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Library and information science has been at an infant stage in Pakistan, primarily in resource management, description, discovery, and access. The reasons are many, including the lack of interest and use of modern tools, techniques, and best practices by librarians in Pakistan. Finding a solution to these challenges requires a comprehensive study that identifies the current state of libraries in Pakistan. This paper fills this gap in the literature by reviewing the relevant literature published between 2015 and 2021 and selected through a rigorous search and selection methodology. It also analyzes the websites of 82 libraries in Pakistan through a theoretical framework based on various aspects. The findings of this study include: Libraries in Pakistan need a transition from traditional and limited solutions to more advanced information and communication technology (ICT)-enabled, user-friendly, and state-of-the-art systems to produce dynamic, consumable, and sharable knowledge space. They must adopt social semantic cataloging to bring all the stakeholders on a single platform. A libraries consortium should be developed to link users to local, multilingual, and multicultural collections for improved knowledge production, recording, sharing, acquisition, and dissemination. These findings benefit Pakistani libraries, librarians, information science professionals, and researchers in other developing countries. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of its kind providing insights into the current state of libraries in Pakistan through the study of their websites using a rigorous theoretical framework and in the light of the latest relevant literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The paper analyses the use of library and information science (LIS) journals (electronic and paper) in two developing countries, i.e. Malaysia and Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on the results of a survey distributed to a population consisting of two sets of LIS journal users. The targeted group includes two sets of graduate students from Departments of Library and Information Science, each in an academic institution from one of the two countries. Findings – LIS journals have as their objective the provision of guidance in the education and learning process of LIS students and the provision of leadership in the practice of librarianship. The profession needs to have a heightened awareness of LIS journals and requires fast and easy access to this body of literature. For developing countries this objective can only be met through help of developed nations who can provide improved means to access LIS journals more efficiently and more effectively in both paper and electronic format. Research limitations/implications – The results of this study did not take in a large population of LIS journal users, but they do provide ground for further research in this area. Practical implications – The results of the survey questionnaire provide a better understanding about the usefulness of LIS journals as an educational tool and their contribution towards development of librarianship in both countries. Originality/value – There is comparatively little written on the use of LIS journals in developing countries. This paper helps fill that gap. The choice of a comparison between two contrasting developing countries' use of the literature is particularly useful, because the contrast throws into sharper relief the appropriate actions that should be taken to meet user needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excellent library services are the backbone of any library. Keeping this in view the libraries are at Aga Khan University providing efficient library and information services to its users according to the present era of digital world. The purpose of this paper is to share the current and upcoming services of AKU libraries across all international campuses in three continents in the context of global developments in the field of library and information science; to motivate other libraries in the region to adopt such a resources and services. Aga Khan University libraries are committed to provide user centered services to its users; simultaneously traditional library services with modem library services according to the existing information age in supports of its user’s research, teaching and learning activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Library practicum is a supervised, hands-on practice in various library functions. This paper aims to explore the effectiveness of library practicum in learning various professional skills through the perception of library information science (LIS) graduates. Design/methodology/approach – Since this is a case study, multiple data collection techniques, i.e. a questionnaire survey (having both closed and open ended questions), and discussions with senior faculty members and observation (as a participant observer) are used to probe the real status. LIS graduates of PU sessions 2002-2006 are identified as the population. The total number of the population is 367 and targeted sample is 118 graduates. Snowball sampling technique is used to reach them. Findings – The findings reveal that well designed and well managed practicum plays a vital role in improving professional skills. Insufficient practicum duration, communication gap among three parties (students, external and internal supervisor), loose supervision and lack of focus on professional skills are the problems reported by LIS graduates. Practical implications – As a study of the practical elements of studying library science, the paper should be of interest to practitioners. Originality/value – This paper is the only evaluation of library practicum in Pakistan. The findings will be helpful in designing better and more effective library practicum programs in Pakistan as well as in other developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a case study of the Pakistan Library Automation Group, formed in October 2000 by volunteers in library and information science and computer science in Pakistan. The group's mission was to promote the use of ICT in Pakistani libraries with virtually no financial support. The achievements of the group during 6 years include: PakLAG Website; Automation of libraries with Library Information Management System (LIMS); Multilingual Web OPAC; Searching interface of National Digital Library; Online directory of LIS professionals; Publications program; Pak-LIS News; E-mail discussion group; Online posting of job advertisements; Virtual library; Training in ICTs for library professionals; and free consultancy service in library automation. The group's future plans are also presented. The study concludes that, if some committed professionals present themselves for voluntary endeavors and plan to develop their nation without any material resources, they can play a significant role in the promotion of ICT in the libraries of a developing country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the findings of a study on the debate of free versus fee based library services in Pakistan. The review of literature revealed that no formal survey on this topic has been carried out before. A questionnaire based survey of selected experts in the field of library and information science from various cities was conducted. Their interviews were also audio-recorded. The library leaders opined on the arguments in favour of and against user fee in libraries. The results show that the respondents are in favour of user fee. However, they advocate for a core service to be offered free of charge as a basic right of the citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to find out the educational degree requirement in Pakistani Libraries. Data was derived from 282 Library and Information Science (LIS)job advertisements published in leading newspapers during 2004-2008. Results indicate that in majority of the advertisements Master's level degree in the Library and Information Science was a pre-requisite. Under Graduate and Certificate level education was also demanded in few adve.rtisements. The results of the study demanded the formulation of policy and standards for the requirement of educational qualifications and also a Controlling Body to maintain standards for job description in LIS job market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Course-related instruction in the use of the library is shown to be a very important facet to support the academic programmes of the higher education institutions. Literature and the qualitative analysis of librarians and experts views show that a working knowledge of the library and the literature of the field are important components in each student's education. The study suggests that education in library use should he closely integrated with the learning programmes within the various academic disciplines. Librarians benefit from it in heightened prestige and improved relations with faculty, to say nothing of the value of working with students who understand the research process. Students benefit from the assignments and follow-through connected with such instruction. Although there are weaknesses in the amount of time, budget, training opportunities and energy demanded by such a programme, but by looking at the benefits any library that can possibly afford to should introduce course-integrated programmes with the collaboration of academic staff. For this winning the support of the library administration can he challenging. Opportunely, the same basic principles apply to appealing library administrators as do to library staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the author talks about several issues related to libraries and information science in Pakistan as of September 2013. Rubina Bhatti, chairperson of the Department of Library and Information Science (LIS) at Islamia University in Bahawalpur, established the Professor Doctor Abdul Moid Memorial Library. A service structure of professional librarians was approved by the University of Punjab. A conference on the trends in library and information science will be held at Bara Gali.