Role of Libraries in Ensuring Quality Education at Higher Education Institutions: A Perspective of Pakistan

Abstract

This study deals with the role of libraries ensuring quality education in higher education institutions (HEIs). Quality education is an all-encompassing and accessible system that equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills for success. Libraries play a crucial role in quality education by serving as vital resources that grant access to knowledge, facilitate research, encourage literacy, create a favourable learning atmosphere, and advocate for continuous learning among both students and educators. The role of libraries in higher education is multi-faceted and essential in shaping the academic journey of students and faculty. Libraries serve as repositories of knowledge, offering access to a vast array of resources. They provide books, journals, databases, and digital materials that support research, teaching, and learning. By curating relevant information, libraries empower students and educators alike. Libraries are hubs for research. They offer access to scholarly journals, databases, and specialized collections. Students and faculty can explore cutting-edge research, stay updated on developments in their fields, and engage in critical inquiry. Libraries foster literacy by promoting reading habits and information literacy skills. They organize workshops, book clubs, and literacy programs, encouraging lifelong learning and intellectual growth. A well-equipped library creates a conducive learning environment. It provides quiet spaces for study, collaborative areas for group work, and access to technology. Libraries enhance the overall educational experience. New knowledge is typically unearthed by referring to up-to-date and established literature. The researchers opted for subject-specific databases like Google, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Science Direct. They employed the undermentioned keywords to gather the data: “Role of Libraries” or “Quality Education” or “Libraries” or “Role of Librarians” or “Education”. This study may enable the librarian and information professionals in university libraries of Pakistan to step up to the roles and responsibilities, knowledge and skills using required resources and service and strengthen quality education. 

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