Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
2021
Abstract
The core objective of this study was to evaluate the current status of resources and services of Special libraries existing in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Quantitative research approach based on survey method was used to conduct this study. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed to collect the data from head librarians of special libraries existing in the city of Faisalabad. Census taking approach was used to approach the population of this study. It was found that 55 special libraries were working in the city of Faisalabad, Pakistan. The findings revealed that the special libraries under study held a variety of information resources but limited in numbers and formats. The status of ICT infrastructure, classification, cataloguing, automation and knowledge management was found poor in special libraries. Special libraries were providing a range of services but at a poor level. The special libraries were providing the services including reference service, borrowing service, internet & Wi-Fi, e-mail service, printing & photocopy service but not at a good level. The status of services including access to HEC digital library, interlibrary loan, scanning services, SDI/CAS, virtual reference service, article alert and document delivery service were found very poor and critically required to be promoted in special libraries. The study provided insights about evaluating the information resources and services of special libraries which could be used for evidence-based decision making. This study might be helpful in improving the quality of information resources and services of special libraries in Pakistan. The study might also provide assistance to policy makers, parent organizations/institutions of special libraries and library professionals in developing information resources, services and infrastructure of special libraries in Pakistan.