DIGITIZATION OF LIBRARY RESOURCES IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES OF PUNJAB, PAKISTAN: A DEVELOPING COUNTRY PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to find out the status of digitization activities and the relationship between digitization activities and demographic variables of universities. Furthermore, types of information resources that have been digitized and level of library
capability regarding digitization activities in university libraries of Punjab were also assessed, A survey research design and quantitative research approach were applied. A structured questionnaire was emailed to the heads librarians of all public sector university libraries of Punjab province recognized by Government of Punjab and the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, and the response rate was 74 percent. The analysis showed that majority of the university libraries are engage in digitizing their information
resources and the factors category, year of establishment, total number of library staff, and fund for digitization are positively link with digitization activities. I addition, theses and dissertations, rare books, and historical documents/archival materials were digitized by
majority universities. Mainstream of university libraries are still “incapable” for the digitization of information resources lacking human resources, technological resources, digitization plan, policies and procedures, and fund. This study has numerous practical and theoretical contributions regarding digitization of information resources in academic libraries, especially those engaged in digitization activities, practices and strategies. The results enlighten trends in digitization activities and different factors affecting digitization
practices in university libraries of Punjab. This study help library administration and university top management to pay more attention towards technology infrastructure, human resources development, fund, frame policy and procedures for digitization to create digital environment in university libraries.