- Associate Professor,
Dept. of Information Management,
University of the Punjab,
Lahore [Pakistan] - +92 (0) 333 3110909
- University of the Punjab, Department of Library & Information Science, Faculty Memberadd
- Library Science, Knowledge Management, Information Science, Digital Libraries, Information Literacy, Open Source Software, and 8 moreAcademic Librarianship, Open Source/Open Access and Libraries, Knowledge sharing, Digitization, Records Management, ICT in libraries, Basic of Information Science & Library Management, and Metadataedit
- Dr. Muhammad Rafiq is serving as Associate Professor at Institute of Information Management, University of the Punjab... moreDr. Muhammad Rafiq is serving as Associate Professor at Institute of Information Management, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. He received his PhD from University of the Punjab Lahore and Post-Doctorate from State University of New York at Buffalo, NY USA on a Fulbright scholarship. He has over 21 years of experience in teaching and serving national and international organizations including premier educational institutes of Pakistan and USAID Projects. He has published more than 50 research papers and book chapters in national and international journals and book series. Dr. Rafiq also achieved some international awards such as The Jay Jordan IFLA-OCLC Early Career Development Fellowship, USA, Winner of 2009 International Research Paper Contest of The Association for Information Science and Technology (ASISedit
Purpose: The study was planned with a clear purpose to examine how Management Science students incorporate the internet in their education and what outcomes it has on their academic performance. Research Design: A quantitative survey... more
Purpose: The study was planned with a clear purpose to examine how Management Science students incorporate the internet in their education and what outcomes it has on their academic performance.
Research Design: A quantitative survey approach was adopted. For this purpose data were collected from a sample of 225 Management Science students scattered in five selected universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan using non-random proportionate sampling technique.
Key Findings: The findings of the study indicate that 55% of students do not possess personal computer/Laptops. A vast majority of the respondents (79%) used the internet at their homes and 80% students agreed to the importance of internet use training. Students’ Internet use for chatting with friends and family and for spending leisure time negatively affect CGPA but spending more time on academic online resources enhance their academic results. Similarly, their computer problems solving skills have positive effects on their CGPA but the problems of slow internet connectivity, electricity shortage, and much more information to deal with badly effect students’ academic performance.
Conclusions: The internet use has a significant co-relationship with the students’ academic success. Therefore, the research suggests the authorities to provide training in the light of findings of this study, which would undoubtedly improve the academic output of the Management Science Students in the Universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Research Design: A quantitative survey approach was adopted. For this purpose data were collected from a sample of 225 Management Science students scattered in five selected universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan using non-random proportionate sampling technique.
Key Findings: The findings of the study indicate that 55% of students do not possess personal computer/Laptops. A vast majority of the respondents (79%) used the internet at their homes and 80% students agreed to the importance of internet use training. Students’ Internet use for chatting with friends and family and for spending leisure time negatively affect CGPA but spending more time on academic online resources enhance their academic results. Similarly, their computer problems solving skills have positive effects on their CGPA but the problems of slow internet connectivity, electricity shortage, and much more information to deal with badly effect students’ academic performance.
Conclusions: The internet use has a significant co-relationship with the students’ academic success. Therefore, the research suggests the authorities to provide training in the light of findings of this study, which would undoubtedly improve the academic output of the Management Science Students in the Universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Research Interests:
Information literacy (IL) is an essential skill and play a vital role in active participation in the modern society. It is an information and a variety of skills that enable people to know when information is needed and to have the talent... more
Information literacy (IL) is an essential skill and play a vital role in active participation in the modern society. It is an information and a variety of skills that enable people to know when information is needed and to have the talent to accurately identify, analyse and utilize the information needed. It is knowledge and expertise of individuals to recognize when information is needed and to have the capacity to locate, assess, interpret and use effectively the needed information. This study intended to investigate the IL practices and methods used by professional librarians in university libraries of Lahore, Pakistan. A quantitative method based on a descriptive research design was used. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey method. The population of the study contained 30 HEC recognized universities (11 public and 19 private) of Lahore. A sample of thirty head librarians was selected as participants for the study and covered through census survey. The questionnaire developed by Ullah and Ameen (2015) was adapted according to the need of the study. The reliability value of the scale was α =.092. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyze the data. The results of the study indicated that most of the academic libraries were using a basic level of information literacy practices. The preferred delivery method of IL instructions was hands-on practice as most of the librarians were conducting IL sessions with the help of computer applications. Results further revealed that professional librarians at government and non-government sector university libraries of Lahore had the same perception regarding the effectiveness of IL instruction methods. The study recommended that universities should integrate IL instructions at all levels as credit or non-credit courses to help students to become life-long and independent learners.
