Job Market and competencies required for professional librarians in Pakistan

Abstract

Library and Information Science is a broad practical field that gives a flavor of Mathematics, Statistics, Management, Technology, and Educational Policy. The basic responsibility of librarian is to provide the right material to the right reader at the right time and all this is possible when a library is organized systematically and the material is properly classified and catalogued. Professional librarians are hired by different institutions and organizations – both in public and private sector. All the organizations have their objectives and targets to achieve. To run the affairs effectively, they organize themselves systematically and establish a well-stocked library manned with professional staff. They have some expectations from their library and for this purpose, they assign some targets to the library staff. To fulfill all these requirements, they need some qualities and efficiencies in the library professionals. What professional, semi-professional, and administrative skills these organizations expect from their library staff – this paper will highlight all merits and demerits of a librarian.