The Perceptions of Library Professionals Towards Technological Trends in Public Sector Universities of Pakistan

Abstract Purpose: This study explores the perceptions of Library professionals towards the technological trends used in the Public Sector Universities of Pakistan. Methodology/Approach: The quantitative research method was adopted while using a questionnaire as a data collection tool. A total of 106 questionnaires were distributed among the Head librarians working in the public Sector Universities of Pakistan. All questionnaires were sent through emails except a few which has been sent through post. Some 73 surveys were received back, and all were found usable. The overall response rate of the study was 68.4% percent; a bit low due to the COVID-19 epidemic 2020. Findings/Data Analysis: The collected quantitative data was entered in SPSS after coding. The analysis was done, and the inferences were drawn for recommendations. The major findings were disclosed Conclusions: Results concluded that respondents’ very high and high skills were; Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Electronic presentation skill, E-communication (E-mail, SMS, GSM etc.), Social Networking, Database (HEC databases, Library databases etc.), and Downloading Software from the Web and Installing Software skills. Similarly, males were more skilled than females. Furthermore, it was very encouraging that a majority of the study participants working in the Public Sector Universities of Pakistan had been practicing advanced technology since last 15 years. The results from this study can be used by authorities to enhance the prevailing technological situations in libraries. Moreover, the skills of the library professionals can also be improved for better and effective use of the latest technologies in Universities libraries in order to uplift the standards and quality of higher education in the country. Hence, they will perform better than the past. This data can also be used as a base for the future researc