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Article
Publication date: 4 July 2016

Asad Khan and Saima Qutab

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that influence the adoption of Higher Education Commission (HEC) National Digital Library among research students in…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that influence the adoption of Higher Education Commission (HEC) National Digital Library among research students in different universities of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study framework was based on technology acceptance model (TAM). A sample of Pakistani university students completed the questionnaire measuring the effects of extraneous stimuli through cognitive responses on adoption of the HEC digital library. To test the research hypotheses, multiple regression analysis was used.

Findings

The findings revealed that: cognitive responses predicted students’ intention of using HEC digital library; extraneous variables significantly influenced cognitive responses; system characteristics directly influenced usefulness and ease of use; interface characteristics directly influenced cognitive responses; and individual differences significantly affected the ease of use. Similarly, system quality was identified with the highest direct effect on usefulness, whereas navigation had the highest influence on easy use of the HEC digital library of Pakistan. In addition, usefulness was explored with the highest effect on intention to use the HEC digital library of Pakistan. The findings revealed that individual behaviours influence the use of digital libraries which imply that acceptance of an information system (IS) involve cognitive idiosyncrasies. Findings of the study are useful for Pakistani academic librarians to enhance adoption and usability of the HEC digital library of Pakistan. The study extended cross-cultural validation of TAM and explored how that Pakistani university students utilize HEC digital library.

Research limitations/implications

These findings have significant implications for librarians in developing countries, such as to evaluate usability of digital libraries from individuals’ perspective, create awareness, customize users’ interface and train students in navigational techniques. It may also facilitate librarians to improve their current levels of library assistance and emphasize the usefulness of digital libraries towards academic excellence. The findings equally suggest that individual behaviours influence the use of digital libraries because acceptance of an information system involves cognitive idiosyncrasies. This study explored all possible links between the study constructs and emphasized that findings are useful to enhance the adoption and usability of digital library in the developing countries.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt that empirically assessed the adoption of digital libraries in terms of Pakistani research students. The study validated TAM in the context of Pakistani university librarianship that extended the cross-cultural validation of TAM. Furthermore, the study focused on real constructs instead of dummy variables and predicted significant effects on acceptance and rejection of digital libraries.

Details

Library Review, vol. 65 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 February 2021

Iqra Mubeen, Saira Hanif Soroya and Khalid Mahmood

As the revolution of information takes place, industrialized societies are going to become information societies. Developing countries such as Pakistan are going to change due to…

Abstract

Purpose

As the revolution of information takes place, industrialized societies are going to become information societies. Developing countries such as Pakistan are going to change due to technology and, in turn, transform the whole structure of libraries. The concept of digital libraries (DL) has emerged due to technological advancements. This study aims to highlight the factors that encourage and discourage the use of the Higher Education Commission’s (HEC) National Digital Library (NDL).

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach was selected for the investigation, while the data collection instrument was a questionnaire. Postgraduate research students were the population of the study. A convenient sampling technique was used for sample selection.

Findings

The results of the study indicated that the use of HEC (NDL) was frequent monthly. The display of search results, 24/7 access, the authenticity of items, availability of navigational assistance and up-to-date information encourage researchers to use DL. However, their preference for print material over electronic material, slow downloading speed of the internet and non-availability of older and archival publications were the common reasons for the low use of DL. Furthermore, there are significant differences in terms of using the NDL based on gender, the program of study and the stage of the study.

Originality/value

This study will contribute significantly to the literature from the developing countries and would also helpful for HEC (NDL) authorities and university libraries to design information services.

