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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 aim of this paper is to explore the behavior of medical students regarding the use of Electronic books (E-books) and Print books (P-books). The objective of the study is to measure the differences with regards in using E-books and P-books to perceptions behavioral intentions among medical students. Quantitative approach and survey research method was used to conduct this study. The self-administered questionnaire valid by field expert was used to gather the data from sample. The population of this study is all medical college libraries affiliated with University of Health Sciences, Lahore. 25 questionnaires from each medical college to be filled by the students through random sampling technique .The data was analyzed in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 20th version. The paper found that medical students are satisfied with usage and accessibility of e-books but they preferred p-books. It is also found that participants preferred hybrid libraries due to accessibility of both types of books. [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 – The purpose of this study is to answer the following questions: what are an open system and its components? How can the open system model be used to describe a library system including its objectives and functions? What is the situation of librarianship in Pakistan in terms of the elements, characteristics and features of an open system model? Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on a review of the literature. The challenges which are faced by librarianship today are presented as a supra-system of a library system. Inputs (people, knowledge, material, energy, capital and finance), processes, outputs and feedback mechanism of Pakistani librarianship are described. Characteristics of an open system such as users, controller, cycle of events, teleology, mission and negative entropy are presented with special reference to libraries in Pakistan. Findings – That the Library system in Pakistan would benefit from the application of an open systems approach, but resource and other constraints prevent this from happening. Research limitations/implications – Attempts to show how open systems theory can be applied to the sphere of a national library system. Practical implications – The barriers to implementing the systems model offered in this paper are essentially practical: resource constraints, political priorities, and related social or governmental factors. Originality/value – The paper is useful not only to understand how a library can be studied using systems theory but also to have a picture of the present state of librarianship in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature on the development of standards of library service in Pakistan has not been systematically identified, listed, and reviewed. The purpose of this paper is to identify, as far as possible, the work already done and to have a critical look at the accessible literature. Most of the work previously done is based on individual effort and, in general, lacks methodical and systematic approach. In most cases the proposed quantitative standards seem to be excessive and unrealistic which do not seem to be enforceable considering the budgetary situation in Pakistani libraries. Formulation of standards has become critical now due to the changed information environment, enormous growth in academic and research institutions and information-oriented private sector enterprises with a resulting increase in the number of LIS professionals. It is recommended that the Pakistan Library Association should create a permanent structure to work on this area. While preparing these standards, the work done in developing rather than developed countries should be carefully examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basic purpose of the research is to inquire into the underlying reasons of whether or not there is job satisfaction of the library staff at Beacon house School System. A qualitative methodology with Herzberg's two-factor theory has been used for this research.1 Fifteen school librarians took part in the interviews. Despite a few cases, the study revealed a common general concord with Herzberg's reasoning, vis-à-vis the reasons leading to staff satisfaction or dissatisfaction. One important finding is the religious value and working environment contributing to the staff satisfaction to a great extent. Some recommendations have also given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a descriptive case-study that examines the impact of different variables (such as: top management commitment; organizational structure; funding; librarians' and staffs motivation; their competence; and auditors' awareness of library operations) to provide an understanding of the situation during and after ISO 9000 QMS implementation in a library setting. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis will be carried out. Triangulation is achieved by employing various tools such as: direct observations, interviews, historic data and literature review.1 Findings: Findings of this research show that implementation of the QMS in libraries can bring positive cultural changes in lifelong learning. It also sets an indigenous example for the best practice of QMS in term of ISO 9000 standardization in the library of Public Sector University. [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.

Expresses doubt over the realization of the proposed construction of eight new libraries in Karachi, Pakistan. State of libraries in the country; Failure to promote library culture and enhance reading habits in the country; Problems besetting the country's library system.

Presents news briefs related to the field of library science in Pakistan as of March 2005. Enhancement of the Moulvi Haji Ahmed Mallah Public Library in Badin; Growth and expansion of the Central Public Library in Bahawalpur; Decline of the Punjab Public Library in Lahore.