Research practices of LIS professionals in Pakistan: A study of attitudes, involvement and competencies

Abstract

This study analyses the attitudes, involvement and competencies of Pakistani Library Information Science (LIS) professionals towards research. An online survey was carried out by using a questionnaire to collect data from LIS professionals working in various types of libraries in Pakistan. The findings reveal that the overall attitude of the Pakistani LIS professionals towards research is positive. A vast majority of them read research literature, albeit occasionally, while a small majority read the full-text articles. Two local journals, Pakistan Library & Information Science Journal (PLISJ) and Pakistan Journal of Information Management & Libraries (PJIML), are the top read titles. Though research contributions counted towards promotion of LIS professionals, a very small majority of them were currently engaged in research project/s. They do not feel very confident about their research expertise, yet aspire to increase their knowledge of research. Some of the factors that deter LIS professionals from engaging in research are: a lack of time, little support from their organisation, lack of research ideas and lack of research skills. Institutional support in terms of time, money and educational training would enhance opportunities for LIS professionals to produce more research and publication.