Details

Digital Library Perspectives, vol. 37 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5816

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 October 2013

Amjid Khan and Shamshad Ahmed

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of HEC digital library resources and services in the public sector universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan on the basis of…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of HEC digital library resources and services in the public sector universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan on the basis of research scholars' satisfaction and its impact on their research progress.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive survey research method was adopted in order to achieve the objectives of this study. A stratified random sampling technique was used to solicit data from both genders. Research scholars of MS/MPhil and PhD from 14 public sector universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were selected as sampled for this study. A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data and a five-point Likert scale was used to know the purpose and the satisfaction level of respondents with digital library resources. The impact of digital library on research and problems faced by them while using these resources was also measured by using a five-point Likert scale.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that near to one-fourth of the respondents used digital library resources two to three times a week for article writing and thesis or dissertation purposes. The study concluded that digital library provides effective resources and services to research scholars and also found a significant impact on their research progress at these universities. However, research scholars were not satisfied with the support of library professionals regarding the use of digital library resources. The study has identified several problems encountered by respondents in the use of digital library resources and services.

Practical implications

The findings of this study and their implications will be helpful for HEC authorities, universities libraries administrators, decision and policy makers and LIS professionals both in Pakistan and in other places. They should benefit from considering the experience of research scholars with digital library resources. This experience can help future subscriptions, training and use of these resources to maximize research scholars' success and achievement in their research activities.

Originality/value

The study is the first of its kind and an important source for knowing the effectiveness of digital library resources on research scholars' progress at Pakistani universities.

Details

Library Hi Tech News, vol. 30 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0741-9058

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 February 2010

Nosheen Fatima Warraich and Kanwal Ameen

This study sets out to investigate the perceptions of LIS professionals regarding the usage and satisfaction of the Pakistani Higher Education Commission (HEC) National Digital

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Abstract

Purpose

This study sets out to investigate the perceptions of LIS professionals regarding the usage and satisfaction of the Pakistani Higher Education Commission (HEC) National Digital Library (NDL) databases. The NDL Programme provides free access to electronic resources (30 full text databases including 24,000 peer reviewed online journals and e‐books) of world‐renowned publishers to public and private sector universities and non‐profitable research and development organizations, in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a multi‐method approach. The data‐gathering techniques used for the study were an online survey, group interviews, and observation. A total of 75 people from 40 institutions responded to the survey.

Findings

The findings reveal that younger professionals showed more interest in the use of databases. A majority of users accessed these databases through the HEC web site. The respondents were more satisfied with electronic journals and were least satisfied with e‐books. It was found that the resources of HEC NDL are underused. HEC NDL needs to develop a promotional strategy and a feedback mechanism with the assistance of LIS professionals to improve its usage, because they have better knowledge of the information needs of their potential clients.

Practical implications

The findings of the study and their implications will be helpful for universities and HEC authorities, as well as decision makers and LIS faculty, both in Pakistan and elsewhere.

Originality/value

The study is the first of its kind and thus a useful source for learning the perceptions of LIS professionals about this Pakistani programme.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 September 2008

Nosheen Fatima Warraich and Kanwal Ameen

The purpose of this paper is to describe the perceptions of library and information science professionals regarding a national digital library programme in Pakistan.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the perceptions of library and information science professionals regarding a national digital library programme in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the perceptions of LIS Professionals regarding the usage and satisfaction of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) National Digital Library (NDL) databases. This program provides free access to electronic resources including 30 full text databases with access to 24,000 peer reviewed online journals and e‐books to universities and non‐profitable research and development organizations in Pakistan. The study utilized an online survey, group interviews, and observations. Seventy‐five respondents from 40 institutions responded to the survey.

Findings

The findings reveal that younger professionals showed greater interest in the use of databases. A majority of users accessed these databases from the HEC website. Respondents were more satisfied with electronic journals and least satisfied with e‐books. The study also showed that the resources of the HEC NDL are underutilized and increased promotion and training is needed.

Originality/value

This study will be helpful for universities regarding the use of digital resources.

