This document discusses the history and current state of Library and Information Science (LIS) education in Pakistan. It provides an overview of the development of LIS education from its beginnings in 1915 at the University of the Punjab to the current landscape. Some key points: - LIS education started at the undergraduate level and has expanded to include certificate, bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs. However, there are still only 14 universities that offer LIS degrees out of over 250 total universities in Pakistan. - The core courses taught across LIS programs include classification, cataloguing, information science theory, library management, and research methods. However, curricula vary between universities. - Challenges to

2. LIS Education in Pakistan
Presented By:
GhulamFarid
M.Phil in Library Information & Management

3. What is LIS Education?
• Library science (often termed library studies or library and information
science) is an interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary field that applies the
practices, perspectives, and tools of management, information technology,
education, and other areas to libraries; the collection,
organization, preservation, and dissemination of information resources; and
the political economy of information.
(Martin Schrettinger)
• Library education started with a very practical orientation and it has grown into a
recognized academic discipline. This process has occurred at a different pace in
various countries and in some places the education is still outside the university
system.

4. Introduction:
• Library education was initially a technical education which was
acquired on-the-job.
• The University of Gottingen in Germany was the first in the world
which introduced library science course at the university level in
1886.
• LIS education is now offered at all levels from undergraduate to
PhD in the world.
• While graduate and post graduate education aims to prepare
library professionals and experts, undergraduate LIS education
trains the paraprofessional staff.

5. LIS EDUCATION

6. Start of LIS education in world: a brief view:
• Scholars, royals and religious eminents were librarians in early
libraries.
• The university of Gottingen in Germany was the first university
in the world to start LS course at the university level in 1886.
• Second university level course in the world was started in USA by
Melvil Dewey at the Columbia university of the USA in 1887.
• LIS program in Indo-Pak, was began in 1915 with the arrival of
Asa Don Dickinson, an American librarian at the University of the
Punjab.
• In 1919, the London university started the full time diploma
course in librarianship and archives.

7. LIS EDUCATION IN PAKISTAN

8. LIS Education in Pakistan:
• In 1947 Pakistan came into existence. The migration of Hindu library workers
to India made the situation worse leaving no alternative for the existing
libraries except to close their doors. Contrary to this only few Indian Muslim
librarians opted for Pakistan. There existed an acute shortage of qualified
manpower.
• Initially the Education Sector could not get due attention of the Government
authorities. Despite certain constraints, library educators and professionals
made commendable efforts for the promotion of library education at
postgraduate level. Little attention was paid to the library education at
undergraduate level.

9. Cont…
•Different efforts had been made for LIS Education
in Pakistan. The levels of LIS Education are:
•Certificate Level
•Optional course at Intermediate level
•Bachelor Level
•Postgraduate Level

10. Certificate Courses:
• 1915- one-year postgraduate certificate (first university
course program) was launched by American library pioneer
Asa Don Dickinson at the University of the Punjab, Lahore.
• It was the first formal program in Asia and the second in the
world after Columbia University.
• In 1948- Punjab Library Association introduced certificate
course at undergraduate level. It was the correspondence
course started at Lahore.

11. Cont…
• 1952 - Karachi Library Association started a certificate course of 3-4
month duration. This course remained continue till 1969.
• 1955 – L.C. Key came as a Colombo Plan consultant to the Government of
Pakistan. He also recommended to initiate certificate courses for the
training of sub-professionals with the assistance of University of the
Punjab, but his recommendations were never implemented.
• 1957 - The formation of a Pakistan Library Association (PLA) further
boosted up the cause of library movement in Pakistan.

12. Cont…
• 1960 - Pakistan Bibliographical Working Group (PBWG) started an
undergraduate course for a period of six month duration named as
“Diploma in Special Librarianship and Bibliography”.
• In 1972 the name of the course was changed to “Higher Certificate
in Librarianship”.
• Reason was that the course was called diploma course, and at that
time three of the leading universities (Punjab, Karachi, and
Peshawar) were offering a one year Post Graduate Diploma Course
in Library Science.

