Bridging the Technological Gap: A Competency Assessment of Academic Librarians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Purpose: To meet the demands of the modern academic library, librarians must constantly expand their skill sets. Therefore, it was necessary to determine what cutting-edge technology skills academic librarians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, need, test those skills, and convey those skills to the public.

Design/methodology/approach: In this study, researchers combined a quantitative research strategy with a descriptive survey. Based on this extensive literature study, we have created a  preliminary inventory of 67 competences. After careful consideration, we were able to pare the draught document down to 89 statements. The pilot research participants provided feedback on the reviewed questionnaire, which led to the development of a revised instrument consisting of 82 competence statements. All librarians at the province's universities (both public and private), degree institutions, and trade colleges made up the study's population. With a sample size of 184, we were able to obtain data on the academic librarians' degree of technological competence using a number of criteria. Technological Competencies for Developing Digital Libraries, Technological Competencies for Managing Digital Libraries, Technological Competencies to protect Digital Contents/ Information, Technological Competencies for Dealing with Electronic Learning Management System (LMS), Technological Competencies for System Administration, Hardware Maintenance, Trouble Shooting, and Networking, Technological Competencies for Computer Programming Languages and Web Development Related Applications’ Technological Competencies for Dealing with Library Management Systems’ Technological Competencies for Using Office Suit Applications and Social Media Tools.

Findings: The research showed that the regional library community had a low level of technological competence. Their primary method of getting Technological expertise is self-study, and their primary challenge is a lack of available personnel. This research not only offers a significant foundation for the improvement of library professionals' Technological skills in KPK, but also sheds light on the current state of such abilities.

Value: It would allow library workers to take use of cutting-edge technological tools to improve the quality and consistency of the services they provide to customers.