Table of Contents

S# Heading Page#

1 Library Association 1

1.1. Definition 1

1.2. Introduction 1

1.3. Types 1

1.4. Role 1

2 Important Library Associations in the world 2

3 Library Associations in Pakistan 2

3.1. Pakistan Library Association 2

3.2. Punjab Library Association 5

3.3. Punjab University Library Sc. Alumni Association 6

3.4. Punjab University Librarians’ Organization 6

3.5. Punjab College Library Association 7

3.6. Punjab Medical Library Association 8

3.7. Karachi University Library Sc. Alumni Association 9

3.8. Sindh Council of School and College Librarians 9

3.9. Lyallpur Library Association 10

4. Library Groups and Forums in Pakistan 10

4.1. Society for Promotion & improvement of Libraries 11

4.2. Pakistan Bibliographical Working Group 11

4.3. Pakistan Library Automation Group 12

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4.4. Library Cooperation Group 12

4.5. Punjab Library Foundation 12

4.6. Librarians Welfare Group 12

5. Conclusion 13

6. References 14

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1. Library Association:

1.1.Definition: 

Online Dictionary for Library and Information Science (ODLIS) defines library

association as

“A membership organization consisting of a group of librarians, library directors, and

other persons involved with libraries who meet periodically to discuss matters of
professional interest. Library associations represent the interests of their members,
sponsor conferences, elect officers, select committees to address specific issues, publish
newsletters and professional journals, and charge dues to support the organization's
activities.” (Joan M. Reitz., ed., 2004).

1.2. Introduction:

Librarianship is an expanding profession – a fact that stems from the greater

demand for education, information and cultural recreation in a society of higher levels of
literacy, development and interdependence.
The function of the library association is two fold. On the one hand it constitutes a
corporate personality for the whole profession. On the other, it provides a channel
through which individual members can draw attention to matters of professional concern.
It speaks with one voice for all librarians working in all types of libraries.

1.3. Types of Library associations:

There are generally four major types of library associations. These are

International Library Associations

National Library Associations
Regional Library Associations
Specialized Library Associations

1.4. Role of Library Association:

To work for the advancement of the profession and for welfare of the
professionals.
To develop library standards.
To formulate library legislation.
To arrange seminars, training workshops etc.
To arrange for adult education.
To publish professional literature.

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2. Important Library Associations in the World:  

2.1. American Library Association (ALA):

It is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with approximately
66,000 members, founded in 1876 in Philadelphia. Its head office is now in Chicago.

2.2. Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals ( CILIP ):

The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals was formed in

April 2002 following the unification of the Institute of Information Scientists ( IIS ) and
the Library Association (LA ).
It is the leading professional body for librarians, information specialists and
knowledge managers. There are up to 23,000 CILIP members working in all sectors.

2.3. Canadian Library Association:

The Canadian Library Association (CLA) was founded in Hamilton, Ontario in

1946. Its membership is 57,000 professionals.

3. Library Associations in Pakistan:

Pakistan Library Association

Punjab Library Association
Punjab University Library Science Alumni Association
Punjab University Librarians’ Organization
Punjab College Library Association
Punjab Medical Library Association
Karachi University Library Science Alumni Association
Sindh Council of School and College Librarians
Lyallpur Library Association

3.1. Pakistan Library Association ( PLA ):

Pakistan Library Association was founded in 1957 in Karachi under the societies
registration act. xxi of 1860. Dr Mahmud Hussain, Ex-Minister of Education and the then
Dean of Faculty of Arts, University of Karachi was elected its first president and Dr
Abdul Moid its first Secretary General. The first conference of PLA was inaugurated by
the then President of Pakistan, Major General Iskandar Mirza, in 1958.

PLA is a professional body that seeks to promote the interests of librarians and
librarianship in Pakistan. Since its inception Pakistan Library Association has played a
vital role both in the development of libraries and library education in Pakistan. PLA is a
representative body of librarianship and library professionals in Pakistan.

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3.1.1. Purposes: 

The establishment of a comprehensive library service throughout Pakistan.

The promotion of better organization of libraries by arranging technical advice
and assistance to library authorities.
The promotion of study and research in library science and dissemination of
information about current trends, theories and practices in the field of
librarianship.
The improvement of the status and professional standing of library workers and
for safeguarding their interests.
For such other ends as will further the cause of libraries and librarians of Pakistan.