Research Interests:
This study assesses the perceived level of Open Access (OA) awareness, challenges, and opportunities in context of university libraries of Pakistan. The differences between public and private sector university libraries in terms of their... more
This study assesses the perceived level of Open Access (OA) awareness, challenges, and opportunities in context of university libraries of Pakistan. The differences between public and private sector university libraries in terms of their awareness, challenges and opportunities were also analyzed in this study. Survey research design, based on a structured questionnaire, was employed to meet the objectives of the study. The population of the study was libraries of Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) recognized universities located in Punjab and Islamabad (Pakistan). The findings revealed that majority of university libraries were fully aware of HEC-National Digital Library (NDL) OA resources, OA journals, and Pakistan Research Repository, whereas, somewhat aware of Budapest OA Initiative, and Diamond OA Model. Lack of additional resources (staff, time, efforts), unreliability of OA information resources, and inadequate tools and infrastructure were identified as top challenges. However, free access, increase in library value, and fulfilling users need with shrinking budget were top three identified opportunities. The study did not find any significant statistically difference between public and private university libraries in terms of their level of awareness, perceived challenges and opportunities. This study is administered in institutional context and fills the literature gap.
Research Interests:
The purpose of this study was to explore the university libraries' response during the COVID-19 pandemic and determine their working practices, services patterns, strategies applied, and role played. This study is a qualitative... more
The purpose of this study was to explore the university libraries' response during the COVID-19 pandemic and determine their working practices, services patterns, strategies applied, and role played. This study is a qualitative exploration by collecting data through in-depth interviews of purposely selected Heads of seven university libraries. The interview recordings were transcribed, translated, and analyzed thematically. The majority of the university libraries were physically closed for patrons in this pandemic but engaged with the users. Libraries revamped their web pages, reassigned resources, and planned robust online offerings. The university portal and other social media tools were less used communication tools during the pandemic. Library staff worked from home and there was a sense of over burden because of 24/7 connectivity and without any formal working policy addressing the new working routines. University librarians felt that digital divide, lack of digital literacy skills, and slow internet speed were the major barriers in their transition from physical to online mode and less use of library's online resources and web portals. Libraries see their individual and collective roles of societal and educational dimensions during these uncertain times. The study also made recommendations for the betterment of libraries' role in such situations.
Research Interests:
Purpose: The study was planned with a clear purpose to examine how Management Science students incorporate the internet in their education and what outcomes it has on their academic performance. Research Design: A quantitative survey... more
Purpose: The study was planned with a clear purpose to examine how Management Science students incorporate the internet in their education and what outcomes it has on their academic performance.
Research Design: A quantitative survey approach was adopted. For this purpose data were collected from a sample of 225 Management Science students scattered in five selected universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan using non-random proportionate sampling technique.
Key Findings: The findings of the study indicate that 55% of students do not possess personal computers/Laptops. A vast majority of the respondents (79%) used the internet at their homes and 80% students agreed to the importance of internet use training. Students’Internet use for chatting with friends and family and for spending leisure time negatively affect CGPA but spending more time on academic online resources enhance their academic results. Similarly, their computer problems solving skills have positive effects on their CGPA but the problems of slow internet connectivity, electricity shortage, and much more information to deal with badly
effect students’ academic performance. Conclusions: The internet use has a significant co-relationship with the students’ academic success. Therefore, the research suggests the authorities to provide training in the light of findings of this study, which would undoubtedly improve the academic output of the Management
Science Students in the Universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Research Design: A quantitative survey approach was adopted. For this purpose data were collected from a sample of 225 Management Science students scattered in five selected universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan using non-random proportionate sampling technique.
Key Findings: The findings of the study indicate that 55% of students do not possess personal computers/Laptops. A vast majority of the respondents (79%) used the internet at their homes and 80% students agreed to the importance of internet use training. Students’Internet use for chatting with friends and family and for spending leisure time negatively affect CGPA but spending more time on academic online resources enhance their academic results. Similarly, their computer problems solving skills have positive effects on their CGPA but the problems of slow internet connectivity, electricity shortage, and much more information to deal with badly
effect students’ academic performance. Conclusions: The internet use has a significant co-relationship with the students’ academic success. Therefore, the research suggests the authorities to provide training in the light of findings of this study, which would undoubtedly improve the academic output of the Management
Science Students in the Universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The study assessed the opinions of the Pakistani library experts in terms of: organization for digitization work (execution of digitization work & staffing patterns); funding patterns; and access patterns for digitization projects. The... more
The study assessed the opinions of the Pakistani library experts in terms of: organization for digitization work (execution of digitization work & staffing patterns); funding patterns; and access patterns for digitization projects. The study opted qualitative research design and in-depth interviews were conducted to collect the data from purposely selected library experts from different parts of Pakistan. The findings bring forward an outline of digitization framework in terms of execution of digitization work, staffing patterns, funding patterns and access patterns.
