The impact of digital library resources usage on engineering research productivity: an empirical evidences from Pakistan

Abstract

Purpose The role of digital library resources (DLRs) in accelerating academic and research productivity has been acknowledged worldwide. The purpose of this study is to empirically explore the use of DLRs as a predictor of satisfaction and research productivity in the context of Pakistan to examine its impact on engineering research productivity. Design/methodology/approach Given the research objectives, the most suitable methodology for this study is survey. The tool used for gathering the research data on the frequency of usage, purpose, satisfaction level and impact of DLRs usage on research productivity was questionnaires. Findings The findings of this study showed that the frequency of use of DLRs and purposes of DLRs significantly contributed to the research students’ satisfaction and research productivity. In addition, a significant relationship was found between the predictors (DLRs purposes, DLRs frequency) and outcome variables (users’ satisfaction and research productivity). Thus, all five hypotheses are supported. The findings of this study further suggested the provision of information sources by university libraries to support research efforts and make a scientific knowledge-based society in the country. The findings are also significant for Higher Education Commission (HEC) authorities, university library administrators, Library and Information Science professionals/information providers to develop e-resources and formulate effective usage policies through which they could make effective use of DLRs. Originality/value The rationale of the present study is to fill the gap by empirically investigating the association of users’ satisfaction and research productivity with two dimensions of DLRs, namely, DLRs usage frequency and purposes of DLRs usage.

Key features of digital library management system (DLMS) for developing digital libraries: An investigation from LIS practitioners in Pakistan

“…Results manifested that training programs were highly significant in creating required digital skills in library professionals for the development and management of digital library management systems. Khan et al (2017) explored the impact of digital library usage on research productivity in the discipline of Engineering. Raza et al (2019) conducted a study on the application of linked data technologies in digital libraries.…”

Use patterns of e-journals among the science community: a transaction log analysis

“…Mostly, self-reported surveys have been conducted on e-journals and the HEC National Digital Library in Pakistan (Arshad and Ameen, 2017;Bhatti et al, 2014;Iqbal et al, 2016;Said, 2006). Khan et al (2017) found a positive impact of digital library resources use in a self-reported survey of post-graduate engineering research students. Iqbal et al (2016) also explored the facilities of the digital library and IT facilities in higher educational institutions of Pakistan.…”

An Exploratory Study on Experiences of Work-Life Balance of Female Teacher in Private University

“…Because people here generally belief that women are house maker so being a wife and a mother they are expect to perform all the traditional roles (bearer of domestic responsibilities, care giving, childcare duties and emotion roles) (Rashee, 2018;. Pakistan is one of the developing countries (Awan, Shahid, Rahman, & Baig, 2023) where women workforce is lower as compere to the world but it is increasing continuously (Khan, 2016;Bint et al, 2024). In our society for women keeping WLB women face number of challenges include large share of family and house based responsibilities, socio-cultural challenge, lack of professional & family support, lack of facilities and structures and occurrence of unsympathetic attitude at home and work place (Mehmood & Naz, 2015;Riaz & Safder, 2016;Batool, et al, 2013;Sarfaraz & Khalid, 2015;Iqbal & Nasir, 2016).…”