13. Cont…
• 1961 - Central Public Library, Bahawalpur, also conducted
a certificate course. The course was designed for the
junior librarians, but, it could not survive and only 10
people were awarded certificates.
• 1962 - the Punjab Library Association started awarding
an undergraduate certificate course.
• 1972 - the Federal Library Association (Rawalpindi), in
cooperation with the Pakistan National Centre,
Rawalpindi, started a Certificate Course of 6-months
duration.

14. Cont…
• 1974 - Another three month Library Science course was started by
the Pakistan-American Cultural Centre, Karachi as part of its adult
education programme.
• 1985 - AIOU introduced “Certificate in Librarianship” (duration 6
months) for non-professional.

15. OPTIONAL COURSE
(INTERMEDIATE LEVEL)

16. Optional Course (Intermediate level)
• 1974 - a proposal was made to introduce Library Science at
Intermediate and Bachelor level by PLA.
• 1974 - the BISE, Lahore, also approached for the same purpose
and the Board also accepted the proposal.
• During 1975, the Lahore Board constituted a Committee of Courses
in the subject of Library Science with Dr. Mumtaz A. Anwar as
Convener.
• In Sindh, pressure was exerted on the authorities to introduce
library science as an elective subject at both intermediate and
degree level. The proposals were fast approved and teaching
begun without any planning.

17. Optional Course (Intermediate level)
• The Government allowed only BISE, Karachi, Haiderabad and
Federal Board, Islamabad to conduct examination of Library
Science at Intermediate level.
• In 1988, the syllabus was revised by Federal Ministry of Education
in collaboration with Centre for Research and Curriculum
Development.
• In 1995, Government of the Punjab allowed teaching Library
Science at intermediate level to all BISEs in Punjab from the next
academic session of 1996-97

18. BACHELOR COURSE

19. Bachelor Course
• 1988 - Bachelors in Library Science program started at AIOU (a
distance learning program).
• 1990 – Madam Farkhandha Lodhi wrote a letter to VC, University of
the Punjab to introduce the subject of Library Science at B.A.
/B.Sc. level.
• 1991- UGC (now HEC) formed another committee to review the
draft. Their recommendations were approved and published in the
form of a pamphlet.
• The curriculum was revised in 1995 and revision was made in 2002
by the UGC. 2002 –

20. Bachelor Course
• The Committee met at Karachi from 26th -28th February 2002
and formulated the existing curriculum of Library Science at
Bachelor level.
• 2009 - The National Curriculum Revision Committee’s meeting
for the discipline of Library & Information Science was held from
April 16-18, 2009 at HEC Regional Centre, Karachi. It
recommended 4yr. BS LIS program. (it is still not implemented)

21. POSTGRADUATE COURSE

22. Postgraduate Course
• FIRST Library Science Department was established in
1915 by Asa Don Dickinson, an American librarian,
commissioned by the University as librarian and
teacher.
• 1915-first university course program was one-year
postgraduate certificate course.
• It was the first formal program in Asia and the second
in the world after Columbia University.

23. Cont….. (Postgraduate Course)
• The following LIS PG programmes were/are in offered in Pakistan:
• BLS/BLIS/ BLISc /DLS/ DLIS/ PGD holders
It comprises of two semesters/one year with entry requirement of
graduation
• MLS/MLIS/MLISc/MA (LIS) – two types
Four semesters/ two years programme for gradutes.
• MPhil / MPhil leading to PhD/ MS – two types
Without coursework, and With coursework
• PhD – two types
 Without coursework, and With coursework

24. UNIVERSITIES OFFERING LIS EDUCATION

25. Total Universities and degree awarding colleges
in Pakistan

26. LIS, schools marked with red circles

27. Comparison of library schools with total
universities
• There are 128 fully recognized Universities that offer up to PhD
level awards (recognized by HEC).
• Nearly 60 private expensive institutes in main cities that offer
world class degrees
• Total Degree awarding colleges and Universities in Pakistan are
266.
• Only 14 of them offering LIS Education.

