Information Technology in Libraries
a Pakistani Perspective
by
Lahore, Pak Book Corporation, 1998, pp. iv+256, tables, graphs, hard cover,
ISBN 969-8133-21-6, Pak Rs.395
EXCERPTS FROM INTRODUCTION
Duly documented and illustrated these articles provide necessary details
which help not only in understanding the subject of library automation
but also ascertaining the cost-effectiveness of various softwares. They
are readable and present a complete overview of the present status of use
of both hardware and software in the country … It is worthwhile to note
that the author himself represents the third generation of library leadership
in our country and that they have dedicated themselves to promote the cause
of library automation in Pakistan so that our country could enter the ensuing
21st century with the augmented facility of access to the resources and
services of our libraries thereby enabling scientists and researchers,
insha-Allah, to get their needed information quicker and faster and at
the right time for completing their research.
These writings are a valuable addition to our literature. They will
serve as a useful guide to help providing computer-assisted library and
information services in Pakistan … This is the record-breaking beginning
of Khalid Mahmood in his early career. I, therefore, salute this budding
author for this achievement ... All in all, the present writings of Khalid
Mahmood are useful and will serve as a valuable source material for all
and sundry in the profession. The learned author thus deserves our gratitude
for this valuable addition to the literature.
Dr. Anis Khurshid
(President’s Award for Pride of Performance)
REVIEWS
This book deals with the subject of library automation
which is relatively less known in Pakistan. The ideas and views expressed
in it will help in providing information to everybody. The topic chosen
by the author is interesting as very little literature is available on
it. The importance of libraries cannot be denied. They are vital for any
country, as different subject matter can easily be found at one place.
They keep record of every literature. People belonging to various fields
of life take help from them.
In a developing country like Pakistan it is of utmost importance that
libraries are well-linked and books are up-to-date. In this age of science
and technology, we need information at a very fast pace. It is only possible
when we have access to libraries through computers. Nearly in every field,
computers have taken over and everything is computerised. A person will
be able to excel in his respective area of work if his information is up-to-date.
So it becomes important that our libraries are computerised. This would
enable everybody to get information even sitting at home. In order to compete
with the rest of the world, it is essential that the traditional library
system is replaced with the new one. This book has all the necessary information
regarding the system of computerisation.
The softwares that are used in the automation of libraries are mentioned
in detail. The terminologies are explained in simple language. The author
himself has written many articles on this topic. He has command over this
subject and is also familiar with the various procedures involved in it.
His articles were published in foreign as well as national magazines and
are considered an asset regarding this subject. He also received training
from various prestigious computer schools. This enabled him to have a command
over the subject.
When we analyze this book from Pakistani perspective, it seems that
suggestions and methods regarding automation are needed in our country.
As it is already mentioned in the book that there is dearth of institutions
in Pakistan which deal in this subject, the author stresses on introducing
it on a full-fledge scale all over the country. In order to progress and
compete with the advanced countries, it is essential to be aware about
it. We are at the threshold of information and if we do not desire to lag
behind in 21st century it is suggested that we pay heed towards it.
It is a must for public librarians and for other institutions, to avail
the suggestions from it. It is suggested in the book that the librarians
should be trained, so that they do not face any problem regarding the implementation
of this system. For this purpose the author is of the view that special
courses should be arranged, in which they will have the opportunity of
educating themselves regarding the automation of libraries. Latest information
should be provided to them.
Pakistan has joined the nuclear club. Fully automated and well-linked
libraries are a must to sustain whatever has been achieved in science and
technology. It will help scientists to gather information as quickly as
possible. It will save a lot of time which is very important.
The book has come out at the right time when Pakistan has just joined
nuclear race. This book will prove to be a milestone of library science.
The unique feature of this book is that the introduction of the book
is given by none other than the famous and holder of the “Presidents Award
for pride of performance” Dr. Anis Khurshid, who has very aptly summarised
up the crux of the book in these words.
“Duly documented and illustrated these articles provide necessary details
which help not only in understanding the subject of library automation
but also ascertaining the cost-effectiveness of various softwares. They
are readable and present a complete overview of the present status of use
of both hardware and software in the country. The author has dedicated
himself to promote the cause of library automation in Pakistan so that
our country could enter the ensuing 21st century with the augmented facility
of access to the resources and services of our libraries thereby enabling
scientists and researchers to get their needed information quicker and
faster and at the right time for completing their research. These writings
are a valuable addition to our literature. The learned author thus deserves
our gratitude for this valuable addition to the literature.”
Daily "The Nation"
February 7, 1999
A collection of useful articles duly documented
and illustrated, provide necessary details which help not only in understanding
the subject of library automation but also ascertaining the cost effectiveness
of various softwares. The publication is a valuable addition to the literature
in the field of library and information science. It may serve as a useful
guide to help providing computer-assisted library and information services
in Pakistan.
IMPA Pakistan News
Vol.9, No.2 (Dec. 1998)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
-
Introduction
-
The Status of Library Automation in Pakistan
-
Promoting Information Technology in Pakistan: the Netherlands Library Development
Project
-
Library Software in Pakistan
-
The Best Library Software for Developing Countries: More than 30 Plus Points
of Micro CDS/ISIS
-
Micro CDS/ISIS: What's New in Version 3.0
-
Use of Micro CDS/ISIS in Pakistan: a Survey
-
Do You Need a Lamp to Enlighten Your Library: an Introduction to Library
Automation and Management Program (LAMP)
-
The Development of the LAMP Software for Use in Developing Countries and
its Marketing in Pakistan
-
Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) at Department of Library Science
-
Information Technology Education in Pakistani Library Schools
-
The Technology Challenge and Continuing Education for Pakistani Librarians
-
Information Technology and Library Education in Pakistan: Recent Developments
in the Curriculum
-
Information Technology in Library Schools: a Case Study of the University
of the Punjab
-
PLA Computer Training Centre, Lahore: Three Years of Success
-
Library and Information Services in Pakistan: a Review of Articles Published
in Foreign Journals
-
Pakistani Librarianship During 1990s: a Literature Review
-
Emerging Trends in Technical Services in Libraries: a Training Experience
in Pakistan
-
Cataloguing Practice in University Libraries: a Comparison of Three Developing
Countries (Pakistan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia)
-
Subject Cataloguing in Pakistani Libraries
-
Let’s Save Our Cultural Heritage: an Introduction to Library Security System