Analysis of training initiatives undertaken for professional development of library professionals in Pakistan

IntroductionInformation explosion means huge growth in information and emergence of information age, which is characterized by the ability of individuals to have instant access to information and to transfer it freely. Information has emerged as important source of education, teaching, research and development, and has immensely affected the modern library and information centers. The convergence of information and communication media such as telecommunications, broadcasting, communication and print media is another important factor reshaping the future of libraries. It has made it possible to acquire and store digitized versions of many different kinds of learning content such as texts, pictures, audios and videos. Growth of electronic resources due to emergence of processes like digitization and automation has transformed the library activities and has also triggered the need for professional development of library professionals. Emerging use of cloud computing in libraries has made it possible for libraries to manage their contents at remote servers. Open source software spread has made the content management very cheap and simple and also made it possible for libraries to automate their resources without purchasing costly databases. Access to information, with the help of telecommunication infrastructure is one of the underlying factors of this transformation process.Moreover, teaching and learning environment has been changed completely with the introduction of web 2.0 tools and has connected the people across the globe irrespective of their physical location. Exchange of information in collaborative environment with library users is made possible with the help of web 2.0 tools like blogs, instant messaging, Facebook, Twitter and wikis. Information has become ubiquitous and it has overcome the barriers of space and time. Now information can be reached with mobile tools like iPod, mobile phone etc. These technologies have connected the library professionals all around the world into social networks for serving library users more diligently. According to Ullah, Ameen and Bakhtar (2011) information and communication technology has not only transformed library and information services but also "transformed the information seeking behaviour of library users and they demand and expect the services and programmes accordingly".Continuing technological advances require more professional development of library professionals to grasp basic as well as modern skills and knowledge for using these technologies in libraries. Professional development seems to be the crucial component for information management that will inculcate the ability to apply innovative technologies effectively in libraries for the completion of tasks. Training of professionals can enhance and activate their knowledge in an integrated manner to fulfill users' needs for information. Professional development is the way to enhance the skills and competencies needed for performing the library tasks more skillfully. It enables the library professionals to upgrade their knowledge according to the needs of the hour. Staff development initiatives are very important tools for developing library professionals to face current and future challenges (Khan and Rafiq, 2013). The role and need for training initiatives initiated for professional development of library professionals has increased in recent years. The above cited changing library environment has increased the need for investigating training initiatives initiated by different organizations for the continuing professional development of library professionals to cope with the challenges of information age.Initiative is defined as the "power or opportunity to do something before others do it [and] plan or program that is intended to solve a problem". Training initiatives are defined as the programs that are designed to equip library professionals with requisite skills needed for managing a library. …