IJoLIS

UNDERSTANDING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT: A CASE OF UNIVERSITY LIBRARY MANAGERS IN PAKISTAN

Sajjad Ahmad Shehzad Ahmad , Muhammad Ibrahim and Safir Ahmad Khan — 2025-05-16

The study examined the Emotional Intelligence (AI) level, Conflict Management (CM) styles, and their relationship among university library managers in Pakistan. Emotional intelligence was found to be strongly associated with conflict resolution strategies in libraries, contributing to the success of emotionally intelligent library managers in their professional activities. Previous research has also supported the importance of regular communication and interactions between staff and clients for achieving success in library management (Ramsey, 2004). Data for the study was collected through a questionnaire that included two prominent scales: the ESCI scale to measure the respondents' emotional intelligence level and the ROCI-II scale to assess conflict management styles. The study population consisted of 560 library managers in public and private university libraries, as reported in Ahmad, Amen, and Ullah (2021). However, the sample was limited to 149 university library managers working in libraries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad. A total of 149 questionnaires were distributed digitally and physically to the respondents, with 101 questionnaires returned.

The results indicated that library managers exhibited high EI, with favorable scores in different dimensions of EI. No significant gender-based differences were observed in the use of Emotional Intelligence or its dimensions among university library managers. The study also revealed that the most frequently used Conflict Management styles among library managers were obliging and dominating, while the compromising style was the least utilized. The Pearson correlation test was employed to assess the relationship between emotional intelligence and conflict management styles among library managers showing a significant and strong association between emotional intelligence and conflict management styles among university library managers in Pakistan.

In Pakistan, this study was the pioneering research to examine the connection between emotional intelligence and conflict management styles. The study's findings suggest the implementation of training workshops and intervention programs aimed at improving the emotional intelligence and conflict management skills of library managers. Additionally, organizations are encouraged to allocate their time and resources to gain a deeper understanding of effective conflict management techniques, which can lead to enhanced performance.

From Books to Bytes: Exploring Social Media Opportunities in the University Libraries

Muhammad Tufail Khan — 2025-05-16

Purpose: This study aimed to explore Social Media Opportunities (SMO) in the University Libraries (UL) of Pakistan. Moreover, differences in respondents' opinions from public and private sector universities, users and non-users of social media, and respondents’ geographical locations were also identified.

Methodology: A quantitative research design was employed and data were collected through an online structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed among all head/chief Librarians of 181 universities recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. However, 124 (69%) valid responses were received out of 181 distributed questionnaires.

Findings: The study findings revealed that 54% of university libraries were using social media for library services and showed positive perceptions towards the opportunities offered by social media. Surprisingly, the librarians currently not using social media services showed more positive perceptions than social media users in university libraries. Also, the study revealed that no policy for social media use in university libraries is available.

Practical Implications: The findings have theoretical implications for researchers and practical implications for university library administrators, policymakers, and higher education commission decision-makers. Also, help librarians in designing more library services through social media.

Originality: This study is among the first attempts to explore the perceptions of university librarians toward social media opportunities for university libraries in an organizational context by covering the whole population.

EXAMINING LIBRARY PROFESSIONALS’ METHODS OF SOFT SKILLS LEARNING: A CASE OF LIBRARY PROFESSIONALS WORKING IN PRIVATE SECTOR UNIVERSITIES OF PAKISTAN

Muhammad Ismail (PhD) , Sajjad Ahmad (PhD) , Muhammad Idrees and M. Haseeb (PhD) — 2025-05-16

Purpose: The purpose of this research study is to examine the methods of soft skill learning by library
professionals working in private sector universities in Pakistan.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The study used quantitative research design based on a
questionnaire. The target Population of the study included all 474 library professionals working in the
private sector universities in Pakistan. To get relevant data, non-probability convenience sampling
technique was used deployed to 340 library professionals out of which 270 useable questionnaires
were received back dully filled in. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data
analysis using SPSS-21.
Research limitations: The study is limited to the responses collected from library professionals
working in the private sector university libraries only.
Originality value: This is the first study in Pakistan that dealt with the preferred methods of soft
skills learning of library professionals by using a large group (N = 474) of university library
professionals.
Key findings: Findings of the study revealed that library professionals working in private sector
universities preferred to learn soft skills from experts and colleagues. Overall results indicated that
from library professionals’ perspective, soft skills should be taught to them using face-to-face
methods.
Practical implications: The study will encourage researchers in Pakistan and elsewhere to analyse
soft skills of library professionals of various type of libraries and to frame practical training modules
for librarians to inculcate in them the modern methods of soft skills to deal with a varied kind of
readers.
Contribution to knowledge: It is one of the first ever studies on the subject as only a few studies have
been conducted in Pakistan measuring the soft skills of library professionals of private sector
universities of Pakistan.

