Table of Contents

1Introduction 1.1- Certificate Courses in Librarianship 1.2- Library Science as an Optional Subject 1.3- Bachelor of Library and Information Science 2Historical Background: 2.1- Certificate Courses: 2.2- Library Science at Intermediate Level 2.3- Library Science at Bachelor Level 2.4- Bachelor of Library and Information Science at AIOU, Islamabad 3Curriculum: 3.1- Certificate Courses: 3.1.1- Punjab Library Association 3.1.2- PBWG and Karachi Library Association 3.1.3- Certificate in Librarianship in AIOU 3.2- Library Science as an Optional Subject 3.2.1- Intermediate 3.2.2- Bachelor 3.3- Bachelor of Library and Information Science at AIOU 4Comments of Experts 4.1- Certificates Courses in Librarianship 4.2- Library Science as an Optional Subject at Undergraduate Level 4.3- Bachelor of Library and Information Science 5Conclusion References 2 2 2 3 3 4 6 8 9 9 9 9 10 10 11 11 11 12 13 13 13 14 15 15

1- Introduction:
The library education at undergraduate level may be classified in the following three programmes. 1.11.21.3Certificate Courses in Librarianship Library Science as an optional subject at Intermediate and Bachelor level Bachelor of Library and Information Science

1.1- Certificate Courses in Librarianship:

Certificate courses are conducted by the regional and provincial associations and basically designed for sub-professional workers. The duration of such courses varies from three to six months. These usually consist of the core courses, and taught by part-time teachers. The medium of instruction is the national language. Mostly, the students depend upon class lectures or some elementary textbooks in Urdu language. The certificate programme at Allama Iqbal Open University is also particularly for non professionals working in different libraries in the country.

1.2- Library Science as an Optional Subject:

The subject of Library Science has been introduced as an optional subject at the undergraduate level. The aims and objectives of introducing Library Science education at intermediate level is to develop interest in reading materials and to promote reading habits among students. To develop skill to make effective use of the library so that it could help them not only in their formal education but for life long self education. Further, an important objective is to acquaint students with the literature of Islam. Similarly, the purpose of Library Science as an optional subject at Bachelor level is to introduce students to resources and services of libraries and to enable them to use these resources effectively. Thereby providing easy and unrestricted access to the

information they may need in their studies and even their day to day educational work. Libraries are not merely storehouses of knowledge and information. Information now has become so complex and scattered that it is only through libraries that one could be able to use it. Otherwise, without information and libraries use, it may not be possible for any one for affirming and giving pride in self identity. Therefore, the course has been designed to prepare student for seeking and using information as a normal part of his/her daily life, much to the studies he/she is pursuing. The course will also provide him/her the pleasure of reading.

1.3- Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS):

This programme is offered by Allama Iqbal Open University as a distance learning programme. The programme is for two year duration and minimum requirement for taking admission in this programme is Intermediate Certificate in Arts, Science or Commerce. University did not mention any objectives of running BLIS programme. However, in general about Library and Information Science as a Distance Learning Programme, it is stated that the purpose of this programme is to produce skill manpower in the field of Library and Information Science which may run every kind of library or help professional library staff.

2- Historical Background:
The library remained an important organ of the civilized society and exists since long in different shapes and developed with the passage of time. However, concept of library education as a distinct discipline is not old and started in 1886 by the University of Gottingen in Germany. Melvil Dewey, who is said to be the founder of modern librarianship, started teaching Library Economy at Columbia College (later on Columbia University) in 1887. The University of the Punjab has the distinction to be the third University in the world and trend setter in the subcontinent to offer library education and training since 1915. It was only the pioneering institute in the east but also the first of its kind at the campus of any university in the whole British Empire. Afzal Haq Qarshi says the credit goes to Dr. J.C. R. Ewing, the then Vice Chancellor, who realized the need of formal education and training, and to Dr. A.C. Woolner, the Registrar and Honorary 3

Librarian, who took initiative in hiring the services of Mr. Asa Don Dickinson. He was direct trainee of Melvil Dewey. The course offered was a Certificate in Modern Library Methods.

