Information and Knowledge Management www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-5758 (Paper) ISSN 2224-896X (Online) Vol.6, No.2, 2016 27 Challenges Associated with Resource Selection in Public Libraries of Khyber Pakhtunkhawa, Pakistan Muhammad Rafi 1 Ghalib Khan 2 Sikandar Ali 1,3 1.Public library Swat Directorate of Archives and libraries 2.University of Peshawar Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Pakistan 3.Department of Computer Science and Software Technology, University of Swat, Pakistan Abstract Resource quality and users satisfaction in public libraries are correlated factors. In resource selection for both the formats i.e. (soft and hard) professional involvement as well as geographical and cultural position of people is mandatory for consideration. The unilateral decision making power of few under the centralized system has left no gap for policy designing by sitting across the table. This study was conducted to explore the challenges faced by Khyber Pakhtunkhawa public libraries in resource selection. A quantitative based study was conducted to collect the relevant data from twelve out of seventeen library professionals in the whole directorate of public libraries and its sub-offices. An in depth study of the relevant literature was carried out to collect the data through questionnaire. The data were later analyzed using SPSS. Results of the study showed that Khyber Pakhtunkhawa public libraries having no set pattern and concept for printed and e-resource selection and automation of printed materials. In the cyber age e-resources are superseding the printed materials Khyber Pakhtunkhawa public libraries are far away from e-resource provision which need serious consideration on immediate basis. Keywords: Library resources, library materials, resource management, resource selection, resource mechanism, Khyber Pakhtunkhawa public libraries. 1. INTRODUCTION Collection development in libraries reflects the rising intellectual growth in society for which below quality collection can never be expected. Library resources in any format have its own unique significance to its users. In the world e-resources are very quickly getting popularity due to their easy data based access anywhere away from library. In front of reducing budget, inflation and currency devaluation for a country like Pakistan where multifaceted users demand on latest titles on different disciplines created a complex situation during resource selection. Most of the Universities prefer monographs and e-resources to meet the rising users demand. The Kansas University has developed a model demand driven acquisition (DDA) for monographs selection and maintaining statistical record which also acts as catalogue for the available resources (Association, 2011). E-libraries are always remained open for public services therefore all the possible attempt are taken for balanced selection to support learning and research. Public libraries beyond curriculum need plethora of literature on general study which means exceptional service to all sects to build an educated society to enhance the knowledge by promoting the literary need using bibliometric for information selection. (Naseer & Mahmood, 2009). Libraries are facilitating public through both the information format remaining within the limited sources and resources. The history of printed material is very old to facilitate public through traditional way of issue and return by maintaining register. The Khyber Pakhtunkhawa public libraries being in 21 st century still serve in the formal way without automation and e-resource facility. The young generations in the age of technology prefer quick access to required literature through technology but absence of IT environment, unfamiliarity with e- resources and administrative weaknesses in giving a good technological structure has affected the public library system. The advent and implementation of technology in libraries have facilitated access to desired information using local and non-local access. Public libraries in Khyber Pakhtunkhawa gives digital facility with in local range and still there is no concept of e-resources like e-journals e-books and its significance due to the complexities in its management, acquisition, licensing, increasing cost and delay in publishing. (Walters, 2013). Khyber Pakhtunkhawa public libraries neither have resource selection policy on printed and electronic materials nor staff training on latest technology like automation, e-resource selection, database arrangement, cataloguing and classification of these resources which shows the administrative incompetency and lack of futuristic vision in policy designing needs immediate consideration (Behera & Singh, 2011). Library resources are not limited to books and periodicals here the electronic and digital contents in the shape of online research papers and e-books are also one of the significant parts of library for academic and general research. Research reveals that lack of adequate physical description, absence of policy on resource selection, lack of technological skill, insufficient library professionals and their suggestions; no IT infrastructure and IT obsolescence are the major challenges in resource selection and management in public libraries. Public libraries need a complete infrastructure for resource selection and durable policy in collaboration with higher education commission (HEC) to save this profession in future. (Haider, 2007).