3.1.2. Membership:

Since 1994 total membership of the PLA was 1400.

3.1.3.Elections:

According to PLA constitution, the election should be conducted bi-annually. Last

elections were held in 1997. Since 1997 no elections of PLA was held.

3.1.4. Conferences:
The PLA has organized sixteen successful conferences at various Provincial
Headquarters and Federal Capital of Pakistan. The first conference was organized at
Karachi and inaugurated by President of Pakistan in 1958. The last conference was
organized at Islamabad in 1997.
The detail of the conferences is as under:

Confe Venue Year

rence
1st Karachi 1958
2nd Peshawar 1959
3rd Dacca 1960
4th Lahore 1961
5th Dacca 1963
6th Lahore 1965
7th Lahore 1968
8th Karachi 1971
9th Swat 1973
10th Lahore 1975
11th Islamabad 1979
12th Peshawar 1982
13th Quetta 1985
14th Karachi 1991
15th Lahore 1994
16th Islamabad 1997

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3.1.5. Publications:

*Conference Proceedings:

The Association has published the proceedings of its conferences except that of
7th, 11th, and 13th.

*Other Publications:

Pakistan Library Association documents, Karachi, 1973.

Directory of Libraries located in Rawilpindi- Islamabad. Islamabad, 1981.
Code of professional ethics for librarians in Pakistan, Peshawar, 1982
Standard for College Libraries in Pakistan, Peshawar, 1983.
Standard for Special Libraries in Pakistan, Peshawar, 1983
Curriculum in library science for intermediate classes, Peshawar, 1983
Who’s who in Pakistan library association 1985, Quetta, 1985
Dr. Mahmood Hessian and Library movement in Pakistan: Proceeding of Seminar
held on 30th April 1978, Karachi, 1985.
Essential role of library and information center in the provision and transmission
of knowledge: a series of extension lectures, Karachi, 1989.
Directory of Libraries, compiled by Hafiz Khubaib Ahmad, and published in
1996.

*PLA Newsletter:

The PLA Newsletter started its publication in 1957, and was ceased in 1959. It
was again revived in 1970 and continued till 1990.

*Quarterly Journal of Pakistan Library Association:

Quarterly Journal of Pakistan Library Association was started in 1960, and lasted
till 1961. It was revived in 1968 under new title “PLA Journal”, and was ceased in 1970.
It was again revived in 1987 and continued till 1990.

3.1.6. Contributions:

A committee appointed by PLA framed the rules for cataloging of Muslim names
in Pakistan, which were approved in the International Conference on Cataloguing
Principles ( ICCP ) at Paris in 1961.

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 The Govt. of Pakistan proclaimed the copyright ordinance in 1962. It provides the
provision of depositing libraries viz-National library and Liquat Memorial Library
Karachi.
Establishment of the National Bibliographical Unit in the Directorate of Achieves
and libraries in 1962.

PLA undertook a survey of reading habits in Pakistan in 1971. Survey reports

were published by the Pakistan National Book Centre.

The College librarians of the country were granted pay scale (16 and personal-17)
and status of teachers during 1971 to mid 1973
.

Establishment of the Directorate of Public Libraries, Government of the Punjab at

Lahore in 1981.

PLA published code of professional ethics for librarians in Pakistan in 1982.

Govt. of Pakistan appointed a technical working group for the survey of public
libraries facilities in Pakistan in 1982. The group submitted its report to the Govt.
in 1984, for the establishment of an integrated free public library system on
provincial level duly supported by legislation.

PLA framed standards for special and college libraries in Pakistan in 1983 but
still are waiting for implementation.

Development of library software (Library Automation and Management Program

), Human Resource, and Curriculum under the Netherlands Library Development
Project ( NLDP ), 1991.

PLA arranged many book fairs, exhibitions, seminars, lecturers, short training
courses, and discussions for library development in the country.
3.2. Punjab Library Association:

Punjab Library Association was founded in 1929, at first as a Library Club.