Research Interests:
The present study is the first of its kind as it attempts to ascertain the current status of library and information science (LIS) research from the Chinese perspective, by focusing on English research contributions by Chinese LIS... more
The present study is the first of its kind as it attempts to ascertain the current status of library and information science (LIS) research from the Chinese perspective, by focusing on English research contributions by Chinese LIS scholars. Leading contributors; individual (author) contributors; institutional contributors, and research collaborations were examined. The review comprises 564 articles published in international journals indexed by Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) from 2012-2013. Co-authorship analysis and co-citation analysis were used to draw the results. The results revealed two major findings; first, the Chinese research community is engaged in focusing on cross-national collaboration to establish their existence in international literature and establish colleague relationship with foreigner researchers. USA, UK, and Belgium are the primary counterparts of international collaborative papers. Chinese institutions have eminent professors in the LIS field who incorporate international-oriented scholarly researches (48.04%) around the globe. Secondly, Chinese researchers have enough knowledge to conduct research, both as single authors (26.24%) and through internal academic collaboration between senior and junior researchers. The Chinese LIS research community has not paid much attention to conducting research on inter-institutional level (7.20%) and on interregional level (6.73%). Nevertheless, Wuhan University, City University Hong Kong, and Chinese Academy of Sciences have emerged as the leading institutions in producing LIS publications. Chinese immigrant scholars also have contributed to LIS China's international scientific collaboration. It is a worthwhile and unique study as it examines the collaboration trends networks analysis of international publications by Chinese scholars.
Information explosion, development and applications of ICTs, changing dynamics of information users, and evolving trends in library and information services have promoted the discussion of continuing education (CE) in Library and... more
Information explosion, development and applications of ICTs, changing dynamics of information users, and evolving trends in library and information services have promoted the discussion of continuing education (CE) in Library and Information Science (LIS) domain. ICTs are increasingly changing the landscape of libraries and challenging the traditional prevailing roles of LIS professionals. LIS professionals find it hard to remain in context in this technological era. They require the new set of skills and knowledge to address the challenges and issues of their professional life. The purpose of this study was to explore the opinions of LIS professionals to make an assessment about CE needs and the role of library schools to address these needs. The study opted sequential mixed methods of research. In first phase, an online survey was conducted to meet the objectives of the study. Data was collected by using a structured questionnaire. A total of 144 responses (70% male and 30% female) were received. In 2nd phase, a focus group was conducted to collect the qualitative data. The meta inferences were drawn on the basis of inferences of both QUAN and QUAL strands. The findings of the study revealed that respondents perceive a very active and instrumental role of LIS schools in their continuing education. Workshops, postmaster certificate, and postgraduate diplomas were preferred formats of continuing education programs. The respondents preferred week long and 1–6 months long CE programs. In terms of the timings, weekends programs were most preferred. The respondents recommended that course instructor should be based on the contents of the course and a blend of teaching faculty and practitioners may be productive. The study also identified core areas of CE offerings. The findings of the study are helpful for LIS schools, professionals, trainers, funding bodies and policy makers. The study has the potential to bridge the gap by providing insight about the CE needs and recommend the concrete suggestions to act upon.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Libraries around the world are using the technology in best possible ways to satisfy their users through efficient and effective library services. The paper aims to discuss the process of KOHA implementation in Government College... more
Libraries around the world are using the technology in best possible ways to satisfy their users through efficient and effective library services. The paper aims to discuss the process of KOHA implementation in Government College University (GCU) Libraries Lahore, while replacing the Library Management Software (LMS) implemented in 1999. The article discusses the implementation of Koha in a narrative style. In first phase KOHA was installed on testing basis on one computer and its different modules were evaluated as per their functions in context of the requirements of GCU Libraries. After satisfactory results a journal was placed formally for notes taking purpose during the step by step process of KOHA implementation for the required results. On the basis of testing phase, the technical issues were addressed and Koha implementation strategy was chalked out, employed and resulted as the live server of KOHA.