Details

Library Hi Tech News, vol. 25 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0741-9058

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 February 2024

Azra Rafique, Kanwal Ameen and Alia Arshad

This study aims to explore the evidence-based usage patterns of higher education commission (HEC) subscribed e-journal databases in the university digital library used by the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the evidence-based usage patterns of higher education commission (HEC) subscribed e-journal databases in the university digital library used by the scholarly community and the academics’ online searching behaviour at a higher education institution in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach. Raw transaction log data were collected for quantitative analysis, and the interview technique was used for qualitative data collection and thematic analysis.

Findings

Log analysis revealed that HEC subscribed databases were used significantly, and among those, scholarly databases covering various subjects were more frequently used than subject-specific society-based databases. Furthermore, the users frequently accessed the needed e-journal articles through search engines like Google and Google Scholar, considering them sources of free material instead of the HEC subscribed databases.

Practical implications

It provides practical implications for examining the evidence-based use patterns of e-journal databases. It suggests the need for improving the access management of HEC databases, keeping in view the usage statistics and the demands of the scholars. The study may also help create market venues for the publishers of scholarly databases by offering attractive and economical packages for researchers of various disciplines in developing and underdeveloped countries. The study results also guide the information professionals to arrange orientation and information literacy programs to improve the searching behaviour of their less frequent users and enhance the utilization of these subscribed databases.

Originality/value

The study is part of a PhD project and, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, is the first such work in the context of a developing country like Pakistan.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 June 2023

Memoona Iqbal and Muhammad Rafiq

Digital Libraries are complex, and this complexity is a motive to study user success on the behalf of appropriate user success models. These models comprise the factors which play…

Abstract

Purpose

Digital Libraries are complex, and this complexity is a motive to study user success on the behalf of appropriate user success models. These models comprise the factors which play a part between people, technology and organizations. The purpose of this study was to specify and examine an integrated digital library user success (IDLUS) model within the context of digital library settings, Higher Education Commission National Digital Library (HEC-NDL) of Pakistan, by adopting and reusing the existing digital library and Web success models.

Design/methodology/approach

Stratified random sampling technique was used to choose the sample from the University of the Punjab, a highly ranked public sector university in Pakistan. Participants were asked to complete an adapted survey questionnaire. A total of 355 completed and usable questionnaires were obtained. Data analyses through confirmatory factor analyses and structural equation modeling produced the results that have supported the proposed IDLUS model. The proposed IDLUS model was tested and supported through model fit statistics in the academic computing environment of the HEC-NDL of Pakistan.

Findings

Findings revealed that relationships between the latent variables hypothesized in the model were confirmed.

Research limitations/implications

The study has both theoretical and practical ramifications for academicians and information system designers and developers.

Originality/value

The IDLUS model is recommended first time in the history of librarianship in Pakistan as an overall user success model in the digital library information system computing environment. That made numerous recommendations for future research in the field of information management, particularly for digital library development at national and international levels.

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2017

Shakeel Ahmad Khan and Rubina Bhatti

The purpose of this study was to explore the essential digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. The study identified useful training programs for…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the essential digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. The study identified useful training programs for university librarians to acquire digital competencies. It examined their digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries in universities of Pakistan. This study also evaluates their digital knowledge in applying security measures to protect digital contents.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative research method was used to conduct this study. Research questions and hypothesis were developed to achieve the objectives. In-depth review of related literature was conducted to draft a list of essential digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. It was circulated among the panel of experts to get their valuable feedback to make a final list of digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. A questionnaire was developed to measure the status of digital competencies of university librarians in Pakistan. It was pre-tested on 20 respondents before applying to the whole population. SPSS software was used to analyze data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to achieve results.

Findings

The findings of the study showed that digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries fall into three main categories: digital competencies for developing digital libraries; digital competencies for managing digital libraries; and digital competencies to protect digital contents. The results revealed that training programs offered by Higher Education Commission (HEC), library associations, library schools, in-house trainings, use of online tutorials and trainings offered by skilled professionals are highly important and useful for university librarians to acquire digital competencies. The study concluded that the university librarians working in HEC recognized universities in Punjab province possess basic level of digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. Their digital competencies vary on the basis of their university type, i.e. public and private sector.

