Challenges of Preparing LIS Professionals for Leadership Roles in Pakistan

Library leadership is almost an unexplored area in library and information science (LIS) education. All eight library schools in Pakistan offer management courses to impart skills needed for managing libraries but there is little awareness regarding the importance of inducing leadership traits-as distinct from managerial skills-among LIS academia, researchers and practitioners. The paper explores different aspects of the issue with specific reference to Pakistan by using mixed methods. Data was obtained from professionals through a questionnaire, content-analysis, focus groups, discussions, and personal observation and experience. The paper identifies fundamental leadership attributes required for LIS professionals and their status among professionals in Pakistan. Barriers in the development of leadership traits among professionals are also identified. Findings suggest that the emerging social, professional and technological scenario in the country requires information professionals with leadership qualities, to foresee and create the future by timely planning and not become the victim of unforeseen changes.