Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
2-2022
Abstract
There are more than 12 library schools in Pakistan producing around 1,000 graduates every year. These graduates hold 16-year BS or MLIS professional qualifications. There is no calculated estimate available concerning the number of related jobs and the vacant ones in the country. Therefore, it is not possible to determine the number of LIS graduates required in the country within a particular span. The academic libraries especially in the public sector accommodate most of such graduates. The current job market has become oversaturated as we carefully observe around five candidates against one entry-level position in the public sector on average. Entry-level positions are those where the basic professional qualification (BS or MLIS) is required without any experience, for example, recruitment through public service commissions. In such a scenario where joblessness is increasing owing to fewer job openings and more candidates, one cannot wait for years for a job to earn a livelihood. Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan has designed a new BS curriculum in almost every discipline including LIS, which aims to promote entrepreneurship as well. The researchers of this paper interpret entrepreneurship as an activity for creative individuals to independently secure one’s livelihood while creating jobs for others. With a comprehensive literature review, this paper aims to propose a model of entrepreneurship opportunities based on LIS professional qualifications that can be opted by the LIS graduates to become self-reliant. The proposed model is then qualitatively validated by select, senior employers/librarians.