28. Region Universities Private Public
AJK 4 2 2
Balochistan 8 6 2
Federal Area 16 13 3
Gilgit-Baltistan 1 1 -
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 24 15 9
Punjab 41 22 19
Sindh 39 14 25
Total 133 73 60
Grand Total 266
Offering LIS 14

29. Universities offering LIS Education
1) University of Karachi, Karachi
2) University of the Punjab, Lahore
3) University of Sindh, Jamshoro
4) University of Peshawar, Peshawar
5) University of Balochistan, Quetta
6) Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur
7) Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan
8) Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Islamabad
9) Al-Khair University, Mirpur (AJK)
10) Mohi-ud-Din Islamic University, Nerian Sharif (AJK)
11) Sarhad University of Science & Information Technology (SUIT), Peshawar
12) Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, KPK
13) Sargodha University, Sargodha
14) Minhaj University, Lahore
15) Superior College of Technology, Lahore

30. University of Karachi, Karachi
• 1956 - First postgraduate diploma program was started.
• 1962- MLIS - 1985- MPhil with coursework
• 1994- MPhil without coursework
• 1967- PhD without coursework, However, the MPhil (with coursework) was
instituted but never offered.
• 1981 – The 1st PhD degree was awarded to Dr. A. Haleem Chisti (Islami
kutabkhane: 749-1257 AD), under the supervision of Dr. A. Moid.
• 1992 - The 2nd PhD degree holder was Dr. Nasim Fatima (Cataloguing of
Urdu manuscripts and standardization: research, analysis, problems and
principles) under the supervision of Dr. Jameel Jalibi.

31. University of the Punjab, Lahore
• 1915 - LS Deptt. was established by Asa Don Dickinson University of the
Punjab, Lahore.
• 1st university course program as 1-yr. PG certificate.
• 1973 - LS Deptt. was separated from Library. The Department started
• DLS (diploma in library science) in 1959,
• MLIS in 1974
• PhD (without coursework) in 1999
• MPhil/PhD (with coursework) in 2005
• The present MLIS is a 2-year composite programme comprising four semesters.
• In 2012 department changed name from DLIS to DoIM.

32. Cont…. (University of the Punjab, Lahore)
• The 1st PhD degree was awarded to Dr. Khalid Mahmood (Alternative funding
model for libraries in Pakistan) in 2004 under the supervision of Dr. S. J.
Haider.
• The 2nd PhD degree was awarded to Dr. Kanwal Ameen (Philosophy and
framework of collection management its application in university libraries in
Pakistan) in 2005 under the supervision of Dr. S. J. Haider.
• The Department is the first in Pakistan to introduce PhD (with coursework)
as per HEC criteria.

33. University of Sindh, Jamshoro
• 1965 - The Department of Library, Information Science and Archive
Studies was established. (renamed as “Department of Library).
• The postgraduate programs offered are:
• 1970- Postgraduate diploma in library science (PGDLS) (renamed
as PDLIS)
• 1974- M.A. LIS (renamed as MLIS)
• 1983- MPhil (without coursework)
• 2001- MPhil (with coursework) and
• 2001- PhD (without coursework) Information Science

34. University of Peshawar, Peshawar
• 1962 - Department of Library & information was established.
• 1962 - It started DLS and Information Science was established.
• 1983 - MLISc
• The present MLISc is a terminal programme of which the first part is
called BLISc

35. University of Balochistan, Quetta
• 1981- The library science Department was established.
• The department offering following programs:
• 1981- PG diploma (DLIS) in library science
• 1985- MLS
• 1994- MPhil (without coursework)
• 2003- PhD (without coursework)

36. Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur
• The Department of Library Science was established in 1983 and
renamed as Department of Library and Information Science in
1990.
• The Department introduced:
• 1983- DLS (renamed as DLIS
• 1985- MLS (renamed as MLIS)
• 1986- PhD (without coursework)
• The present MLISc is a 2-year composite programme of four
semesters.

37. Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan
• 2004 - The Department of Library and Information Science was
established with the launching of MLIS evening programme.
• Two programs are offered:
• B.S. Library Sciences.
• M.Sc. Library Science.
• Both are evening programs.
• Now this university don’t offer this LIS program anymore.

38. Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Islamabad
• 1985- The LIS Department was established within the Faculty of
Social Sciences and Humanities.
• Following three programmes are offered:
• Certificate in Librarianship (6 months)
• B.A (LIS) / BLIS (2 yr.)
• MLIS (2 yr.)
• It is a distance learning system, enabling students to enhance
their own qualification and skill without leaving their homes
and/or jobs.

