Antiplagiarism Practices of University Libraries in Pakistan: Perceptions of Library Directors

Abstract

This study aims to investigate university library directors’ perceived importance of antiplagiarism practices through plagiarism software and guidance-based programs. The study also qualitatively explores the barriers faced by university librarians in combating plagiarism practices.

The authors used a mixed-method research design to examine their research questions. The findings showed that the library directors placed equal importance on both types of antiplagiarism practices, that is, software-based and guidance-based antiplagiarism practices and that libraries should provide both of these services effectively. The library directors indicated a lack of awareness regarding plagiarism issues, lack of motivation among librarians, lack of information literacy training programs, and administrative issues as the key barriers. This study fills the gap in the existing literature by exploring university library directors’ perceptions of antiplagiarism practices and barriers in combating plagiarism practices, particularly in the South Asian context.

Keywords:

• Antiplagiarism practices
• Plagiarism software
• Library directors
• Pakistan
• Universities