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

This study investigates the perceptions of male college librarians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan, regarding their professional status, focusing on three options: attaining faculty status, merging into the teaching cadre, or retaining their current positions. Surveying 116 librarians, the research finds widespread dissatisfaction with the current status and a majority preference for merging into the teaching cadre, which is seen as a pathway to equal recognition, benefits, promotions, and respect comparable to teaching faculty. Key barriers identified include lack of unity, leadership, involvement in decision-making, and limited support from library associations. The study recommends active efforts by librarians to pursue higher qualifications, research skills, and professional development aligned with government education policies and the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan to facilitate integration into teaching cadres or faculty status.