INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) SKILLS OF LIS PROFESSIONALS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR UNIVERSITIES OF SINDH, PAKISTAN
Keywords:
Computer Software Skills, Library Software Skills, Information Storage Skills, Information Retrieval Skills, Library Functions & ServicesAbstract
In this era of the information explosion, ICT applications for libraries are unavoidable. However, due to inadequate infrastructure, ICT-based resources and services are not reaching the expected level. This is primarily due to a lack of funding, infrastructure, and trained library professionals. It is absolutely essential that libraries have adequate ICT resources for this purpose, and that librarians have the necessary skills to install, operate, and provide services to clients in a timely and effective manner. The purpose of this research is to look into the ICT skills of LIS professionals working in public sector university libraries of Sindh. For data collection, a structured questionnaire was designed, adapted, and developed. Sindh's twenty-two (22) public sector university libraries were chosen using a census sample technique. The data was analyzed using SPSS (version 22) to compute the mean, standard deviation, and other descriptive statistics. According to the findings, the majority of library personnel have a high level of proficiency in MS Word, Google Drive, and data backups, as well as a moderate level of proficiency in Excel and Library Integrated Management Software such as Koha, LIMS, and Calibre.