2.1-Certificate Courses:
The development of library education at undergraduate level in the non-university setting was started after the inception of Pakistan in 1947. A number of undergraduate courses in the non-university setting were founded during the few years after Pakistan creation. Among them was 6-month correspondence course started in 1948 by Punjab library Association in Lahore, also named as Pakistan Library Association at different times. Dr. Moid is of the opinion that Diplomas awarded to the qualifying students were not better than certificate courses. Akhter H. Siddiqui says that the Diploma Course in Library Science was started in 1949 by Punjab Library Association and it also conducted a correspondence course on the pattern similar to that of the British Library Association. The library courses, however, could not survive beyond March 1951 and there were no facilities for library education and training in Pakistan until 1952. In 1947, Karachi Library Association was formed at the initiative of some migrant librarians (Asad Ullah Khan and his colleagues). The migration of Hindu Library Workers to India made the situation worse leaving no alternative for the existing librarians except to close their doors. Contrary to this, only few Indian Muslim librarians opted for Pakistan. There existed an acute shortage of qualified manpower. This was most seriously felt at capital city Karachi, then the seat of the Government, where the various ministries and their attached departments had built up libraries. In 1952, Karachi Library Association started a certificate course of 3-4 month duration. This course remained continue till 1969. In 1955, L.C. Key arrived in Pakistan as a Colombo Plan Consultant to the Government of Pakistan. He recommended for establishment of a full-time postgraduate diploma, if possible, degree courses at the University of the Punjab and he also recommended that the same programme should initiate certificate courses for the training

of sub-professionals by the assistance of the university to organize and conduct such courses. But, his recommendations could not be implemented. The formation of a new national association of librarians, known as the Pakistan Library Association in 1957 further boosted up the cause of library movement in Pakistan. In 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. Here a good deal of confusion arises, because this course was called diploma course, though at that time three of the leading universities (Punjab, Karachi, and Peshawar) were imparting a one year Post Graduate Diploma Course in Library Science. The diploma holders of PBWG joining the profession also claimed for comparable pay scales which were than available to the librarians having diploma from universities. This confusion prevailed until 1973, when Pakistan Library Association formulated standards in 1972 for granting accreditation and put a persistent pressure on PBWG and name of the course was changed to Higher Certificate in Librarianship. A more extensive programme, but initially limited to 6 weeks, was stared for teacher-librarians by the Jamia Institute of Education in 1961. This programme was initially offered under the sponsorship of the Pakistan Library Association for one year only. In 1966, it stared again in collaboration of the Department of Library Science at the University of Karachi and continued up till 1972. The duration of this programme was changed from 6 weeks to 2 months and finally to 3 months in 1969. The Pakistan Library Association also authorized the Central Public Library, Bahawalpur, to conduct a certificate course in 1961. The course was designed for the junior librarians, but, it could not survive and only 10 people were awarded certificates. In 1962, after its reorganization, the Punjab Library Association started awarding an undergraduate certificate course. Since 1973, two sessions are held each year. Likewise, the Federal Library Association (Rawalpindi), in cooperation with the Pakistan National Centre, Rawalpindi, started in 1972, a Certificate Course of 6-months duration. This course was provincially accredited by the Pakistan Library Association in 1972. Further, measures were being taken by PLA to check on necessary growth of training programmes. An Institute of Library Science was reportedly established in 1971

announcing offering of courses at two levels: Certificate and Junior Diploma in Library Science. This programme was reported to have failed to complete even one session. Another three month Library Science course was started in 1974 by the PakistanAmerican Cultural Centre Karachi as part of its adult education programme. Only 11 students were admitted in this programme.

2.2- Library Science at Intermediate level:

The subject of Library Science has been introduced as an optional subject at the undergraduate level in Punjab and Sindh. The struggle for the same started in 1974, when a proposal was made to introduce Library Science at Intermediate and Bachelor level by Pakistan Library Association. Dr. Mumtaz says that PLA in Lahore was of the opinion that the introduction of Library Science as an optional subject at intermediate and Bachelor level will result in IIIIIIIVCreating lecturers positions in colleges Educating users of information Exposing the general student body to the profession Motivating potential recruits to the profession After achieving this goal, PLA had the plan to include one chapter on various aspects of information use in the social science textbook for each class and the appropriate authorities at the secondary school level were to be approached for the same. Therefore, a beginning was made at the University of the Punjab. The Board of studies in Library Science in its meeting held 28 February 1974 recommended the inclusion of Library Science as one of the optional subject at the Intermediate and Bachelor level. The faculty of Arts approved the above recommendation on 30 April 1974. The Academic Council approved the above recommendation in January 1975. In 1974, the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Lahore, had also been approached for the same purpose an in December 1974; the Board also accepted the proposal. These decisions were circulated to all members of PLA on 21 January, 1975. During 1975, the Lahore Board constituted a Committee of Courses in the subject of

