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There appears a change in reading trends in the growing digital culture around the globe. The current research intended to identify the influence of this culture on the reading behaviour of young adults. A survey of final year Masters students from public and private sector universities in various knowledge domains (sciences and technology, social sciences, and arts and humanities) was conducted. The findings revealed a number of significant differences in both reading patterns and preferred reading formats among students of three knowledge domains. The findings suggest that all subjects should be treated separately when deciding on collection development and library services. This exploratory study proves that the digital environment creates a significant impact on individuals' reading behaviour which needs to be considered by academics and library practitioners. It is a baseline study and opens many potential directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The practice of academic plagiarism is not something new in the world and the easy access to information with 'copy and paste' technology has caused a rapid increase in the practice in recent years. Hence, academic institutions are taking strict measures to combat plagiarism. Universities of developed regions are using anti plagiarism software to detect plagiarism and are putting substantial efforts to create anti plagiarism awareness and guidance among researchers. In addition, the scholarly literature shows that their libraries are also working in the promotion of fair use of information and plagiarism free research culture on campuses. This study investigates the case of current anti plagiarism practices of the universities and their libraries in Pakistan as a developing country of South Asian region. A questionnaire was designed and sent to the head librarians of the central university libraries (ULs) of all HEC recognized universities to collect data on the anti plagiarism practices of the universities and their libraries. The findings indicate that while universities of Pakistan are determined to control plagiarism; they are more focused on the use of anti plagiarism software as compared to creating awareness and guidance about avoiding plagiarism among researchers. ULs are also participating to combat plagiarism with an informal status in software base plagiarism detection service and irregular practice of different anti plagiarism guidance activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

University libraries are, around the world, are initiating digitization projects to convert their knowledge resources from analogue formats into digital ones and offering access through electronic means. Nevertheless, digitization projects required certain level of digitization capabilities in terms of technology, finances, and human resources. This study assesses the capabilities of university libraries in Pakistan to initiate, accomplish and sustain digitization projects, as perceived by university libraries' administration as well as senior, library professionals of Pakistan. Digitization capabilities were assessed in terms of human, technological, financial resources, and digitization plans, policies, and procedures. A mixture of quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques were applied for data collection. The findings of the study showed that respondents showed a mix of perceptions about libraries' digitization capabilities. The findings revealed human resources as the most important factor that needs to be developed to enhance the digitization capabilities of university libraries of Pakistan. This is the first study on the subject in Pakistan and its findings may be applied to other developing countries with similar socio-economic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to discover perceptions of university librarians regarding the needed competencies for collection managers in Pakistan in the emerging digital paradigm. Design/methodology/approach – The mixed-method approach was followed using a questionnaire and interview to collect data. The self-completion questionnaire was sent to central libraries of 40 major, accredited universities of Pakistan and 30 responses were obtained. Then, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 librarians using interview-guide. Interviews were transcribed to analyze and categorize according to the thematic approach. The interpretation and comments of the interviewees have also been reported to strengthen the arguments. Findings – It was found that the university libraries of Pakistan are gradually adopting a digital paradigm and providing access to hybrid collections. But, collection managers would not perceive fully the competencies needed to manage hybrid collections. It also appeared that there were meagre opportunities for university librarians to develop their competencies through regular and continuing education. Originality/value – This is the first study on the needed competencies for collection managers in Pakistan. The paper may invoke, among academia and working professionals, the need to learn the practices of collection management in digital environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to discover university librarians' perceptions regarding importance of various elements of CM, and self- assessment about the status of CM in university libraries of Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach -- To achieve the objectives of the study, the survey method was used with self-completion questionnaires to collect data from throughout Pakistan. The questionnaire was sent to central libraries of 40 major accredited universities of Pakistan and 30 responses were obtained. Findings -- It was found that the university librarians are still not fully conversant with the changing scenario of CM in both theoretical and practical terms. It also appeared that the university librarians were not satisfied with the overall status of managing a collection in the majority of cases. Originality/value -- The paper is the first study on the overall status of collection management in Pakistan. It will invoke among professionals the need to learn and apply modern practices of collection management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore some major challenges in the area of collection management faced by university libraries in Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach - The methodology includes a literature review and a survey of university libraries in Pakistan in 2004. Findings - The challenges regarding collection management in university libraries in Pakistan are: handling the hybrid character of collections, service to users, training of collection management staff, collection evaluation, resource sharing and preservation. Originality/value This paper provides an example of the challenges of university libraries in a developing country which must plan and develop a customized paradigm of library service which combines the traditional and modern services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]