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The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of academic library leaders of Pakistan about library leadership. Qualitative research design was used with phenomenology approach as the present study aims to investigate what library leaders commonly perceive to be challenges, fundamental difficulties and needed skills to be successful. Data were collected through in-depth interviews from 15 senior academic library leaders. Major challenges found were identity crises followed by communication issues, financial constraints, CPD and administrative issues. The most challenging aspects of being an academic library leader were identified as trying to create awareness, lack of self-development culture and technological issues. The required leadership skills were communication, vision, social interaction, team building, organisational understanding and knowledge sharing. The findings of the study are helpful for current, young and future chief librarians to understand the challenges they may face and to develop the leadership skills needed to cope with these challenges. The study will also be helpful to academic institutions during their recruitment processes; professional associations for training purposes; and library schools for arranging and offering leadership courses.

Purpose The purpose of this paper was to systematically collect and review the research studies that provide empirical evidence regarding the existence of relationship between self-efficacy and knowledge sharing or influence of self-efficacy on sharing of knowledge. Design/methodology/approach The studies were collected through searching in Google Scholar, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, LISTA (Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts) and Web of Science. All types of studies, except books, were selected for review. Time limitation was not applied. Findings It can be concluded from majority of reviewed studies that self-efficacy influenced knowledge sharing. This systematic review also establishes that majority of reviewed studies confirmed existence of relationship (positive) between variables self-efficacy and knowledge sharing. Research limitations/implications A language limit was applied, and only English language studies were reviewed. Originality/value This review is first of its kind that systematically collected and reviewed the studies that examined the relationship between self-efficacy and knowledge sharing. This paper is also first in terms of a study which systematically collected and reviewed studies that investigated impact of self-efficacy on sharing of knowledge. Findings of current research paper will be helpful for organizations striving to implement a knowledge-sharing culture. Similarly, this study will also help the readers in understanding the ways to improve their knowledge-sharing practices and learning.

Purpose Reporters are considered unique in terms of their information needs and seeking from other groups of masses. As they are running information business, the purpose of the study is to know about their skills of seeking, evaluating and engaging with information effectively and efficiently. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey was conducted with electronic media reporters from 20 news channels to assess their information literacy skills (IL) and personal information management practices (PIM). Findings The results indicated that the study’s participants considered themselves as information literate. They perceived themselves competent and confident in IL skills for the overall scale and on its all sub-dimensions as well. Interestingly, the study findings show that IL skills affect PIM practices positively. However, they were less competent in advanced searching techniques (i.e. use of Boolean logic, truncation etc.) and cloud-based storing tools and applications. Practical implications The study has inferences for information professionals, educators, media owners and other stakeholders. Policymakers in electronic media, particularly media libraries should offer training opportunities by organizing workshops, seminars etc. to enhance their advanced IL as well as PIM skills at workplace. Originality/value Very few studies investigated the IL phenomenon beyond its skills and assessment aspects. The present study uniquely identified impact of IL on PIM practices of working electronic media journalists.

The aim of the study is to investigate the conceptions of academic library leaders' about library leadership, library management, the best attributes for academic library leaders and the ways to develop leadership skills. A qualitative approach was used and data were collected through in-depth interviews from 15 experienced academic library leaders in Pakistan. Phenomenology was used to explore the common conceptions of the participants about library leadership, library management, smart leaders' attributes and significant ways to develop leadership. Academic library leaders perceived that a library leader is all about being visionary and innovative, being bold, and being a knowledge worker. Majority of the participants differentiated between library leader and library manager however, others had similar conceptions about both roles. The best attributes of academic library leaders conceived by professionals are having a humanistic and charismatic personality, being a team leader, and having building relationship skills or social outreach. Humanist aspect of a leader prevails among participants' voices and this might be an addition to the existing literature. Continuous professional development, mentorship, and being in a competitive environment are the best ways for library leadership skills development. The study would be helpful for library leaders, university management, library associations and library schools in policy making and offering of professional training and education of library leaders.