39. Al-Khair University, Mirpur (AJK)
• 1994 - This University was chartered- the first private sector
university of AJK.
• 1996 - The University started LIS postgraduate diploma and
master’s programmes.
• Now, no information is available on its website regarding LIS
programs

40. Mohi-ud-Din Islamic University, Nerian Sharif (AJK)
• It is a general university in private sector.
• 2003 - BLIS (2-yr) and MLIS (2-yr) programmes were launched, first
through an affiliated college and then by the University itself.
• The MLIS programme is almost regular.
• There is no LIS department and regular academic faculty.

41. Sarhad University of Science & Information
Technology (SUIT), Peshawar
• 2001 – Private sector University was chartered as distance
education centre.
• 2006 – Following programmes were introduced:
• Certificate in Librarianship
• DLIS
• MLIS
• It is distance learning system on AIOU pattern.
• LIS Department has been established in the University.

42. Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, KPK
• 2013 - The public sector University was chartered.
• Vertex College of ScienceTechnology is affiliated with Bacha Khan
University, Charsada, KPK.
Vertex College offering following programmes:
• MLIS.
• MS/M.Phil.
• First College in private sector to offer MS/Mphil in LIS.
• There is no LIS department and regular academic faculty.

43. Sargodha University, Sargodha
• LIS Department was started in 2008.
• University is offering following Programmes of Library &
Information Sciences:
• MLIS
• M.Phil
• P.hD

44. Minhaj University, Lahore
• Minhaj Unviversity Lahore offer following Programmes:
• MLIS
• M.Phil 2012.
• P.hD 2015.

45. Superior College of Technology, Lahore
•The Superior College of Technology,
Lahore has started
M. Phil program in October 2015

46. CORE SUBJECT LIS EDUCATION

47. Core Subject in LIS Education
• Considering local condition, each university has developed its own set of core
and optional courses based on HEC curriculum.
• Following are Listed the core courses only being taught under different titles
and coverage level:
• Classification; • Comparative Classification and
Comparative Cataloguing
• Literature or Sources of
Humanities, Social Sciences,
Sciences, etc.
• Cataloguing; • Theory of Information Science
or its component;
• Management of Specific types
of Libraries;
• Management of Specific Type of
Libraries;
• Research Methods in
Librarianship;
• Thesis (Optional)
• Foundation of Librarianship;
• Library Management and
Reference Services;

48. CHALLENGES & RECOMMENDATIONS

49. CHALLENGES
• Regular Faculty appointed instead of contract basis.
• Teaching and assessment methods
• Curriculum must be revised time to time.
• Publications must be published time to time.
• Development of communication skills must be improved.
• Insufficient resources and facilities in LIS Schools
• Local Material.
• Lack of ICT and latest tools of LIS.
• Lack of communication skills.

50. Cont….
• Competition with other academic discipline such as Computer
Science & Management Sciences is also a serious threat to LIS
• Departmental associations/alumni and their contributions
• overall set up of LIS schools do not generally develop essential
competencies in the students
• Job Market for LIS Graduate
• Background
• Literature/Local Books
• Lack of collaboration between LIS Departments

51. Recommendations:
These are the recommendations given in the light of the discussed facts
• To cover the staff deficiency appointment of qualified faculty on regular
basis should be made
• Teaching methods must be participative and students should be
encouraged to participate in the classroom as well as work in groups.
• The gap between the curriculum and the profession should be removed
• There should be regularity in courses/scheme of studies at country level.
• Research culture should be increased.
• Workshops, seminars, Lectures and training should be arranged by LIS
department

52. Cont….
• The Pakistan Higher Education Commission should focus on revising courses
periodically in order to keep pace with ongoing developments.
• Emphasis should be given to raise the morale and respect for the
profession among students of LIS (future professionals) and working
professionals
• Developing communication skills is one of the most neglected areas of
professional Development. Short courses and workshops must be planned
by LIS schools to overcome this deficiency.
• Above all, the professionals themselves need to take initiatives and
develop their skills through self-learning and sharing with peers.

53. References:
• Mahmood K. & Sajjad A. (2011), “Library and Information Science Education in Pakistan: A decade of Development 200-2009”,
Pakistan Library & Information Science Journal, Vol. 42 No. 3, pp. 3-12
• Ameen, K. & Warriach N. F. (2011), “Employability skills of LIS Graduates in Pakistan: needs and expectations”, Library
Management, Vol. 32 No. 3, pp. 209-224
• Samdani, R.A. & Bhatti, R.(2011), “Doctoral Research in Library and Information Science by Pakistani Professionals: An Analysis”,
Library Philosophy and Practice
• Ameen, K. & Mairaj, M. I. (2010), “Undergraduate LIS Education in Pakistan: an Overview”, Library Philosophy and Practice
• Wairrach, F. N. (2010),“MLIS Curriculum at Punjab University: Perception and Reflections”, Library Philosophy and Practice
• Ameen, K. (2007), “Issues of Quality Assurance (QA) in LIS Higher Education in Pakistan”, World Library And Information
Congress: 73rd IFLA General Conference And Council 19-23 August 2007, Durban, South Africa
• Al-Khair University. (2005). Retrieved May 2, 2014 from http://www.alkhair.edu.pk/
• Allama Iqbal Open University. Department of Library & Information Science. Retrieved May 2, 2014from http://www.aiou.edu.pk
• Ameen, K. (2007). Issues of quality assurance (QA) in LIS higher education in Pakistan. International federation of library associations and
institutions (IFLA).
• Anwar, M. A. (1992). State of the library profession in Pakistan: From celebration to reality. In A. S. Chaudhry, S. u. Rehman & A. H.
Qarshi (Eds.), Library education in Pakistan: Past, present and future . Lahore: PULSAA.
• Ameen, K. (1992), “Education and Training of University Librarians in Pakistan”, In A. S. Chaudhry, S. u. Rehman & A. H. Qarshi
(Eds.), Library education in Pakistan: Past, present and future (pp. ). Lahore: PULSAA
• Jamili, M. H. (1992), “Need for practical Training in Library Education in Pakistan”, In A. S. Chaudhry, S. u. Rehman & A. H. Qarshi
(Eds.), Library education in Pakistan: Past, present and future (pp. ). Lahore: PULSAA.

54. Cont….
• Khurshid, A. (1992), “Library education in Pakistan : Concerns, issues and practices”, In Sajjad ur Rehman, Abdus Sattar Chaudhry, &
Afzal Haq Qarshi (Eds.), Library education in Pakistan: Past, present and future (pp.11-28). Lahore: PULSAA.
• Qarshi, A. H. (1992), “Development of Curriculum at University of the Punjab: Dickinson’s contributions and afterwards”,
In A. S. Chaudhry, S. u. Rehman & A. H. Qarshi (Eds.), Library education in Pakistan: Past, present and future (pp.77-91).
Lahore: PULSAA.
• Bahauddin Zakariya University. (2006). Department of Library & Information Science. Retrieved May 2, 2014 from
http://www.bzu.edu.pk/faculty/libfaculty.asp I
• slamia University of Bahawalpur.Department of Library & Information Science.
• Khurshid, A. (1992). Library education in Pakistan: concerns, issues and practices. In Sajjad ur Rehman, Abdus Sattar Chaudhry &
Afzal Haq Qarshi (Eds.). Library education in Pakistan: Past, present and future. Lahore: PULSAA.
• Mairaj, M. I., & Ameen, K. (2010). Undergraduate LIS Education in Pakistan: an Overview. Pakistan Journal of Library & Information
Science, (11).
• Mohi-Ud-Din Islamic University. Retrieved May 2, 2014 from http://www.miu.edu.pk & http://www.miu.edu.pk/flyer.pdf Retrieved
May 2, 2014 from http://www.iub.edu.pk/Departments.jsp S
• arhad University of Science & Information Technology. Retrieved May 2, 2014 from http://www.suit.edu.pk/main/
• University of Balochistan. Library Sciences Department. Retrieved May 2, 2014 from http://www.uob.edu.pk
• University of Karachi. Department Library Information Sciences. Retrieved May 2, 2014 2006 from http://www.uok.edu.pk
• University of Peshawar. Department of Library & Information Sciences. Retrieved May 2, 2014 from http://www.upesh.edu.pk
• http://www.superior.edu.pk/presentation/user/ProgramDetail.aspx?fId=5&pId=132
• http://www.mul.edu.pk/education/76/School-of-Library-&-Information-Sciences.html

55. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION