Competencies needed for future academic librarians in Pakistan

The changing environment of academic libraries in Pakistan demands new competencies for future academic librarians. This study defines and validates competencies for entry-level professionals keeping in view the needs of the next five years. Top-level library managers of selected universities and postgraduate level colleges participated in the study. A scale of perceived importance of each competency was used for validation of competencies organized in six categories: management, resource development, technical service, reference & information services, information technology and general. A distinct preference is noted for information technology competencies. A significant overlap between the opinion of public and private sector librarians is also observed. The validated competencies can be used for the evaluation and revision of the curricula of formal education programs.