect data from libraries. Results revealed that university libraries possess an adequate number of theses collection in hard and soft form. They are organizing a print collection of theses by using traditional methods. Users can use theses collection under the supervision of library staff and are not allowed to get a photocopy of required pages due to copyright issue. In most of the statements provided by the respondents from public and private sector university libraries, there was no significant difference in the opinion of respondents to organize and manage thesis collection in university libraries. The study recommended that university libraries should manage this important piece of collection by using digital repository development software in their libraries and ensure proper management of theses collection and its use by the research community around the globe. The study also recommended that e-theses should be submitted in the national repository so that no one can pirate this intellectual work and users may get the maximum benefit from this intellectual source of information

National Defense in the Light of Literature

Defense of a country is always considered a national duty for all citizens because a country with strong defense guarantees a safe and secure nation. After the establishment of Pakistan, it was targeted by the enemy on various occasions, but Pakistan Army defeated the enemy every time by defending the country strongly. While the army showed the essence of its bravery, the authors, poets and writers also participated in these wars and wrote songs, poems and literature for the country. By means of writing these pieces of literature, the defense of the country was also made successful through strengthening patriotism and love for the homeland. This article throws light on the literature written to build national harmony with special reference to Urdu language

Factors Affecting Digital Skills of University Librarians for Developing & Managing Digital Libraries: An Assessment in Pakistan

The purpose of this study was to assess the digital skills of librarians working in university libraries. This study measures their digital skills to create and manage the digital library and the factors affecting their digital skills. The study also provides practical solutions to overcome those factors. This study used a mixed-method research design that is based on qualitative and quantitative research. In the first phase, an in-depth review of related literature was conducted to identify the research problem and formulate research objectives. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed through SPSS software. An interview guide was developed to collect qualitative data from 50 key experts. A thematic approach was used to analyze data. The current status of digital skills of librarians working in university libraries of Pakistan is not encouraging to develop and manage a digital library. Results showed that library schools in Pakistan are not offering practice-based training to their graduates to develop their digital skills. There is a dire need to offer practice-based training and short courses for librarians working in university libraries of Pakistan to improve their digital skills. Experts recommended in-house training programs and hiring master trainers to improve the digital skills of librarians. The results of this research are limited to librarians working in university libraries of Pakistan. This study has practical implications for librarians, library schools, library administration, and university libraries to develop digital skills of librarians and combat the factors/issues that are affecting their digital skills. This study has not only identified the key factors/issues that are affecting the digital skills of librarians but also provides practical solutions on how to overcome those factors

Electrochemical Measurement of Annealed and Normalized Mild Steel in the Presence of Lime of Milk Solution

Mild steel have been widely used in production industries, particularly in engineering structure. This is because of its economical cost and easy formation. Various microstructures have a different performance with environmental effect. In this paper the electrochemical properties of various microstructure of mild steel in lime of milk solution Ca(OH)2 has reported. Different grain sizes were obtained by heat treatment, and the Jeffries Planimetric method was applied to measure the average grain diameter. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was applied to study the surface characteristics, with addition of chemical composition by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The electrochemical behavior of mild steel was investigated at ambient temperature using potentiodynamic polarization. The result shows that lower grain size has a higher corrosion resistance as compared with higher grain size

Never Give Up! From LAMP To Koha: A Case Of University Of Engineering & Technology, Taxila Library

HEC emphasized on quality of education and want to develop higher education infrastructure in the country. This paper provides an analysis of UET Taxila library journey which developed over a period of last 23 years. It defines best practice as a presentation of route to produce more outcomes which means mode of doing things in specific organization as reference for good practices to others. Explains features which should have been encompass in the set meant for improving the services of the libraries. The paper opted review of the current practice being applied in UET Taxila. For in-depth understanding and some historical facts, interviews were conducted of the past Chief Librarians which explains the journey through LAMP to KOH

Perceptions of Research Students about Information Resources of Digital Library and Difficulties faced during usage

The basic aim of this study was to examine the perception of research students about the importance of online sources of information in digital libraries and the problems faced by research students while consulting online information resources in digital libraries. To achieve these goals, a quantitative research method was used. A self-administered questionnaire was developed and used for data collection. The population of the study has consisted of research students studying in M. Phil and Ph.D. in the Faculty of Behavioral & Social Sciences and Pure Sciences. Data was collected from 278 respondents and analyzed by using SPSS software. Results showed that respondents were aware of different online information resources and had positive perceptions regarding online information resources. They possessed satisfactory searching skills. They have obtained training sessions to use online information resources. They preferred digital form, print form, and electronic form to receive information. Respondents pointed out problems in using online information resources. These problems include information overload on the web, subscription issues, infrastructure problems, load shedding issues, etc. They demanded training to increase online searching skills. The study concluded that research students studying at the University of Punjab have a good level of searching skills. It was recommended that librarians working at the University of Punjab should offer adequate training programs to assist the research students in searching for online information

