Purpose




The purpose of this study was to explore the essential digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. The study identified useful training programs for university librarians to acquire digital competencies. It examined their digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries in universities of Pakistan. This study also evaluates their digital knowledge in applying security measures to protect digital contents.




Design/methodology/approach




The quantitative research method was used to conduct this study. Research questions and hypothesis were developed to achieve the objectives. In-depth review of related literature was conducted to draft a list of essential digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. It was circulated among the panel of experts to get their valuable feedback to make a final list of digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. A questionnaire was developed to measure the status of digital competencies of university librarians in Pakistan. It was pre-tested on 20 respondents before applying to the whole population. SPSS software was used to analyze data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to achieve results.




Findings




The findings of the study showed that digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries fall into three main categories: digital competencies for developing digital libraries; digital competencies for managing digital libraries; and digital competencies to protect digital contents. The results revealed that training programs offered by Higher Education Commission (HEC), library associations, library schools, in-house trainings, use of online tutorials and trainings offered by skilled professionals are highly important and useful for university librarians to acquire digital competencies. The study concluded that the university librarians working in HEC recognized universities in Punjab province possess basic level of digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. Their digital competencies vary on the basis of their university type, i.e. public and private sector.




Research limitations/implications




This study measures digital competencies of university librarians in Pakistan. The study has practical implications for librarians, library schools, library associations, university libraries and HEC.




Practical implications




This study has practical implications for librarians, information professionals, libraries and library schools. The results are useful for librarians to get knowledge of digital competencies which are essential for developing and managing digital libraries and protecting digital contents. They can develop their digital competencies in identified areas. This study has identified useful training programs for university librarians for acquiring digital competencies. The university librarians should use these programs to gain needed digital skills.




Social implications




Librarians can get knowledge of digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries to face the challenges of digital age.




Originality/value




In contrast to previous research work on investigating computer skills, information and communication technology skills, technological skills and general digital skills, this study particularly identifies the essential digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. It helps library and information science schools, library associations, training groups and university libraries to offer adequate training opportunities in identified areas to meet the challenges of the digital age.

Digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries: An investigation from university librarians in Pakistan

Universities are increasingly offering support services for bibliometrics, often based in the library. This paper describes work done to produce a competency model for those supporting bibliometrics. The results of a questionnaire in which current practitioners rated bibliometric tasks as entry level, core or specialist are reported. Entry level competencies identified were explaining bibliometric concepts, doing basic calculations and some professional skills. Activities identified by participants as core are outlined. Reflecting on items that were considered in scope but specialist there was less stress on evaluating scholars, work at a strategic level, working with data outside proprietary bibliometric tools and consultancy-type services as opposed to training for disintermediated use. A competency model is presented as an appendix.

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0961000617728111

Competencies for bibliometrics

The Structure of Scholarly Communications within Academic Libraries

A primary role of any e-resources librarian or staff is troubleshooting electronic resources (e-resources). While much progress has been made in many areas of e-resources management (ERM) to understand the ERM lifecycle and to manage workflows, troubleshooting access remains a challenge. This collaborative study is the result of the well-received 2013 survey examining workflows from libraries large and small, with e-resources staffing ranging from one person to large consortial arrangements. The authors summarize the technological tools and products, the techniques, and the training methods libraries use to manage troubleshooting for electronic resources.

/pdf/tools-techniques-and-training-results-of-an-e-resources-4i039n1cbh.pdf

Tools, Techniques, and Training: Results of an E-Resources Troubleshooting Survey.

The University of North Texas conducted a project involving rigorous curriculum development and instructional design to address the goal of building capacity in the Library and Information Sciences...

/pdf/competency-based-curriculum-an-effective-approach-to-digital-27t6pkuu74.pdf

Competency-Based Curriculum: An Effective Approach to Digital Curation Education.

As the demand for electronic resources librarians increases, there is an expectation that graduate programs and continuing education will supply librarians with the appropriate qualifications. However, there are no agreed-upon competencies for this specialty. Sarah Sutton is conducting research for her doctoral dissertation to develop a definitive set of core competencies for electronic resources librarianship. She discussed using the position requirements in job advertisements as a way to learn what competencies employers are seeking in prospective applicants.

Sarah Sutton Presenter

Papers

Core Competencies for Electronic Resources Librarians