Research limitations/implications

This study measures digital competencies of university librarians in Pakistan. The study has practical implications for librarians, library schools, library associations, university libraries and HEC.

Practical implications

This study has practical implications for librarians, information professionals, libraries and library schools. The results are useful for librarians to get knowledge of digital competencies which are essential for developing and managing digital libraries and protecting digital contents. They can develop their digital competencies in identified areas. This study has identified useful training programs for university librarians for acquiring digital competencies. The university librarians should use these programs to gain needed digital skills.

Social implications

Librarians can get knowledge of digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries to face the challenges of digital age.

Originality/value

In contrast to previous research work on investigating computer skills, information and communication technology skills, technological skills and general digital skills, this study particularly identifies the essential digital competencies for developing and managing digital libraries. It helps library and information science schools, library associations, training groups and university libraries to offer adequate training opportunities in identified areas to meet the challenges of the digital age.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 35 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 September 2019

Azra Rafique, Kanwal Ameen and Alia Arshad

This study aims to explore the evidence-based patterns of e-journal usage, such as the most used and least used databases, at a public-sector university in Pakistan, by analysing…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the evidence-based patterns of e-journal usage, such as the most used and least used databases, at a public-sector university in Pakistan, by analysing scientists’ usage of databases over time.

Design/methodology/approach

Through transaction log analysis, the frequencies of page views, sessions, session duration and size of the used data were calculated through SAWMILL software and entered into MS Excel.

Findings

The results revealed that the broad databases of science and engineering were being used more by users as compared to the narrower e-journal databases. Furthermore, the users were mostly accessing the e-journal databases from the university’s central library and its various academic departments. Early morning hours, working days and start of the academic year were found to be the most active timings of e-journal database utilisation.

Practical implications

The results of the study will help the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and information professionals in better access management of databases.

Originality/value

This study was conducted to check the feasibility of a PhD project’s first phase and presents the frequencies of HEC e-journal databases’ usage by using transaction log analysis method. The results will be used in preparing interview guide and sample selection for interview. Other Central Asian studies used COUNTER reports provided by publishers for log analysis instead of using raw log data.

Details

The Electronic Library , vol. 37 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 March 2023

Memoona Iqbal and Muhammad Rafiq

The purpose of this study is to execute the application of confirmatory factor analysis in structural equation modeling, to investigate the reliability and validity of the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to execute the application of confirmatory factor analysis in structural equation modeling, to investigate the reliability and validity of the proposed integrated digital library user success (IDLUS) scale in academic digital library computing information system in the area of information management and systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzed 355 valid responses (MPhil and PhD) from the largest and oldest public sector university in Pakistan. Sample selection was calculated through a stratified random sampling technique from the four faculties of the University of the Punjab. The instrument was constructed based on the available two digital library and information system success models. The first model is Jung’s (1997) digital library user success model that is further composed of flow model (1977), end user computing satisfaction model (1987) and Joshi’s overall user satisfaction model (1990). Similarly, the second model is DeLone and McLean’s reformulated information system success (2003) theory. The question items used a five-point Likert scale and executed regression weights, standardized regression weights, convergent validity, variance extracted, construct reliability and discriminant validity to infer results.

Findings

Findings show that the IDLUS scale has excellent validity and reliability estimates.

Research limitations/implications

The study has theoretical implications for researchers and practical implications for information system developers.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this scale is the first-ever effort to measure the digital library user success in the context of Higher Education Commission-National Digital Library of Pakistan. Therefore, there was a dire need to conduct the psychometric analysis of the scale to examine the model fit statistics on the current sample in the particular cultural norms. Scale is based upon human factors taken from various Web success and information system success models from the fields of human–computer interaction information systems and computer-mediated communication.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

1 – 10 of 253