The Association held a number of conferences and issued its first professional
journal, The Modern Librarian, in 1930. In 1933 Punjab Library Association
organized the All India Library Conference at Calcutta.
It was renamed as West Pakistan Library Association after the emergence of
Pakistan. The West Pakistan Library Association was renamed as Punjab Library
Association in 1948. Mian Altaf Shoukat and Khawaja Noor Elahi were the pioneers
of the Association. The Association started Certificate in Librarianship in 1962 under
the supervision of Altaf Shaukat, at Lahore and Rawalpindi.
Mian Altaf Shoukat worked as the Director of the training course for over 35
years. More than three thousands persons were passed out during 1962 to 1990.The

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 Association arranged various library visits, practical internships, and extension
lectures. Two Centers located at Lahore and Rawalpindi are still conducting the
Certificate in Librarianship.
3.3. Punjab University Library Science Alumni Association ( PULSAA ):

It was formed in 1988 at University of the Punjab, Lahore. Dr Sajjad-ur-Rehman

was its first president. PULSAA conducted a number of short courses, seminars, lectures,
workshops, conferences, and get-together programs. It remained active till 1997.

3.3.1. Publications:

PULSAA News Quarterly form 1989 to 1997.

Four books.

3.4. Punjab University Librarians’ Organization ( PULO ):

PULO was established in 1975 at Punjab University, Lahore. N.A. Saqib was
first President and Zafar Abbas Bhutta was first Secretary of the organization.

3.4.1. Aims & Objectives

To develop and improve the organization and administration of University

libraries.

To struggle for better status for University librarians.

To promote the reading habits among the University teachers and students.

To conduct and publish the research about libraries.

To provide technical advice and guidance to University authorities for the

improvement of library administration.

3.4.2 Contributions:

PULO has been successful for getting approved service structure for the librarians
in 1988 and Move over in BPS-18.

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 Organized a refresher course on “Public Services in University Libraries” from
March 25 to 30, 1989 with the collaboration of the Department of Library and
Information Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore.
Promoted literacy campaign by coordinating adult education programme
at University of the Punjab. Since 1985 to 1990 five Batches of class four
employees have been completed the literacy course. The participants were
granted two advance increments on the completion of the course.

Struggled for improvement of facilities in departmental libraries like air

conditioning (9 departments) carpeting and additional furniture.

Shifting of PU library at Quid - e- Azam Campus.

Carpeting and air conditioning of the library.

3.5. Punjab College Library Association:

The West Pakistan College Library Association was renamed as Punjab College
Library Association in 1970 and registered in 1974 under Societies Act 1860. The PCLA
has a general body comprising all the members which has all the powers. This has also an
executive council consisting of 24 members, i.e. president, senior vice-president, lady
vice-president, general secretary, joint secretary, finance secretary, 8 vice-presidents (one
from every division of the Punjab province) and 10 councilors. Its last elections were
held on May 23, 2006 at Lahore.

3.5.1. Aims & Objectives:

To improve the condition of libraries and librarians working in the educational

institutions.

To promote better organization and administration of the libraries.

To improve the status of libraries and safe guard the rights and interests of the
library staff.

To promote and encourage study and research in the professional field and
publish literature on the subjects who may tend to promote objective of the
association.

For such other ends as will advance the cause of the association.

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3.5.2. Contributions and achievements:

Succeeded in getting approval for teaching of the Library Science subject at

Intermediate and Bachelor level.

Got approval of teaching allowance for college librarians( B-16 ) who teach
the subject at inter level in 1995.

Struggled for the issuance of notifications regarding library weed out policy,
library committee, circulation rules, and recovery of books from transferred
teachers and other staff.

Got approval for College Librarians as teaching staff, and B-16 for librarians
having DLS and B-17 for MLS.

Struggled for approval of service structure for college librarians form B-16 to
B-19.

Case for approval of service structure from B-17 to B-20 is under process in
Punjab Public Secretariat.

Arranged some seminars and lectures.

Helped in introducing the M.A. Library Science classes at department of

library science University of the Punjab.

Started A.M.K. Sajid gold medal for LIS positions holders at inter level in
Multan Board.

Arranged a joint meeting of EDO (education), DEO (colleges), principals and

librarians of Multan district to discuss and solve librarians’ collective
problems.

