Digital Literacy Skills of University Librarians A Predictor of the Digital Reference Services Provided Section Articles

Abstract

This paper aims to measure the digital literacy skills (DLSs) of university
librarians (ULs) as the predictor of the enhanced digital reference services
(DRSs) they provide. It also attempts to identify the best predictor of DLSs
to improve DRSs in libraries. The study population comprised the ULs of
Punjab, Pakistan. A structured questionnaire was developed to collect
quantitative data from the study participants.
The purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from 190 ULs. The findings highlighted that the level of UL’s DLSs to provide DRSs was high. The DLSs of ULs created 59.8% variability in providing DRSs. Furthermore, the beta coefficient value of the factor ‘information retrieval skill’ was identified as the best predictor of DRSs compared to other skills. The results concluded that DLSs are a prerequisite for
offering vibrant DRSs. This research may help ULs to improve the deficient areas of
their DLSs and provide advanced-level DRSs. The findings may also help ULs and
policymakers design continuous development training programs to enhance the DLSs of librarians.