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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]

The article presents abstracts on library and information science in Pakistan which include a study about adult male farmers, a bibliometric study about article published by the "Sarhad Journal of Agriculture," and a study about the role of forestry scientists.

The purpose of the study is to discover the status of the job market for library professionals in Sindh Province, Pakistan, and to examine the job titles used in advertisements. Content analysis was applied to discover the status of the job market. LIS professional vacancies from 2004 to 2008 in four leading newspapers were analysed. There were 282 announcements during that time. Findings of the study reveal a lack of consistency in job titles. Academic librarianship predominated in the LIS job market during those years. Most of the job titles do not address the requirements of the job market. This paper is the first study done in Pakistan. It is recommended that library professionals, library associations, and LIS departments to design a uniform descriptive nomenclature and help the provincial government understand the importance and necessity of LIS professionals in national development. [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]

Purpose - This paper reports a study into the current status of, and future prospects for, community informatics (CI) services in libraries in Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach - It is based on a questionnaire survey of academic and public libraries, and community centres, in the major cities of Pakistan, backed up by interviews with librarians and community leaders. Findings - It is found that while most libraries provide community information services, these are of traditional kind, and there are very few examples of information and communication technologies-based CI. There is enthusiasm for developing such services among librarians, and high regard for library services in the community. Essential factors are funding for provision of equipment and training, and awareness raising in the community. Research limitations/implications - The study was limited to a sample of libraries in large cities. Practical implications - Proposals for development of a government-sponsored CI initiative are presented. Originality/value - This is the only study to date which investigates the role of libraries for CI provision in Pakistan, and one of very few which studies this topic in a developing country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article highlights the January 11, 2007 tribute organized by the National Institute of Labour Administration & Training to Abdul Moid, the father of Pakistan librarianship and founder of the Department of Library and Information Science (LIS) at Karachi University. The chief guest on this occasion was Manzoor Ahmad, the rector of International Islamic University, and former Vice-Chancellor of Hamdard University. Other attendees at the event were library educators, working librarians and alumni of Karachi University's Department of LIS. Rais Ahmad Samdani's welcome address highlighted the need of organizing the function, as well as recalled the services of Ahmad as a supporter of libraries and cause of librarians.

The formation and implementation of policies are different issues in theoretical and practical terms. Implementation is more complicated, being concerned with political, financial, administrative and socio-economic issues. It requires motivation, proper lobbying, and technical, professional and administrative support. A profession can directly and indirectly be a driving force for the implementation of policies. LIS in Pakistan lacks influence, recognition and the coordination to play such a role. It can be developed through socialisation, playing a broader part, developing more commitments with the profession and providing practical support to authorised agencies for policy implementation. [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.