Librarianship: how is the future perceived by librarians in Pakistan?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review librarianship in different eras and throw light on its foreseeable future, as seen through the eyes of new librarians in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a literature search, website visits, personal communication with related experts and interviews of future librarians. A purposive sample of 20 students of the final semester from the Department of Library and Information Science, University of the Punjab was chosen.

Findings

The electronic environment of the 21st century will demand a range of skills from librarians. Technology alone cannot help bring about the required changes. Attitudes, practices and policies need to change if libraries are to truly benefit themselves and their community of users by the application of new technologies.

Research limitations/implications

The research is mostly based on a small sample of future librarians” perception and researcher”s perception acquired through literature review and personal communication with experts.

Practical implications

The paper can be helpful for both working and future library professionals in planning their professional future tracks.

Originality/value

The paper provides an overview of librarianship in different eras and provides a thorough understanding of the foreseeable future as seen through the eyes of newly qualified Pakistani librarians.

Citation

Shafique, F. (2007), "Librarianship: how is the future perceived by librarians in Pakistan?", Library Review, Vol. 56 No. 9, pp. 811-820. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530710831266