E-readiness Assessment in Public Libraries: A Case Study of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Purpose: This study probed e-readiness in public libraries regarding human resources, electronic infrastructure and Network support & IT penetration in services and operations. It also assessed the status of the budget, staff, collection and services of libraries. Method/Design: The study population comprised 14 public libraries of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A quantitative approach was used and the questionnaire-based survey was conducted to collect data from the librarians of public libraries. The collected data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23. Results: It was found that all libraries were run by LIS professional staff; however, the libraries had limited financial, human and information resources. The e-readiness of human resources demonstrates that they had limited knowledge and a moderate level of skills of ICT and other technologies. All libraries had integrated library software; however, the ICT infrastructure was poor in almost all libraries. It was also observed that the libraries poorly or moderately implemented the IT in the delivery of services. The key factors affecting e-readiness were lack of IT infrastructure, insufficient financial resources and shortage of IT staff. Implication: The study\u27s findings could be beneficial to the authorities. The key point to be considered includes, sufficient funds should be allocated to procure more resources and ICT apparatus, training be arranged to library staff to enhance their ICT knowledge and skills, libraries should develop proper ICT infrastructure and ICT applications should be used in the library operations and services. Originality: This is the first study in the country to assess the e-readiness of public libraries. It will fill the literature gap and guide the researchers to do similar studies across the country. Keywords: E-readiness, Information and Communication Technologies, ICT, Public Libraries, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakista