Role of PLA in the Development of Library Profession in Pakistan by Muhammad Jawwad Lecturer Department of Library and Information Sciences Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad-Pakistan

Pakistan: a brief introduction The Islamic republic of Pakistan Emerged as an independent sovereign state on 14th August 1947, as a result of the division of former British India. It lies between to north latitude and to east longitude touching the Hindukush Mountains in the north and extending from the Pamirs to the Arabian Sea. Pakistan covers 796,095 sq.km with a population of million according to population census It is divided into four provinces: Punjab, Sindh, North West Frontier Province Balochistan.

Major Library Associations and Listserv/Mailing Groups in Pakistan Pakistan Library Association (PLA) – 1957 [only national representative body] Pakistan Bibliographical Working Group (PBWG) – 1950 Karachi University Library Association (KULSAA) – 1957 Sind Council of School and College Librarians – 1959 Society for the Promotion and Improvement of Libraries (SPIL) – 1960 Punjab College Library Association (PCLA) – 1970 Punjab University Librarians Organization (PULO) – 1975 Punjab University Library Science Alumni Association (PULSAA) – 1988 Pakistan Library Automation Group (PakLAG) – 2000 Librarian Welfare Group – 2005 Pakistan Library Cooperation Group (Libcoop)

PLA: an introduction Vision Statement: The educational, cultural, and economic conditions of the country will be advanced through greater use of libraries. Mission Statement: To provide leadership and to serve as a collective voice and advocate for advancement of libraries of the Country, to educate the library community and users about contemporary library services, issues and technology, to provide members with a network for interaction on professional and social levels, and to promote the profession of librarianship and participation of libraries in regional, national and global library arenas.

Aims and Objectives: Help to establish a comprehensive information service Provide technical advice and assistance Improve the existing library services in Pakistan Conduct research in the field of library science Improve the status and professional standing of librarians Improve access to information through information technology PLA: an introduction

At present it has more than 1200 members. The head quarters of the association keeps changing and rotating from one province to the other after two years. PLA has five branch councils, one at each provincial capital: Punjab Sindh NWFP Balochistan And one at federal chapter in Islamabad Constitutional changes are considered in the General Body meeting which is held annually in conjunction with the PLA annual conference. PLA: an introduction

At present it has Executive Council Headquarter at Balochistan.

PLA: Publications

Objectives and Research Methodology of this study Objectives: What is a National Library Association for? To What extent PLA has played its role in the promotion of librarianship in Pakistan? Research Methodology: Analyzed the local literature, published and un-published, from 1957 to the present on the subject. Data collected through personal engagement and discussions with present and former office bearers and members of the PLA. A checklist of the desired functions was developed after review of international literature and analyzed the output of PLA against each item.

Data Analysis and Interpretation Researchers carefully reviewed the available possible literature and extracted the thematic period distribution: Early Period ( ) Classical Period ( ) Gloomy Period ( ) Revival Period (2007- onward) Developed activity based checklist ( as shown in Table-1: Activities Checklist ) this all is as accordance to activities that a national representative body should perform for its prestige.

Table – Activities Checklist S. No.Activity Research work initiated/conducted Conferences/Seminars organized Workshops/Trainings organized Publications Professional meetings organized Codes of ethics & standards Library legislation Library education Membership Image Building activities Scholarships Miscellaneous activities1507

Column Graph Representation

Conclusion Librarianship is a profession like other professions. PLA is only a representative national body in Pakistan.Since its establishment PLA did a lot at different stages. But gradually it is observed that set tempo was turned down and a slumbering situation arrived. It is encourages one that existing library schools infused and infusing young blood in the profession through their graduates. These graduates are the great asset for profession and acting very positively their role in the uplift of PLA throughout the country. Recently the credit to revive the PLA after a long gap is totally goes to them

Some Recommendations PLA’s headquarter should not rotate and be stationed in capital (Islamabad). Membership activities should be stimulated. Existing groups, local, regional professional associations should encourage cooperation between themselves. Present office bearers must do a lot of lobbying to get library legislation formulated/enacted. Professional literature is a major measure of professionalism this ensure intellectual development in the field it should be given priority. The code of ethics and standards are important traits, efforts to develop them should be made. An independent body should be constituted for smooth publication of PLA Journal.

Thanks