The impact of digital library resources on scholarly communication: challenges and opportunities for university libraries in Pakistan

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of HEC digital library resources and services in the public sector universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan on the basis of research scholars' satisfaction and its impact on their research progress. Design/methodology/approach – A descriptive survey research method was adopted in order to achieve the objectives of this study. A stratified random sampling technique was used to solicit data from both genders. Research scholars of MS/MPhil and PhD from 14 public sector universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were selected as sampled for this study. A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data and a five-point Likert scale was used to know the purpose and the satisfaction level of respondents with digital library resources. The impact of digital library on research and problems faced by them while using these resources was also measured by using a five-point Likert scale. Findings – The results of this study indicate that near to one-fourth of the respondents used digital library resources two to three times a week for article writing and thesis or dissertation purposes. The study concluded that digital library provides effective resources and services to research scholars and also found a significant impact on their research progress at these universities. However, research scholars were not satisfied with the support of library professionals regarding the use of digital library resources. The study has identified several problems encountered by respondents in the use of digital library resources and services. Practical implications – The findings of this study and their implications will be helpful for HEC authorities, universities libraries administrators, decision and policy makers and LIS professionals both in Pakistan and in other places. They should benefit from considering the experience of research scholars with digital library resources. This experience can help future subscriptions, training and use of these resources to maximize research scholars' success and achievement in their research activities. Originality/value – The study is the first of its kind and an important source for knowing the effectiveness of digital library resources on research scholars' progress at Pakistani universities.

Understanding research students’ behavioural intention in the adoption of digital libraries

“…The review of related literature showed that majority of researchers investigated digital libraries in terms of system and interface characteristics (Jeong, 2011). Very few researchers studied its benefits towards research, learning and teaching (Miller and Khera, 2010;and Khan and Ahmed, 2013). The prior research findings also indicated that digital libraries are significant but turned into underused resources because of poor usability (Chu, 2003;and Carlock and Perry, 2008) and limited research on its acceptance and rejection (Hsieh-Yee, 1996;Chu, 2003;Ramayah, 2006;and Carlock and Perry, 2008).…”

“…The idea of digital librarianship in Pakistan is very novel, and students rarely comprehend its benefits in terms of academic progress. According to Khan and Ahmed (2013), a very small number of students use the HEC digital library of Pakistan, which is mostly related to the writing of articles and research theses. There are several obstacles in the use of HEC digital library, such as such as lack of understanding of the benefits of digital library, limited computer knowledge, absence of librarians' access to classrooms activities, absence of connections between the HEC digital library and course contents, etc.…”

Engagement of users with e-resources across agricultural libraries of Northern India

“…It is clear from the data analysis section that the most popular frequency with regard to use of EIRs is "daily", as expressed by the majority of respondents (77.30 per cent), followed by "2-3 times a week" (16.00 per cent). This findings is supported by the findings of a large number of research studies which reveal that the most popular frequencies at which the users use EIRs are "2-3 times" a week, followed by "daily basis", "once in a week" and (Ali and Nisha, 2011;Bhatt and Rana, 2011;Gupta, 2011;Khan and Ahmed 2013;Salaam and Aderibigbe, 2010;Salahudheen et al, 2011;Santhi and Jeyachitra, 2014;Sethi and Panda, 2012;Thanuskodi, 2011Thanuskodi, , 2012. Thus, it is obvious that the users of North Indian agricultural libraries prove to be much voracious users than users of other libraries of the country, as majority of them (77.30 per cent) are seen to use e-resources on daily basis as compared to other libraries where the frequency "2-3 times a week" is much popular.…”

Higher Education in Pakistan: Challenges, Opportunities, Suggestions

“…These libraries should play a collective role in student learning, fulfill corporative missions, and position themselves as library leaders in higher education development quality assessment. The Pakistan government, administrators, and educational policymakers or decision-makers should build more libraries in higher education institutions, universities, and colleges to benefit from quality researchdata (Khan, A., & Ahmed, S. 2013). The implementation of multiple libraries will help improve the students and researchers' knowledge and research skills from the experience of library resources.…”