Journal of Information Management and Library Studies

Bibliotherapy in Library Setting: A Psychological Intervention for Law Undergraduates

Nida Rehman — 2025-06-29

This research study, conducted in August and September 2023, aimed to explore the challenges faced by law undergraduate students and assess the potential health issues arising from these challenges. It also sought to illuminate the advantages of implementing bibliotherapy as a library service for law undergraduates. Utilizing a qualitative research methodology, this study conducted a thorough analysis of current and relevant literature, in addition to conducting interviews with undergraduate law students from the University of Peshawar's Law College. The study population consisted of 511 students, and purposive sampling approach ensured diversity across academic years and backgrounds. A sample size of 211 was determined through statistical calculations. To supplement the literature findings, structured interviews were conducted by a qualified medical doctor. These interviews were held in the central library of the Law College and aimed to delve deeper into challenges, investigate health implications, and explore the relevance of bibliotherapy in legal education. Interviews were recorded with participants' consent and later transcribed for analysis. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional review board (IRB) of the University of Peshawar, and informed consent was secured from all participants, ensuring their rights and data. It was depicted that the major challenges experienced by law students at the University of Peshawar include mental health issues such as depression, a lack of social well-being, diminished empathy, emotional turmoil, competitiveness, and psychological distress. Addressing these challenges may involve offering relevant reading materials and organizing counseling sessions and seminars. The study also offers recommendations and insights into how bibliotherapy can be implemented within library settings to promote the psychological well-being of law undergraduates. The study concludes with a comprehensive report that discusses the identified challenges, health implications, and potential benefits of bibliotherapy for law undergraduates.

Information Needs and Seeking Behavior of Students about Examination in Colleges: A Case of Affiliated Colleges with University of Sargodha

Mr. Ghulam Fareed — 2025-06-29

The present study examines the information needs and seeking behavior of students regarding examinations in affiliated colleges with University of Sargodha. A quantitative approach was employed and surveys method adopted to collect data from respondents. The findings reveal that students primarily seek information on exam schedules, curriculums, and past papers. Key sources of information include teachers, classmates, university websites, and social media groups. However, challenges such as insufficient access to updated information, lack of formal communication channels, and support on informal networks were identified. The study highlights the need for structured information dissemination systems to enhance students' exam preparation. The study recommends improving digital platforms, strengthening teacher-student communication, and providing timely academic updates.

Perception and Satisfaction of Library Services: A Comparative Study of Medical College Libraries in Peshawar, Pakistan

Syed Arif Ali Shah — 2025-06-29

Medical Colleges play a vital role in the production of medical facilities for the enhancement of quality health services. There are Seventeen (17) medical colleges working in the public and private sector of the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The purpose of this study is to measure the effectiveness of medical college libraries and user’s perception and satisfaction regarding the utilization of resources and services by users of Khyber Medical College and Kabir Medical College libraries. Data was collected through a questionnaire using five Likert scales to judge the level of perception and satisfaction of library users. Analysis has been carried out and found that the Khyber Medical College has the highest resources, a well-equipped and automated library with the latest facilities. Most of the library users of Khyber Medical College library perception is that “the library is an important part of the institution” However, most of the library users of Khyber Medical College and Kabir Medical College libraries suggested some improvement in parking, expansion in timing, increase in facilities, services and staff.

Mapping the Landscape of Research on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning Applications in COVID-19 Detection: A Web of Science Analysis

Dr. Waqar Ahmad Awan — 2025-06-29

Purpose: The objective the present research study was to draw the landscape of AI, ML, and DL applications in COVID-19 detection by examining the quantity, quality, and structural indicators of publications listed in the ISI Web of Science. Design, Methodology, Approach: The study's objectives were attained by extracting data from the ISI Web of Science (WOS) database, followed by deep cleaning using Endnote and manual verification. Biblioshiny and VOSviewer tools were utilized to evaluate the refined data, covering both quantitative and qualitative dimensions. This comprehensive analysis included examining publication output, citation metrics, and country-specific productivity, as well as assessing citation impact through indicators like h-index, g-index, and m-index. Moreover, the study assessed conformity to Bradford's Law and Lotka's Law, and visualized research trends, collaborations, and thematic clusters. Findings: The study's findings show that a significant number of articles were co-authored. The most networked author belonged to Hong Kong. China leads in terms of output, influence, and collaboration. IEEE Access and Computers in Biology and Medicine remained the most prominent source for papers on the phenomenon under investigation. Originality Value: The research is the first to identify the amount (frequency), quality (impact), and structural indicators (correlations) of AI/ML/DL in COVID-identification. The results hold significant importance for scholars and nations seeking to enhance their comprehension of the phenomena of artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, and COVID-19 detection. The results are also beneficial to the authors and nations hoping to increase international research collaboration.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES OF PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Tahir Raza — 2025-06-29

