Affiliations: [a] Government Associate College for Boys, Safdarabad, Punjab, Pakistan | [b] Institute of Information Management, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Muhammad Rafiq, Institute of Information Management, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore, Pakistan. E-mail: rafiq.im@pu.edu.pk.
Abstract: The primary goal of this study was to identify gaps in curriculum coverage and required skills for research support services (RSS) in university libraries in the Punjab province of Pakistan. A convergent parallel mixed methods design was used to meet its objective. To collect data for the quantitative strand, a cross-sectional survey with a closed-ended questionnaire was conducted. The population for the cross-sectional survey was reference/research librarians working in university libraries in the Punjab province. SPSS was used to analyze quantitative data. In the qualitative strand, the curriculum documents of seven LIS/IM schools in the Punjab province were examined by using the content analysis technique. Results of both strands were compared for gap analysis. The findings revealed a gap between the skills required for RSS and the offerings of LIS/IM schools. The findings have practical implications for LIS/IM schools that will help to realign their curricula to meet market needs.
Keywords: Library services, user services, research services, curriculum, reference librarian, research librarian, RSS, needs
