Data visualization in private sector university libraries in Sindh, Pakistan

Purpose The purpose of this study was to know the understanding of librarians about data visualization, the perceptions of the librarians toward this new and emerging trend and know the librarian’s capabilities in the use of data visualization tools and its impact on their library services. Design/methodology/approach To acquire the desired results, a survey was conducted using a quantitative approach. The study’s target audience was the library professional staff at private sector university libraries in Sindh, Pakistan. All respondents were sent an e-mail inviting them to participate in the survey on their own time. Findings The sample in this study comprised 139 professional librarians from private-sector university libraries in Sindh, Pakistan. Out of the 139, only 107 professional librarians participated in the study. The results of the small-scale study may be used as a baseline for future studies. Coping with the new and emerging trends in librarianship requires a fundamental change in the thinking, perception and behavior of professional librarians as well as the university’s management of the private sector universities in Sindh, Pakistan. Research limitations/implications The study has the following limitations: the study was conducted only on the private sector libraries in Sindh and to develop an understanding, the information in this study was gathered only from the library’s professional staff. Practical implications Contribution to the society: This study will open a new horizon for librarians and researchers not only for the stakeholders in Pakistan but all over library communities in developing as well as underdeveloped countries. Contribution to professional librarians: This study will benefit all professional librarians who want to enhance their knowledge about data visualization and will contribute to the librarians’ understanding of their role as effective librarians in this modern library setting. Researchers, librarians, students and other interested party can take advantage from this study in relationships of evolving their thoughtful of data visualization. Social implications This study provided me an opportunity to identify the hindrances, which do not allow professional librarians to adopt new emerging trends. Originality/value This study was exploratory as this is completely a new concept for developing countries, especially in the Pakistan province of Sindh.