Perception of male college librarians towards faculty status in Khyber Pakhtunkhawa, Pakistan

This study explores the perception of male college librarians in the Khyber Pakhtunkhawa province of Pakistan regarding the merits of attaining faculty status, merging into teaching cadres, or retaining their current positions. A questionnaire was adapted for the online survey and data collection. The study surveyed 116 out of a target population of 125 librarians, resulting in a response rate of 92.8%. The research reveals a prevalent dissatisfaction among librarians with their current status. They express a strong preference for merging into the teaching cadre to enhance their respect and honor, secure faculty designations, equal benefits, and promotional opportunities aligned with the positions held by their teaching counterparts. Challenges identified include a lack of struggle and unity for shared efforts among librarians, limited involvement in decision-making processes and ineffective leadership. The study concludes that active efforts by librarians to become part of the teaching cadre or obtain faculty status are crucial. Recommendations emphasize alignment with government education policies and the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan decision.