Need and Effectiveness of Professional Development Courses for Academic Librarians of Capital City of Punjab, Pakistan

1.1 Objectives: The aims of the study were to explore the need of the professional development courses, and effectiveness of the professional development courses in academic libraries of the capital city of Punjab, Pakistan. 1.2 Methodology: Library professionals working in the academic libraries of Higher Education Commission (HEC) recognized public sector universities were the population of the study. As all library professionals of public sector universities located in Lahore (working in the capital city of Punjab, Pakistan were included so census sampling technique was adopted to meet the objectives of the study. 67 respondents participated in this study. Quantitative research technique was followed. Questionnaire as data collection tool was used to accomplish the research. 1.3 Key Findings: Majority of respondents stated that effectiveness and outcomes of Professional Development Courses (PDC) by participating in the professional development courses are obvious. Other effective outcomes of PDC are managerial skills, communication skills and job promotions. Librarians are feeling desirable about the need of professional development programs. 1.4 Rationale and Significance: Previous studies showed that no comprehensive study was conducted in local scenario covering vast objectives. No researcher made proper investigation regarding the need, and effectiveness of Professional Development Courses (PDC) in academic libraries in local scenario. There was an urgent need to explore need and effectiveness of professional development courses. 1.5.