Research Interests:
The purpose of this study was to explore the information literacy (IL) practices, methods and techniques being implemented in China's university and research libraries. The study selected a concurrent mixed-methods research design. Data... more
The purpose of this study was to explore the information literacy (IL) practices, methods and techniques being implemented in China's university and research libraries. The study selected a concurrent mixed-methods research design. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews with professionals from 10 universities and research libraries in Beijing, China. Convenience sampling was used to collect data from the library professionals. The results show that university libraries are in far better positions than research libraries but that there is still a need for improvements. The findings indicate that IL training through library orien-tations and tours and introductory information skills are frequently and successfully being used in both types of libraries. For orientation, face-to-face delivery was used in 80 percent of university libraries and 60 percent of research libraries. IL programs were integrated into some subject units and available in 100 percent of the university libraries and 60 percent of the research libraries. University libraries performed better in implementing IL programs compared with the research institutes' libraries. A number of gaps exist between university and research libraries in terms of information literacy practices. These gaps can be filled by overcoming barriers such as the absence of inactivity of professional library associations, the lack of government interest, the lack of faculty collaboration, and the failure to promote IL programs among the user community. In the light of this research, it is suggested that the Chinese government pay keen attention to formulating a national IL policy.
Research Interests:
This study aims to investigate the internet accessibility and usability among the graduate students in the Public Sector Universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The study adopts a descriptive survey design. The data was collected by... more
This study aims to investigate the internet accessibility and usability among the graduate students in the Public Sector Universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The study adopts a descriptive survey design. The data was collected by administering a struc-tured questionnaire as data collection tool from 1001 graduate students, selected through proportionate sampling technique from the five purposefully selected Public Sector Universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The results revealed that, majority of the students have their own PCs/Lap-tops and accessed internet at homes followed by university libraries and computer labs mostly for: entertainment , academics, communication and keeping themselves up-to-date. However, majority of the students used to spend maximum time on internet for entertainment purposes rather than educational purpose. It was also revealed that they were less satisfied with some of the important academic online resources like: free books, free online databases, free electronic reference material, indexes and abstracts, and thesis and dissertations and that is why these resources received the lowest ranks in effectiveness and a very low rank in the use frequency. The problems which hindered the effective use of internet among students were: inadequate knowledge of online e-resources, slow speed of internet, electricity shortage problems, the negative attitude of society towards the internet usage, and students having less encouragement from parents to use internet due to the availability of immoral sites on the internet. Thus, overcoming these problems will definitely enhance the effective use of the internet. Suggestions and recommendations are proffered based on the findings of this study.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The developments of the internet and related information communication technology have not only enhanced storage and flow of information, but also changed the nature of library and information services. In the midst of these changes,... more
The developments of the internet and related information communication technology have not only enhanced storage and flow of information, but also changed the nature of library and information services. In the midst of these changes, knowledge management (KM) has emerged as a further significant influence on practices of library and information science. This study has explored the practices of the professionals working in the university libraries of Pakistan about knowledge management. The study was conducted through a survey using a semi structured questionnaire. The sample and population of the study were library incharge working and supervising all libraries activities in the university libraries of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan.
Research Interests:
The study aims to identify trend, in adoption of social networking sites (SNS), most common SNS among people. Analyze the time people spending on SNS. Through this study, it investigated people choice if they are allowed to select one SNS... more
The study aims to identify trend, in adoption of social networking sites (SNS), most common SNS among people. Analyze the time people spending on SNS. Through this study, it investigated people choice if they are allowed to select one SNS only.
The survey method was used to collect data and an online questionnaire was designed in Google Docs as data collection tools. The questionnaire was distributed among social media users through social media tools with personal follow-ups. Total 106 responses were received from social media users.
Findings of the study are Facebook is the first choice of people and if people are bound to use only one social media site, they will select Facebook. However, LinkedIn and Twitter are their second and third choices of selection simultaneously.
The survey method was used to collect data and an online questionnaire was designed in Google Docs as data collection tools. The questionnaire was distributed among social media users through social media tools with personal follow-ups. Total 106 responses were received from social media users.
Findings of the study are Facebook is the first choice of people and if people are bound to use only one social media site, they will select Facebook. However, LinkedIn and Twitter are their second and third choices of selection simultaneously.