3.6. Punjab Medical Library Association ( PMLA ):

Punjab Medical Library Association was established in 1990. It made efforts for
service structure but fruitless. The association has a written constitution and formal
office bearing setup. A president, vice-president, general secretary, joint secretary,
and finance secretary are the office bearers. Its last elections were held in 2002.

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 Its meetings are conducted from time to time. Resource sharing is being done by the
members and efforts for service structure were made, but these efforts were remained
effortless.

3.7. Karachi University Library Science Alumni Association (KULSAA ):

KULSAA was established in 1957 in Karachi.

3.7.1. Aims and Objectives:

To advance the cause of library movement in Pakistan.

To publish books, pamphlets of special interest to the alumni, and periodicals

as forms and means of communication in and outside library world.

To improve the administration of libraries by offering technical advice to

alumni and others.

To link its activities with the work of other educational, cultural, and social
agencies and to cooperate with other library associations for the advancement
of librarianship.

To organize lectures, talks, and field shows, exhibition, conferences and group
discussions on topic of library interest.

It organized a national library week in collaboration with American Center,

Karachi in 1963. It started publishing of a library journal “Pakistan Library Review” in
March 1958, and a newsletter in 1961. KULSAA introduced an essay competition
scheme, and organized various seminars. It remained active till 1990.

3.8. Sindh Council of School and College Librarians:

The council was founded in March 1959 at Karachi.

3.8.1 Aims and Objectives:

To serve as social, cultural and professional association.

To establish, maintain and promote library services in the Schools and

Colleges of the Sindh province.

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 To improve organization and administration of school and college libraries by
offering them technical advice and guidance.

To undertake and encourage the study and research work in the field of library
and information science.
3.8.2. Contributions:

Till 1990 the council organized various symposiums on different aspects of

library science.

The Council succeeded in getting better pay scales and status for College
librarians. Now the College librarians are at par with the teachers and since 1974
they are members of the Professional Lecturers Association.

The Council introduced library science as an elective subject at intermediate and

graduation level in 1976 and 1980 respectively.

The Council initiated a gold medal namely “Sajjad Gold Medal” for the position
holders at inter and B.A. level in the subject of library science in Sind Province.

The council started a Biannual News letter “Library Gazette” in 1981, which has
been ceased.

Introduced Library Science as elective subject at Inter & B.A. level in 1976 &
1980 respectively.

Started bi-annual newsletter “Library Gazette” in 1981 but it was ceased shortly.

3.9. Lyallpur Library Association ( LLA ):

It was established in 1958 for the welfare and promotion of the library professionals
of Faisalabad region. This association has strong relations with Government officials of
Faisalabad region.
The Association succeeded in forming a committee which, under the instruction of
the Director Education, Faisalabad, resolved many collective issues of the local library
community.

4. Library Groups and Forums in Pakistan:

Society for Promotion and Improvement of Libraries

Pakistan Bibliographical Working Group
Pakistan Library Automation Group
Library Cooperation Group
Punjab Library Foundation

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 Librarian Welfare Group

4.1. Society for Promotion and Improvement of Libraries ( SPIL ):

SPIL was established by the efforts of Hakim Muhammad Said and Maulana
Arifuddin in Karachi in 1960. Hakim Muhammad Saeed remained its president till his
death.

4.1.1. Aims and Objectives:

To improve the existing Library facilities in Pakistan.

To promote the establishment of public libraries throughout the country.

To promote cooperation among the libraries in Pakistan.

To make provision for adult education through libraries.

4.1.2. Contributions:

Established three libraries: two in Karachi and one in Quetta.

Conducted a number of workshops, conferences, and short courses in different

cities of Pakistan.

Made efforts for service structure of library professionals especially in the

Sindh province.

Published a number of publications in the field of Library & Information

Science in Pakistan.

4.2. Pakistan Bibliographical Working Group (PBWG):

PBWG was formed in May 1950 in Karachi and reorganized in 1953.

4.2.1. Objectives:

To cater the bibliographical needs of the country.

To compile bibliographies.

To encourage and promote the scientific study of bibliography and

documentation.

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4.2.2. Contributions:

Started undergraduate diploma in Special Librarianship and bibliography in

1960.

The diploma was renamed as Higher Certificate in Librarianship in 1973.

