IJoLIS

Information-Seeking Behavior of Research Scholars: A Developing University’s Perspective

Dr. Muhammad Zahid Raza — 2025-12-19

Objectives: This study has been designed to determine the information-seeking behavior (ISB) of research scholars at the University of Sargodha, Pakistan. ISB was assessed by exposing purposes of information, preferred information sources, monitoring new publications, managing print information, managing electronic sources, sifting information sources, selecting information resources, and selecting the preferred format of scholars.

Methodology: A structured questionnaire-based survey using a quantitative research approach was adopted to achieve the study’s objectives by collecting data from all the research scholars of the University of Sargodha, Pakistan.

Findings: This study concludes that a majority of research scholars use information for synopsis preparation, followed by data collection, data analysis, open defense, and article publishing in their ISB. A majority of research scholars preferred the Internet for information seeking, followed by books, journals, and electronic databases. A majority of scholars monitor new publications in their research by reading abstracts and indexes followed by tables of contents. Scholars categorized their information sources by subject and library name. Most of the scholars manage the information sources in separate folders, followed by Google Drive, hard drives, and USBs. The majority of the scholars read the introduction and conclusion, followed by the abstract, index reading, etc. Scholars mostly used electronic format, followed by print format.

Significance: The present study was conducted to invigorate the scholarly literature in the present digital era context. This study will provide us with a comprehensive true picture regarding the ISB of research scholars of developing university that will be supportive to plan bibliographic teaching, information literacy programs, researchers’ information behavior for policymakers, educationists, researchers, librarians, faculty, and higher education departments. The results have practical and theoretical ramifications for academic and research institutions, federal and provincial higher education commissioners, and policy organizations.

Impact of motivational factors on job performance of universities’ library professionals in Peshawar, Pakistan

Farooq Shah — 2025-12-19

Purpose: The major purpose of this study is to explore the impact of motivational factors on job performance of university library professionals in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach: The study used quantitative research approach with survey research designs. The data was collected through a structured questionnaire which was administered to all 69 library professionals working in the university libraries in Peshawar. This study determined motivational factors such as growth, achievement, work itself, job security, advancement, recognition, money, relationship with supervision, working conditions, and university policy.

Research limitations: The paper is limited to library professionals working in the university libraries in district Peshawar.

Originality value: Literature review indicated that only few of the studies have been conducted on impact of motivational factors on job performance of university library professionals in Pakistan. As yet there have been no such studies that measured various motivational factors that impact the job performance of university library professionals in Peshawar. Thus this is one of the unique studies on the topic.

Key findings: Results indicated that the level of job performance of library professionals was good, but the motivational factors influenced their job performance. Growth, achievement, work itself, recognition, and job security were found as the most significant factors that motivate library professionals and have a significant relationship with job performance. Money was found to be a moderate factor that motivates library professionals and has a moderate relationship with job performance. The relationship with supervision, working conditions, and university policy were weak factors that motivated library professionals and have a weak relationship with job performance.

Practical implications: The findings and recommendations made in this study will help librarians and university administration to improve their style of management and efficiently motivate library professionals towards better job performance and service delivery.

Contribution to knowledge: Overall, the study contributes to understanding the multidimensional nature of motivation and its impact on individual and organizational success.

Assessment of Librarians’ Management Skills and Their Impact on Resource Development and Quality Services in Pakistani University Libraries

Zahid Sultan — 2025-12-19

Background:

This study examines how management skills in librarians can be evaluated and also how the outcome of this evaluation affects development of the resources and the quality of services at university libraries in Pakistan.

Purpose:

The research aim will be to establish the most essential leadership skills that generate better resource management skills and service quality results in university libraries. The present study aims at examining the existing gaps in library management and determine the relationship between these skills with library operational outcomes.

Objective:

To explore how the technological expertise of librarians affects their ability to operate digital resources and modernise library services. To determine the issues encountered by the librarians in the implementation of management skills in the development and service delivery of the resources. To determine how the strategic planning and leadership capabilities of librarians influence the performance of university libraries in general..