Factors Affecting the Development of Open Digital Repositories in Pakistan: A Chief Librarian\u27s Perspective

Abstract Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present chief librarians’ viewpoint about open repositories in Pakistan. This study appraised the factors that affecting development of open repositories in Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach – The study collected data by mean of In-depth literature review, scan of Open Access Directory of repositories (OpenDOAR), through interview & discussion with chief librarians of renowned university libraries. Research limitations – This study discovered the factors that affect building open digital repositories in Pakistan through collected data by means of literature review, interview & discussion with chief librarian. The results are limited to interview interpretation of the interview and discussion with Chief Librarian of selected university libraries and the scan of the web and Open Access Repository Directory OpenDOAR. Practical implications – The results are useful for stack holders of institutes, organization and other libraries to take care of these factor while planning to develop open access repositories in Pakistan. Originality/Value – The researchers contributed to fill the identified gap and have some recommendations in this regard

Research Output of Government College University Lahore, Pakistan: A Bibliometric Study Based on Scopus Database from 1908 to 2020

Abstract Purpose – The main purpose of the current study was to explore the research output of Government College University, Lahore Pakistan in terms of publications, citation trends, major research areas, co-authorship patterns, preferred journals, keywords used, and funding sponsored. Design/methodology/approach – Current study used bibliometric analysis methodology for achieving the objectives. Data were extracted from the Scopus database through a query. Query was executed in June 2021 at Prince Sultan University; Saudi Arabia and 6085 publications were retrieved. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were also defined. The results were filtered according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Finally, 6008 records were included in the final analysis which included articles, conference papers, reviews, and book chapters from 1908 to June 13, 2021. MS Excel, VOS Viewer, and Biblioshiny software were used for data analysis. Findings – Findings showed that publications and citation trends of Government College University remained low. However, the progress of publication and citations started in 2005. The top ten research areas were consisted of science subjects. Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities had no publications in the top ten areas. The majority of collaborated work from GC University authors was observed with the University of the Punjab, Lahore, University of Sargodha, and the University of Agriculture Faisalabad. GC University authors also collaborated with international authors, but this collaboration was less as compared to collaboration at the national level. The top funding sources for research was HEC Pakistan. However, international funding sources were also found. Originality/Value – Current study is unique because, with the best of research knowledge, no study has been conducted regarding the research productivity of GC University, Lahore in past. The current study has practical implications in the sense that it is helpful for authorities of the University in allocating funds for research. The current study provides a comprehensive and collective picture of the research productivity of GC University, Lahore which helps to identify weak and strong areas related to research. Keywords: Bibliometric Study, Government College University, Lahore. Research Productivity, Bibliometric Analysis

Impact of Continuing Professional Learning Programmes (CPLPs) on University Librarians

The major objective of this study was to know the impact of Continuing Professional Learning Programmes (CPLPs) upon Public Sector University Librarians of Lahore, Pakistan. As an allied objective, an attempt was also made to show practical solutions for making effective utilization of these professional programmes. This study was based on mixed methods research design. Quantitative and Qualitative methods were applied to meet the set objectives of the study. The Explanatory Sequential Design (QUAN+qual) was used. Quantitatively gathered data from the 84 library professionals working in public sector universities of Lahore; Pakistan, was first analyzed by SPSS Software. An interview guide was shaped to gather qualitative data from 10 key experts in the field. Thematic approach was applied to analyze the qualitatively gathered data. Results of the study show that Continuing Professional Learning Programmes have a positive impact on library professionals. Library services are improved through these activities. Information services are provided quickly and efficiently. Efficiency happens in the job. Better virtual reference services are provided to the users. There is an urgent need to provide Continuing Professional Learning Programmes to university librarians to polish their skills for providing efficient services at the workplace. Results of this research are limited to Public Sector University Librarians of Lahore, Pakistan. The research has practical implications for librarians, library administration, university authorities, and policymakers of the libraries to provide Continuing Professional Learning Programmes to the librarians to get a positive impact upon the working and service delivery styles of librarians. The study has found out the impact of Continuing Professional Learning Programmes and solutions to overcome such barriers