Published bibliographies and a union catalogue of Periodicals in Social

Sciences held by the libraries in Pakistan

4.3. Pakistan Library Automation Group ( PAKLAG ):

PAKLAG (formerly PLAG) was established in 2001 at Lahore. It organized

and developed a web directory of librarians. It provides free library software and
supporting in library automation to the libraries throughout the country. It arranged
many workshops on advanced library automation. The group published a book titled
“Alternative Funding Model for Libraries in Pakistan”, and also publishing a
newsletter on quarterly basis.

4.4. Library Cooperation Group:

It was established in 2004 by Muhammad Rafiq, Librarian, National Textile

University, Faisalabad. It is basically a mailing / online discussion group, and
provides a forum to the Pakistani librarians to share the information and experiences
about library projects, administration and management, library cooperation, and other
areas of librarianship.

4.5. Punjab Library Foundation:

Punjab Library Foundation was established in 1985 in Lahore. It provides

books and financial assistance to the main libraries of Punjab. It has started its mobile
library services in Lahore.
4.6. Librarian Welfare Group:

This group has been established in 2006 by some library professionals. It is

basically an internet discussion group in which professionals discuss the problems
and issues related to library and information profession in the country.

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5. Conclusion:

As a whole the situation of library associations is not much encouraging. No

body has a track record of holding regular elections. The aims and objectives set forth

have never been achieved.

In the beginning, all the associations were active due to committed, dynamic,

and devoted leadership. The associations has played their role effectively to some

extent and worked for the development of library profession in the country. But after

1990s almost all the library associations in the country are not playing their role

effectively. PLA, the parent association has failed to play its due role. It is the

burning issue of the day that whether PLA exists or not. It is the need of the day that

PLA should hold its elections as soon as possible. Moreover, the headquarters of the

PLA should be in the Federal Capital instead of rotation among different places.

It is a high time for PLA and other organizations to assume the responsibility

of the development of library profession in the country. The major constraint in this

regard may be the finances required. The associations may explore and find out some

sponsoring organizations that could provide financial resources for arranging

seminars, short courses and workshops etc.

PLA and other library associations need to learn from the experiences of the

past. There is dire need of sincere efforts, absolute devotion and firm determination

from the professionals to strengthen library associations so that these may be able to

play their role effectively.

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6. References and Bibliography:

Bhutta, Zafar Abbas. (1990). Punjab University Librarians Organization: background and
achievements. PULSAA News, 2:3, 109-112.

Khan, Sadiq Ali, ed. Impact of library legislation on the development of library services
in Pakistan: proceeding of the PLA 14th. Conference held at Sheikh Zayed Islamic Centre,
University of Karachi from 7 to 9 March, 1991. – Karachi: Pakistan Library Association,
1993.

Khan, Sadiq Ali. (1988). Pakistan Library Association and its performance. PLA Journal,
3, 26-29.

Malik, Sain Muhammad, (ed.). (1983). Pakistan Librarianship .- Peshawar: Pakistan

Library Association.

Naimuddin Qureshi, (ed.). (1991). Trends in International Librarianship: a festschrift

honouring Anis Khurshid / edited by Naimuddin Qureshi and Zahiruddin Khurshid.-
Karachi: Royal Book Company.

Qarshi, Afzal Haq, Javed Iqbal, (eds.). (1993). Role of Professional Associations in
Development of Librarianship in Pakistan. – Lahore: PULSAA.

Qarshi, Afzal Haq. (1992). An Overview of Achievements of PULSAA. (Urdu).

PULSAA News, 4:1-2, 3-7.

Sajjad ur Rehman, Abdus Sattar, and Qarshi, Afzal Haq, (eds.). (1992). Library
Education in Pakistan: past, present and future. Lahore: PULSAA.

Sajjad ur Rehman, (ed.). 1990. A Treatise on Library and Information Science in

Pakistan. - Lahore : PULSAA.

http://lu.com/odlis/search.cfm, retrieved on December 18, 2006.

http://www.paklag.org/news/newsarchive/news0308.htm#ed, retrieved on December 23,

2006.

http://www.cilip.org.uk/aboutcilip, retrieved on December 22, 2006.

http://www.libraryhq.com/orgs.html, retrieved on December 22, 2006.

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