Methods:

The researchers embraced quantitative research methodology with the use of survey data as the major data collection instrument. A structured questionnaire was sent online to librarians of Higher Education Commission (HEC) identified universities in the public and private sector in Pakistan. The approach was chosen to capture credible and quantifiable information so that the researchers could compare the trends, gauge management capabilities, and the effects that the management capabilities have on the development of resources and provision of quality library services.

Results:

Administrative competence among librarians enhances university libraries' resource development capability and their service quality delivery performance. Learning communities should have such skills in order to meet their evolving needs.

Conclusion:

Education programs of librarians should be implemented as a priority as they will generate personnel with increased managerial skills that will restructure their libraries to improved academic support platforms.

Implications:

The given study contributes to literature in library management by providing pertinent information to administrators who wish to apply the best practices to achieve improved library outcomes.

Examining the effect of online information-seeking and searching behaviours on the academic performance of undergraduate university students

Dr. Sajjad Ahmad — 2025-12-19

Purpose: This study investigates how online information-seeking and searching behaviors influence
the academic performance of undergraduate students at the University of Peshawar. It highlights the
significance of effective search practices and students’ perceptions of online information in enhancing
academic outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach: A stratified random sampling technique was employed, selecting two
departments from each faculty to ensure balanced representation. Data were collected through a
validated 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. Of the 523 distributed surveys, 315 were filled, resulting
in a 60.2% response rate. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 30.0 to examine students’
information-seeking patterns, search strategies, and perceived quality of online information.
Research limitations: The study was limited to undergraduate students from a single institution, which
may restrict the generalizability of the findings. Moreover, the use of self-reported data may introduce
response bias.

Key findings: Social media emerged as the most frequently accessed online source, with 73.0% of
respondents using it daily, followed by Google search engines (53.7%) and Wikipedia (34.9%). Boolean
operators were identified as the most commonly applied search strategy (M = 3.68, SD = 1.34), while
truncation and phrase searching were also widely used. Students demonstrated moderately positive
perceptions of online information, rating verifiability (M = 3.41, SD = 1.20) and timeliness (M = 3.35,
SD = 1.25) relatively high.

Practical implications: The study underscores the need for digital literacy workshops and targeted
training on advanced search techniques to enhance students’ skills in evaluating, accessing, and
effectively utilizing online information sources for academic success.

Accessibility, Inclusivity, and Satisfaction Persons with Disabilities in University Libraries of Pakistan

Rabia Mumtaz — 2025-12-19

Purpose: The study aimed to assess the satisfaction levels of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) regarding library resources and services offered in university libraries of Punjab, Pakistan and to identify the obstacles encountered by PWDs in accessing these resources and services within the university libraries of Punjab, Pakistan.

Methodology/approach/design: This study used a quantitative approach based on a survey research
methodology. The population consisted of university libraries of Punjab province that had separate centers for persons with disabilities. Data was obtained from persons with disabilities via a questionnaire. Using the SPSS software, descriptive and inferential statistical tests were performed. These tests included one-way ANOVA, measures of central tendency and dispersion, as well as frequency and percentage calculations.

Findings: The results of the study highlighted various challenges encountered by PWDs in accessing
required resources to meet their needs within the library environment. Among the top-rated problems
identified by respondents are physical obstacles, restricted access to content in accessible formats, and
inadequate signage and information for PWDs The satisfaction levels of persons with disabilities about
library resources and services offer substantial information into their experiences and perceptions within the library context. Among the top-rated aspects of satisfaction are the availability of comfortable spaces for reading and studying, accessibility of staff assistance, and satisfaction with library programs and events.

Conclusion: The study revealed several key elements that contribute to the positive library experience of PWDs. These elements include the availability of quiet areas for reading and studying, the friendliness of library personnel, and the quality of library programs and events. The undertaken research reveals that PWDs generally report a high degree of satisfaction over the availability of accessible resources, which include braille books, large-print texts, audiobooks, and digital materials compatible with screen readers.

Originality: The research highlights the need for libraries to implement comprehensive strategies that
address these obstacles and ensure that PWDs have equal access to library resources and services.