Abid Hussain

@issi.org.pk

Deputy Director Library
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad



                       

https://researchid.co/abidmardan

Hails to Mardan Takht Bhai, Completed an M.Phil Degree in Library and Information Science, a master's degree in Library and Information Science, a Master's in Political Science, and a Master's in Education. With more than 20 Years of experience in librarianship and teaching, so far contributed more than 40 researches, 160 Columns in national and International dailies, and contributed my knowledge pertaining to librarianship in printed and electronic media.

EDUCATION

M.Phil in Librayr and Information Science

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Library and Information Sciences, Education, Social Sciences, Communication

15

Scopus Publications

462

Scholar Citations

8

Scholar h-index

8

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications


  • Awareness of Pakistani academic librarians towards communication skills: barriers and benefits
    Abid Hussain and Joanna Richardson
    Emerald
    Purpose The purpose of this study is to measure the current levels of awareness of communication skills among academic librarians in degree-awarding institutions of Pakistan and to identify barriers that libraries, with the support of organizational stakeholders, could target to enhance adoption and / or improvement of these skills. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative research design, based on a Web-based survey method, used a questionnaire as the data collection tool for librarians used in degree-awarding institutions in Pakistan. After incorporating feedback from experts in the field, the questionnaire link was shared with a sample population of n = 400 academic librarians in Pakistan, using simple random sampling. The data was coded in Microsoft Excel and exported to SPSS v 26 for analysis. Findings Overall, the findings underscore a consistent and moderate to high level of awareness by this cohort of basic library communication skills and their associated benefits. The level of agreement as to the principal barriers to these skills aligns with previous research results over the past decade and therefore underlines the need to prioritize the development of appropriate solutions. Research limitations/implications Further research is indicated to investigate the major factors contributing to the principal barriers identified in the current study. Practical implications The study recommends that librarians work with relevant stakeholders to identify strategies to enhance their personal and interpersonal communication skills and to address current barriers to upskilling. Originality/value The study could serve as a foundation for any future research and policy frameworks to enhance employability and communication skills among librarians in Pakistan.

  • Use of geographical information system (GIS) application in public libraries
    Abid Hussain
    Emerald
    Purpose The purpose of this study is to describe the role of geographical information system (GIS) in public libraries. The study shed light on various functions of GIS in the public library scenario. It further elaborates on the scope of GIS, its functions and the multiple challenges faced by library staff in implementation in public library. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study was conducted by exploring articles published in top databases like Elsevier, Taylor and Francis, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, etc. The study reveals that GIS has been part of multiple businesses for the past few years, and its role is expanding at an alarming rate in public libraries for the past 10 years. Findings The study reveals that GIS deals with the geospatial characteristics of the data set, and the public library’s prime role is to visualize large quantities of disparate data in one data set. Originality/value The study will further wider the scope of the GIS in public library scenario. Experts in GIS and library field will get an extensive information and optimum benefits by reading this paper.

  • Use of artificial intelligence in the library services: prospects and challenges
    Abid Hussain
    Emerald
    Purpose Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the emerging technologies of this time. It has been associated with several trades like business, defense, health and education, but its role in library services will foster intelligent decisions. AI is a widely used technology in library services that can transform the best services in the age of information technology. This paper aims to highlight the use of AI in library operations. Several research have been undertaken on this subject, but that only address a few applications. This paper highlights the pros and cons of AI in library services. AI and libraries have a substantial nexus; nevertheless, the use and awareness of AI in library services are still creating question marks addressed in this paper. This study will help the policy stakeholder, librarians and scholars in the field to address these issues before the deployment of AI in library services. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on a qualitative method using content analysis techniques. Extant literature was explored on the subject and was analyzed for this study. This study highlights the pros and cons of AI in library services and its possible solutions. Findings The findings of this study show that AI is a vibrant technology that can be used in library services; however, some obstacles like adequate funds, the attitude of librarians and technical skills are a few obstacles that hamper AI in library operations. The findings also reveal that using AI in library operations will accelerate libraries in the right direction. Furthermore, this study highlights various applications that can be deployed without spending costs. Originality/value This study covers the understanding of AI in library services that will help the librarian's information professionals leverage AI in library scenarios. Furthermore, the practical implication of AI in library services will bring positive change in implementing AI. Social implications: This study will motivate library professionals to take advantage of AI in library services and further accelerate library operations in the right direction.