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to look into the possibilities for digital transformation in university libraries in Punjab, Pakistan. This study explains that what resources were digitized during the digital transformation, what challenges were faced. Methodology: The research methodology for this study was involved a quantitative approach. The investigator gathered data through a structured questionnaire that was prepared on Google Forms. The population of the study is University librarians and the sample size is sixty-nine (n=69) in this study. The purposive sampling technique was employed who were involved in digital resource services. Data was analyzed through SPSS and used descriptive statistics for the interpretation of the results. Findings: The findings show that libraries have different types of digitized resources including scanned books, e-books, e-journals, e-reports, e-newspapers, scanned theses/dissertations, and A-V materials. Libraries were using integrated library system, content management system, and institutional repository and were using own servers for hosting services. This study highlighted some key challenges such as copyright/DRM and licensing issues, inadequate funding, user authentication issues, data security and privacy issues. Originality: This study helps those libraries who are interested in adoption of digitization and know in advance what difficulties was faced.

TRENDS IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE MPHIL THESES IN PAKISTAN: A MAPPING OF INSTITUTIONAL, GEOGRAPHIC, AND TEMPORAL DIMENSIONS

Sagheer Ahmed — 2025-06-29

This study constitutes a quantitative and bibliometric investigation aimed at examining the productivity of MPhil research within the domain of Library and Information Science (LIS) in Pakistan from 2008 to 2024. Data were collected from university websites, OPACs, and through direct communication with LIS departments. The analysis encompassed 783 MPhil theses, employing SPSS for statistical evaluation. The findings reveal that the majority of the scholars were male (55.4%). The highest number of MPhil graduates was recorded at Minhaj University, Lahore (26.9%). The province of Punjab contributed the largest proportion of LIS scholars (84.5%), followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (11%). The year with the highest output was 2017, accounting for 12.1% of the theses, while the decade with the greatest volume was 2024, with 387 theses (49.4%). Regarding supervision, Dr. Iqbal Hussain Asad supervised the highest number of students (9.6%). Government universities slightly led in the number of theses (53.1%) compared to private institutions. Most research was supervised by male scholars (82.4%), although there has been a noticeable increase in female supervision over recent years. Generally, LIS research activity in Pakistan has demonstrated a steady upward trend, particularly within Punjab. The results indicate significant gender and regional disparities but also highlight growing diversity and interest in the LIS field. This study serves as a valuable resource for identifying trends and deficiencies in LIS research within Pakistan.

THE LEARNING ANALYTICS ADOPTION IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES OF PAKISTAN: BARRIERS AND RESPONSES BY LIBRARIANS

Kashif Ali — 2025-06-29

Learning analytics (LA) is rising as new area of research and application. Higher education institutions are increasingly benefiting from learning analytics implementation. Therefore, present study designed with aim to highlight the potential impediments and training needs for deploying LA in academic libraries of Pakistan. This study opted quantitative research based on survey approach, 211 library professionals of higher education institutions have participated in the study. Findings unveiled strong correlation among all challenges, and training needs for learning analytics adoption. Moreover, our study identified probable challenges and areas of training needs, which are considered as crucial prior to implement LA in academic libraries. Outcomes of this study serve as reference, and important practical implications for university high ups, policymakers, and library professionals for successfully implementation of learning analytics.

EXPLORING MARKETING LANDSCAPE OF INFORMATION SERVICES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES OF PAKISTAN: A MIXED-METHOD APPROACH

Abid Hussain — 2025-06-29

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the marketing strategies used by Pakistani academic libraries to promote their resources and services among users. Methodology: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods research approach was used to achieve the objectives of the study. The study was completed in two phases. In the first phase, the data was collected through a questionnaire from chief librarians of 24 public and private sector university libraries located in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In the second phase, data were gathered through a focus group interview of five prominent library leaders. Findings: The findings of this study revealed that academic libraries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were using a variety of marketing strategies for the promotion of information resources and services such as the library's website/web OPAC, social media, notice board, and hosting orientation programs for newly enrolled students. This study also explored that only a few libraries had marketing policies in written form while most of them were missing the written marketing policy. The reasons for confined marketing strategies were a lack of awareness among librarians about how to market services and resources, a lack of access to IT, and a dearth of support from the university administration. The study identified that uniform policy, motivation, ICT, collaboration, and awareness are crucial factors for effective and sustainable library marketing. The research findings would be useful for university library administrators to evaluate and improve the marketing strategies for their library resources.