Revolutionizing the Information Retrieval: Empowering Librarians through AI Tools in the Recent Age

Mateen Shahid 03355370543 — 2025-05-16

This paper examines the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in recent years. Furthermore, it analyzes how AI tools enable library professionals to transform information sharing and access, how much library experts utilize AI tools, and what obstacles LIS professionals must overcome to incorporate artificial intelligence devices into their daily operations. The study evaluates the pros and cons of using artificial intelligence (AI) using extensive analysis of the available literature and an online poll of working librarians. The quantitative research design was used to justify the objectives of this study. An online survey was used as a research instrument. The targeted population was LIS professionals working in the university libraries of Lahore. There was no sampling technique used in this study because the whole population was taken as a sample. The results indicate that most respondents discovered that using AI tools improved information retrieval, improved processes, and reduced the manual labor they had to do at work. The use of AI technologies in libraries was not without some challenges though, including budget constraints, reluctance toward change, and training difficulties. However, the participants' remarks on how AI-based technologies impact knowledge retrieval were favorable. Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered solutions have been recognized for their capacity to help individuals, improve information dissemination efficiency, increase flexibility to changing needs, expedite procedures while maintaining accuracy, and improve user experience by making the work easier. Although AI can greatly improve information retrieval productivity and performance, it still faces several obstacles, such as a shortage of funds, organization support, and field expertise. In order to overcome these obstacles and optimize AI's potential to enable librarians to provide better services to their audiences in the digital era.

IMPACT OF LIBRARIANS’ MANAGERIAL SKILLS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF RESOURCES AND QUALITY SERVICES IN THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES OF PAKISTAN

Zahid Sultan and Dr. Shamshad Ahmed — 2025-05-16

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to investigate the influence of librarians’ managerial skills on the quality service and library resources in university libraries of Pakistan

Methodology A survey was conducted among librarians in Pakistani universities to assess their managerial skills, including library management skill, decision making and budget management. The study also evaluated the quality and accessibility of library resources.

Limitations The study was limited to Pakistani universities and may not be generalizable. to other countries or context.

Key findings The findings reveal that librarians with strong managerial skills significantly influence the quality and availability of library resources. By integrating advance technology and strategic planning, librarian support education and research effectively.

Practical implication(S) Practical implications The study highlights the importance of enhancing managerial skills to improve library services benefiting educators stakeholders end the government by bridging knowledge gap and fostering conducive learning of environment.

Contribution to knowledge The study contributes to understanding of the role of librarians managerial skills in enhancing library services and resources which is crucial for creating a more knowledgeable and empowered society.

Assessing the core competencies of professional librarians working in public libraries of Punjab, Pakistan.

Abida Raza, Manzoor Raza — 2025-05-16

Purpose: This study “Assessing the ALA core competencies of professional librarians working in
public libraries of central Punjab” was conducted to examine the library professionals’ competencies.
The main objective of the study was to find out the gap in the competencies of professional librarians
in the light of ALA core competencies standards. The first four competencies of ALA were disused in
this study.
Design/methodology/approach: The research was conducted by adopting quantitative research
method. The population of this study was professional librarians working in public libraries of central
Punjab. There are 53 library professional working in public libraries of central Punjab. The
questionnaire was sent to 53 library professionals. Among them 45 library professionals returned the
questionnaire correctly, with a response rate of 84.9%.
Delimitation: only public libraries in central Punjab were the population of the study.
Key finding(s): Data collected through questionnaire was arranged and entered for analysis and SPSS
was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics were applied to calculate the mean, percentage and
frequencies. The findings reveal that the participants’ perceived competencies were at intermediate
level. The major problem of public libraries was the lack of professional staff.
Practical implication (s): The findings of the study indicate that there is a need to revise the LIS
curriculum under the light of ALA core competencies standards. It is recommended that there should
be proper recruitment policies for the selection of public libraries’ staff.
Paper type: Research