  • Provision of research support services across the research lifecycle in university libraries
    Abid Hussain and Muhammad Rafiq
    SAGE Publications
    This study aims to identify current offerings of research support services (RSS) by Pakistani university libraries to their research community at various phases of the research lifecycle. It also offers data on the future planning of libraries about RSS and compares the results with international studies to gauge the progress of Pakistani university libraries in this direction. This study used a quantitative design to collect data from 138 reference/head librarians of university libraries across four research lifecycle stages. The Cronbach alpha reliability of the questionnaire was 0.95, and the data were analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Frequency analysis and the Chi-square test were used to draw inferences. The results indicated that more than 50% of university libraries in Pakistan were providing most of the research support services associated with all stages of the research lifecycle. The majority of libraries offer traditional research support services as compared to advanced services which have been developed in recent times across the globe. The results of the study further indicated that private-sector university libraries were offering a higher level of research support services than public-sector university libraries. Furthermore, libraries associated with public sector universities showed more inclination toward offering these services as a part of their future planning. This study examined the current status of Pakistani university libraries’ research support services, grouped according to each stage of the research lifecycle. The study is an amalgamation of traditional and advanced research support services in order to give new dimensions to this area and the structured instrument designed for this study may be used by other researchers to conduct similar studies in their social setting. The findings will aid public sector university libraries in their efforts to provide their research communities with greater research support services. The results will be valuable to university and library administrators for strategic planning to meet the community’s need for research-based services.

  • Review of augmented reality in academic and research libraries
    Abid Hussain
    Emerald
    Purpose The paper aims to provide substantive information regarding augmented reality (AR) and its usage in academic and research libraries. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative research based on the content analysis method was used for this study. Articles from top databases such as Science Direct, Emerald and Taylor & Francis were consulted, and most cited articles were extracted from those searches for this study. Findings The research reveals that most libraries in developed countries are executing this technology to give maximal information to their patrons in the augmented world. The study also shows that advanced technologies are needed these days, and without adopting these technologies, no advancement in the library sector can be made. Originality/value This paper sheds light on AR conversation and, by extension, implementation; it will further boost the morale of academic and research librarians. Additionally, it sets the framework for researchers and practitioners that the application service is lacking despite the rise of technological advancements.



  • Uses of blockchain technologies in library services
    Hussain Abid
    Emerald
    Blockchain is a new and reliable technology that helps with security, preservation and reliability of data. Libraries are change agents of the 21st century and are implementing new technologies to provide maximal information in minimal time. Blockchain technology can be used to solve different problems in library field with proper usages for storing information in a distributed temperresistant setting. Blockchain in library settings can be used to gather, preserve and share authoritative information devoid of many technological hurdles. Some challenges such as finance, technical and security issues are troubling factors, but proper training, support from decision makers and technical skills regarding this technology will pave the way for library practitioners. Undoubtedly, libraries are changing agents of the 21st century and are working for the goodwill of the communities (Sharma and Batth, 2020). Blockchain technology is broadly based on distributed ledger technology (DLT), technology that records transactions with an immutable cryptographic signature named hash (Hussain, 2020). Figure 1 shows the structure of DLT in detail (Figures 1–3).

