Employability skills of LIS graduates in Pakistan: needs and expectations

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the opinion of young and senior library and information science (LIS) professionals in Pakistan on LIS curricula and its relevance to market needs to enhance employability.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed research method was used to collect data from professionals through two questionnaires, focus group and personal experiences.

Findings

The findings reveal that the LIS curriculum offered at the University of the Punjab (PU) is up to date and well designed but it is not fully meeting the needs of young graduates and employers. Both groups were dissatisfied with employability skills due to lack of implementation of LIS curricula and shortage of specialized faculty members at the time of data collection in May 2008. The employers complained of weak communication, practical and presentation skills. They expect graduates with more multidimensional and market oriented skills. However, the school takes a lead in introducing new curricula among the rest.

Research limitations/implications

The paper only focuses on the graduates of Department of LIS, University of the Punjab, among the eight library schools in Pakistan.

Practical implications

The study divulges very valuable information for the planning and revision of the LIS curriculum and change in teaching practices in all eight library schools of Pakistan. It will also be helpful for LIS graduates to learn more market oriented and multi dimensional skills to meet the changing demands of the information marketplace and enhance their employability.

Originality/value

This is first ever study in any library school of Pakistan about the employability skills of its graduates.

Citation

Fatima Warraich, N. and Ameen, K. (2011), "Employability skills of LIS graduates in Pakistan: needs and expectations", Library Management, Vol. 32 No. 3, pp. 209-224. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435121111112916