Research Interests:
The use of digital media is on rise around the world and same phenomenon is emerging in Pakistan. The study was intended to explore the use of digital media and demand for digitized contents in higher education sector of Pakistan. The... more
The use of digital media is on rise around the world and same phenomenon is emerging in Pakistan. The study was intended to explore the use of digital media and demand for digitized contents in higher education sector of Pakistan. The research questions were answered by a comprehensive literature review along with semi-structured in-depth interviews of 25 library experts. The findings conferred that the use of digital media in higher education is on rise and demand for digitized contents is growing increasingly. The findings of the study made a good case for the libraries to focus more on acquisition of information resources in digital formats as well as initiate digitization initiatives.► We examine the use of digital media and demand for d-contents in higher education. ► Higher education sector witnessed a significant expansion in recent years. ► Use of digital media is on rise among the users of higher education in Pakistan. ► Demand for digitized contents is growing increasingly. ► Libraries need to acquire more information resources in digital formats.
"The purpose of the study was to investigate LIS Community's perceptions towards Open Source Software (OSS) adoption in libraries. The study adopted quantitative research design and a Likert type scale of 20 items was designed to collect... more
"The purpose of the study was to investigate LIS Community's perceptions towards Open Source Software (OSS) adoption in libraries. The study adopted quantitative research design and a Likert type scale of 20 items was designed to collect data. Attention was given to three variables – organization type (public/private sector), library type (academic/public/special), and country type (developed/developing). A total of 370 responses were received from 48 countries. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent sample t-Test, and ANOVA. The overall results suggested that respondents had positive perceptions towards OSS. However the results of t-Test and ANOVA indicated that organization type or library type were insignificant factors but country type was a significant factor as respondents from developed countries has significant difference of perceptions in comparison with the respondents from developing countries.
This study is first of its kind in the world. The findings are useful for LIS community, library system developers, software developers, technology administrators, and library administrators.
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This study is first of its kind in the world. The findings are useful for LIS community, library system developers, software developers, technology administrators, and library administrators.
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"Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss key issues related to the adoption of open source software (OSS) in Pakistani libraries. Design/methodology/approach – Literature review and principal author's first-hand... more
"Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss key issues related to the adoption of open source software (OSS) in Pakistani libraries.
Design/methodology/approach – Literature review and principal author's first-hand experience of Koha (OSS) implementation in Provincial Assembly Libraries of Pakistan under Pakistan Legislative Strengthen Project of United States Agency for International Development provide the information and insight for this paper.
Findings – Adoption of OSS in libraries is just at a beginning stage in Pakistan, and only a few organizations have so far made their first move in this direction. The major identified issues affecting OSS adoption in Pakistani libraries are: social (cultural) disparity, conceptual confusions, digital divide, lack of technological, financial, and human development.
Practical implications – The paper will help decision makers plan OSS applications in their libraries.
Originality/value – This is the first paper on the topic in Pakistan and explores the issues involved in OSS adoption in a comprehensive manner. The paper can provide understanding regarding adoption of OSS to professionals in Pakistani and other developing countries with similar environment.
"
Design/methodology/approach – Literature review and principal author's first-hand experience of Koha (OSS) implementation in Provincial Assembly Libraries of Pakistan under Pakistan Legislative Strengthen Project of United States Agency for International Development provide the information and insight for this paper.
Findings – Adoption of OSS in libraries is just at a beginning stage in Pakistan, and only a few organizations have so far made their first move in this direction. The major identified issues affecting OSS adoption in Pakistani libraries are: social (cultural) disparity, conceptual confusions, digital divide, lack of technological, financial, and human development.
Practical implications – The paper will help decision makers plan OSS applications in their libraries.
Originality/value – This is the first paper on the topic in Pakistan and explores the issues involved in OSS adoption in a comprehensive manner. The paper can provide understanding regarding adoption of OSS to professionals in Pakistani and other developing countries with similar environment.
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This chapter aims to discuss the development of digital libraries in Pakistan. It gives an account of the digital transformation taking place in the country and reviews a few digital library initiatives. It discusses a number of issues... more
This chapter aims to discuss the development of digital libraries in Pakistan. It gives an account of the digital transformation taking place in the country and reviews a few digital library initiatives. It discusses a number of issues associated with the development of digital libraries with specific reference to Pakistan. The major issues appear are as follows: misconception about digital libraries; lack of technological applications; lack of human resources with needed skills; copyright and publishing; cultural divide; digital divide, and insufficient financial support. The authors believe that understanding the underlying issues will not only accelerate the development of DL in Pakistan, but also in other developing countries with more or less common environment.