  • Electronic Theses: Why Pakistan is lagging behind


  • Evaluating the Scholarly Literature on Information Literacy indexed in the Web of Science Database


  • Bibliometric Analysis of Regional Studies – A Quarterly Journal of Institute of Regional Studies, Islamabad, Pakistan


  • Industrial revolution 4.0: implication to libraries and librarians
    Abid Hussain
    Emerald
    Purpose Industry 4.0 is a term for the so-called Fourth Industrial revolutions. It is the technological integration of cyber-physical systems (CPS) in the process of production. CPS enables internet-based process networking with all participants in the process of value creation. The industrial revolution is actually changing how we live, work and communicate. Many trades have highly been affected by 4IR, libraries are one of them. The libraries of twenty-first century are shifting their paradigms from traditional setup to modern information networking. As people and machines are connecting to each other at enormous speed, artificial intelligence, mobile computing, machine learning and automation of every trade have become a need of the day. Automation and artificial intelligence are change agents in 4IR that will make certain groups of employees redundant, replacing them with new workers with the needed skills or with machines that do the job cheaper. This paper aims to shed light on how the 4IR will “shape the future of education, gender, work and library services”. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the challenges being faced by the library and librarians in the age of Industrial 4.0 revolution in contemporary society. The purpose of this study is to review the past literature on Industrial Revolutions 4.0 in education and interlink them with Library services. Design/methodology/approach The current study performs a systematic and content-centric review of literature relevant to library services. The literature of this study is based on a six-stage approach to identify the design principles and technology trends of 4IR in education and Library services. Findings Industry 4.0 Revolution is the current trend of revolutionary technology, which has affected many services in this age of globalization. Similar, Library services have highly been affected by 4IR. An effort has been made to highlight the vari-ous challenges being faced by libraries and librarians in this age of information. Some solutions have been presented to the library professionals to overcome this technology to boost its services up to the entire satisfaction of the patrons. Research limitations/implications The strategic approach in this study can serve the academicians and practitioners in the field of librarianship as a stepping stone to develop a successful transition from traditional manufacturing into the industry 4.0. Originality/value The study is among the first to identify the challenges being faced by libraries and librarians in this age of Industrial revolutions.

  • Cutting edge: Technology's impact on library services
    Abid Hussain
    IGI Global
    Libraries and librarians are constructing a better world by experimenting with the latest technology for their patrons. As technologies evolve from time to time, new tools have been discovered to provide optimal services in minimal time. In developed countries like USA, UK, and Germany, the libraries are adopting new technologies for learning, research, and information to give the patron the best possible services. Librarians are struggling more to implement these cutting-edge technologies for learning, research, and information for their users.

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Inculcating reading habits in children
    A Hussain
    Pakistan Observer 2025

  • Empowering Library Culture in Pakistan
    A Hussain
    Pakistan Today, 3 2025

  • Unlocking the Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Academic Libraries
    A Hussain
    IntechOpen 2025

  • Factors Influencing the Adoption of Mobile Services Among Academic Librarians: Perceived Advantages and Barriers in Islamabad
    A Hussain, M Ismail
    Journal of Library & Information Services in Distance Learning, 1-21 2025

  • Libraries in Rural Areas
    A Hussain
    Daily Times 2025

  • Librarianship in the 21st Century: Reflecting on the Past, Shaping the Future
    A Hussain
    Stratheia, 5 2024

  • Open access in Pakistani libraries
    A Hussain
    Pakistan Observer 2024

  • Unlocking the potential of ChatGPT in academic libraries
    A Hussain
    IP Indian Journal of Library Science and Information Technology 9 (2), 80-89 2024

  • Awareness of Pakistani academic librarians towards communication skills: barriers and benefits
    A Hussain, J Richardson
    Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication 2024

  • Role of Libraries in Information-Seeking Behaviour
    A Hussain
    Pakistan Today 2024

  • Revitalizing research culture in Pakistan
    A Hussain
    Pakistan Today 2024

  • Bibliometric Analysis of Global Policy: A Scholarly Journal of Durham University, UK
    A Hussain
    Access: An International Journal of Nepal Library Association 3, 65-75 2024

