Mapping institutional challenges in Pakistani LIS schools and pathways forward: a qualitative study

Purpose Library and Information Science (LIS) as a discipline occupies a unique position in higher education institutions, incorporating both principles of knowledge management utilizing modern digital technology and serving diverse library users. However, the past few years have witnessed various challenges and issues being faced by LIS faculty members in Pakistan, yet their perspectives have not always been acknowledged. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the operational, technical and institutional challenges and the ways-forward strategies to overcome these challenges in various LIS schools in Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research approach was used with a phenomenological research design. Data were collected from the head or senior faculty members from 15 LIS schools in Pakistan. Data were analyzed thematically with NVivo software. Findings The findings revealed five major challenges, including “issues related to funding, infrastructure and technology”, “limitations in faculty hiring, training and retention”, “challenges in administration and operations”, “challenges in curriculum development and implementation” and “LIS recognition issues”. The ways-forward strategies to overcome these challenges include “collaboration with industry and institutions”, “faculty recruitment and development”, “administration support and infrastructural development”, “curriculum revision and upgradation” and “HEC support, advocacy and funding”. Theoretical, practical and policy implications are presented to streamline LIS education in Pakistan and similar contexts. The limitations, future research directions and recommendations were also given. Originality/value This is the first study investigating LIS education challenges and ways-forward, collecting data from all LIS schools in Pakistan. A KPI-anchored roadmap of three timeframes (short-term, medium-term and long-term) covering six priority actions has been presented. This roadmap includes a timeframe, priority action, potential funding source, methods of implementation and monitoring progress.