RESEARCH SKILLS AMONG LIS RESEARCH SCHOLARS IN PAKISTAN: A STUDY Farah Deeba M. Phil Scholar, Department of LIS, University of Sargodha, Sargodha Haroon Idrees, PhD Assistant Professor, Department of LIS, University of Sargodha, Sargodha 1

Table of Contents Introduction Research Methodology Data Analysis and Results Conclusion Recommendations 2

Introduction ½ A few of LIS schools in Pakistan have taken initiative to start M.Phil. and PhD Programs. Every year articles, thesis, dissertation, conference papers are being published. Research is being done in the majority of the fields of LIS in Pakistan. But Less interest is being shown to find out if the research scholars, doing research possessed the necessary skills. 3

Introduction 2/2 The study is aimed to Identify the level of Research skills among LIS Research Scholars Identify the level of ICT skills among LIS Research Scholars To organize, apply and communicate information and the ways for the development of research skills. To increase the awareness of improving research skills LIS research scholars 4

Research methodology 1/2 The survey method was used to conduct the study. The questionnaire was divided into three sections  Demographic information  ICT skills  Research skills. 5

Research Methodology 2/2 The population of the study was all the M.Phil. and PhD Research scholars who are pursuing their research. A total of 90 questionnaires were distributed among all the LIS Research Scholars and 60 scholars have responded to the questionnaire. So the response rate is 67 %. 6

Data Analysis and Results 7

Demographic Information n=60 M.Phil.=51 PhD=9 8

Demographic Information Gender Wise Male= 32 (63.33%) ½ 9

Demographic Information Gender Wise Female n=28 (33.33%) 2/2 10

Workshop/Training on Research Skills and Computer Course n= 60 ½ 11

Workshop/Training on Research Skills and Computer Course n= 60 2/2 12

Level of Research Skills 13

Descriptive statistics on comparison of ICT skills ¼ Sr. No. Description Mean MPhilPhD 1 Basics of Computer Operating System (Window X.P, Linux, etc) Application Software Ms. Excel Ms. Power Point Adobe PDF Reader Compression Software (example Win Zip, Stufflt, 7-Zip)

Descriptive statistics on comparison of ICT skills 2/4 5. Telecommunication and Networks Mean Range: 1-4 M.PhilPhD Internet (Ms. Outlook, G-mail, Yahoo etc)2.544 Social networking tools Chat voice mail Video conferencing (Skype, Viber, etc) Group serves (Paklag, PLOW, IFLA, M. Phil, PhD etc)

Descriptive statistics on comparison of ICT skills 3/4 6.Library Automation Mean (Range: 1-4) M.Phil.PhD Use of OPAC Use of MARC Use of EDDC1.823 Use of LIMS Software Use of COHA Software2.173 Other Library Software

Descriptive statistics on comparison of ICT skills 4/4 7Online Skills Mean (Range: 1-4) M.PhilPhD Operating an Internet browser Operating online search engines Completing /filling online forms Working with online databases Boolean Search Online information interval2.253 Online indexing and abstracting services Other search techniques (Truncation, Range etc) Web Page Creation Web Technologies Hypermedia Storage Devices (Drop box, Clouding etc)

Descriptive statistics on comparison of Research skills 18

Conclusion 1/2 Research skills of the current research scholars is not up to mark. M.Phil. scholars are still in the level of developing their ICT and Research skills. M.Phil. Scholars don’t have knowledge of usage of SPSS, NVIVO software. It is certain that it is because of lack of training, resources, and lack of practices. The trainings which are being offered also lack luster. Online skills may evolve with time. 19

Conclusion 1/2 Social media tools can be a real boon in the development of research skills. PhD scholars are better in their ICT and research skills as compared to M. Phil. scholars. The Pakistani LIS schools do not have the effective and adequate tools and services. LIS Schools should take initiatives together with professional associations to enhance research and support skills in researchers 20

Recommendations 1/2 The library Associations at national level and district level should take initiative to provide better education The trainings need to be introduced in universities for researchers Improvement in ICT infrastructure in all the library schools should be materialized An evaluation test prior to starting any Postgraduate program should be conducted to determine level of student skills 21

Recommendations 2/2 The usage of SPSS, NVIVO software at length should be the part of curriculum Assignments of these tools need to be taken as mandatory, for which weightage in final result should be provided For admission to M. Phil, publication of at least one study should be compulsory Teachers should pay more attention in enhancing the research skills among the research students 22

Thank you for your patience. 23