  • Pros and cons of E-Learning
    A Hussain
    Pakistan Observer 2024

  • E-learning: How to go online
    A Hussain
    Pakistan Today 2024

  • Role of librarians in information literacy

    Pakistan Today, 5 2024

  • Library Role in Community Building
    A Hussain
    Pakistan Today 2024

  • Masjid library initiative in Pakistan
    A Hussain
    Pakistan Today 2024

  • Neglected treasure: The fate of the National Library of Pakistan
    A Hussain
    Pakistan Today 2024

  • Factors influencing school libraries in Pakistan
    A Hussain
    Pakistan Today 2024

  • Challenges in School Libraries
    A Hussain
    Pakistan Observer 2024

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Use of artificial intelligence in the library services: prospects and challenges
    A Hussain
    Library Hi Tech News 40 (2), 15-17 2023
    Citations: 125

  • Industrial revolution 4.0: implication to libraries and librarians
    A Hussain
    Library hi tech news 37 (1), 1-5 2020
    Citations: 120

  • Uses of blockchain technologies in library services
    H Abid
    Library Hi Tech News 38 (8), 9-11 2021
    Citations: 46

  • Review of augmented reality in academic and research libraries
    A Hussain
    Library Hi Tech News 39 (9), 23-25 2022
    Citations: 19

  • Impact of big data on library services: prospect and challenges
    A Hussain, R Shahid
    Library Hi Tech News, 000-000 2022
    Citations: 19

  • Cutting edge: technology's impact on library services
    A Hussain
    Innovations in the designing and marketing of information services, 16-27 2020
    Citations: 19

  • Evaluating the scholarly literature on information literacy indexed in the web of science database
    IU Haq, A Hussain, M Tanveer
    Library Philosophy and Practice 5230 2021
    Citations: 16

  • Awareness of web 2.0 technology in the academic libraries: an Islamabad perspective
    A Hussain
    Available at SSRN 5142726 2018
    Citations: 14

  • Use of geographical information system (GIS) application in public libraries
    A Hussain
    Library Hi Tech News 40 (6), 9-14 2023
    Citations: 8

  • User perception on Electronic resources and services in National Defense University Library Islamabad, Pakistan
    A Hussain, SU Jan
    Pakistan Library & Information Science Journal 49 (3), 58-68 2018
    Citations: 8

  • Library Anxiety among Undergraduate Students: A case study of faculty of Management Science, University of Peshawar.
    M Ismail, A Hussain, S Gul, IA Sajid
    Library Philosophy & Practice 2022
    Citations: 7

  • Strategy of libraries and librarians during COVID-19
    A Hussain
    International journal of law, humanities & social science 5 (1), 40-49 2021
    Citations: 7

  • Knowledge based approach to CPEC
    A Hussain
    The Daily Times 2017
    Citations: 7

  • Use of WhatsApp technology in library services: case study of national defence university library, Islamabad, Pakistan
    A Hussain
    Library Philosophy and Practice, 1-11 2022
    Citations: 6

  • Research Output of Canadian Journal of Information and Library Science (CJILS): A Bibliometric Analysis from 1993-2021
    A Hussain
    Library Philosophy and Practice, 1-12 2022
    Citations: 5

  • Intention to adopt mobile applications services: A study among Pakistani academic librarians
    MN Masreka, A Husseinb
    International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change 15 (3), 38-54 2021
    Citations: 5

  • Artificial Intelligence in Library services
    A Hussain
    Daily Times, 3 2020
    Citations: 5

  • Mapping the Research Output of the Journal'Strategic Studies'-Islamabad: A Statistical Review
    A Hussain, S UllaH jAn
    IJoLIS 5 2020
    Citations: 5

  • Bibliometric Analysis of Regional Studies–A Quarterly Journal of Institute of Regional Studies, Islamabad, Pakistan
    A Hussain, A Arif
    Library Philosophy and Practice (e- journal) 5157 2021
    Citations: 4

  • Role of libraries in education
    A Hussain
    Pakistan Observer 2017
    Citations: 4