Library Science with Dr. Mumtaz A. Anwar as Convener. Committee decided that the syllabus will be designed to educate students in using information and libraries. Further, it was decided that the Board will not permit any college to offer the course unless a fulltime lecturer in Library Science was appointed and until a specially designed textbook was published. The committee prepared an outline of the syllabus during November 1976 and recommended the formation of another committee of four experts to prepare a textbook to be published by a Punjab Textbook Board. This proposal was later on misused in Sindh and pressure was exerted on the authorities to introduce library science as an elective subject at both intermediate and degree level. The proposals were hastily approved and teaching begun without any planning. Working college librarians, who were happy to label themselves as lecturer started teaching the subject. No new jobs were created. No textbook at that time was available. Graduate of these ill planned courses were to join the profession with weak subject background. Dr. Mumtaz says:" an idea which was developed to contribute to the welfare of the profession was high jacked for personal gains. While Anis Khurshid is of the opinion that the Draft initially prepared in 1974 by National Committee for Curriculum Development, Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan and completed in 1981 by Ministry of Education and then kept pending. Later on Government allowed only BISE, Karachi, Haiderabad and Federal Board, Islamabad to conduct examination of Library Science at Intermediate level. Therefore, Federal College for Women, Islamabad and some colleges in Karachi and Haiderabad started teaching Library Science at Intermediate level. In 1987, Mrs. Farkhanda Lodhi started teaching Library Science at Intermediate level in her Government Girls College for Women, Wahdat Colony, Lahore. But Education Department took action and stopped the programme. In 1988, Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with Centre for Research and Curriculum Development prepared the revised syllabus and in January 1989, its copies were sent to all Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education in the Country. After the approval of syllabus, the matter for introducing Library Science at intermediate level was submitted in the Inter board Committee of Chairman (IBCC). Committee agreed and preparation of Textbook was allocated to Sindh Textbook Board,

Jam Shore after the denial of Punjab Textbook Board, Lahore as stated by Dr. Anis Khurshid. In the light of IBCC decision, all BISEs of the Punjab circulated the Notification of teaching Library Science at Intermediate level and conducting examination for the same from the session 1991-92 and number of colleges in Punjab started teaching Library Science. Department of Public Instructions (DPI) colleges stopped Principals of these colleges to start teaching Library Science at intermediate level. It raised the objection, if librarians started teaching Library Science, the library services in colleges would suffer. However, Mrs. Farkhandha Lodhi as Lecturer, with permission of the Education Department, continued teaching Library Science at her College. A number of meetings by Pakistan Library Association and Punjab College Library Association (PCLA) were held to stop the notification of the DPI colleges, but their mutual differences and lack of cooperation caused no result for next four years. 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. The teaching work was assigned to librarians working in college libraries voluntarily till the availability of lecturers in the colleges.

2.3- Library Science at Bachelor Level:

In 1974, the Faculty of Arts and in 1975, Academic Council of the Punjab University has approved the inclusion of Library Science at Bachelor level. But, no further progress was made for the preparation of curriculum for the same. In 1990, Farkhandha Lodhi wrote a letter to Vice Chancellor, University of the Punjab to introduce the subject of Library Science at B.A. /B.Sc. level, and V.C. referred the letter to Board of Studies for consideration. Board of studies in a meeting accepted the proposal and formed a committee for the preparation of the curriculum. Afzal Haq Qarshi was the Convener and Aslam Mujahid, Farkhandha Lodhi, Muhammad Nazir were the members. The committee prepared the draft and submits to the Board of Studies. In February 1991, UGC formed another committee to review the draft comprising of Dr. Abul Sattar Chudhry, Dr. Sajjad ur Rehman, Mehmood Hassan, Shaheen Majid and Ishtiaq Ahmad.

The committee submitted its recommendations in April 1991 and UGC approved and published them in the form of a pamphlet. The curriculum was revised in 1995 and latest revision was made in 2002 by the UGC. A National Curriculum Revision Committee in the subject of Library and Information Science was formed with Dr. Naseem Fatima as the Chairperson and Dr. Fazil Khan Baloch as the Secretary with twelve other members from all over the country. The Committee met at Karachi from 26th -28th February 2002 and formulated the existing curriculum of Library Science at Bachelor level.

2.4- Library Education at Allama Iqbal Open University:

The new Education Policy in 1972 laid the foundation of the Peoples Open University in 1974 later on renamed as Allama Iqbal Open University. The university introduced a certificate programme named as Certificate in Librarianship in 1985 for the non professional working in different libraries in the country. This course is conducted by university regularly. University also started a two year Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) in 1988 as a correspondence and distant education programme.

3- Curriculum
The curriculum of a subject as stated by Syed Altaf is the throbbing pulse of a nation. By looking at the curriculum of a subject one can judge, the state of intellectual development and the state of progress of a nation. The world has turned into a global village, new ideas and information are pouring in a constant stream. It is, therefore, imperative to update our curricula by introducing the recent developments in the relevant field of knowledge.

3.1- Certificate Courses:

3.1.1-Curriculum of Punjab Library Association:

This certificate course programme is of six month duration and is held two times in April and November each year. The minimum educational requirement is Secondary School Certificate (Matriculation). The curriculum is as given below. IIIIIIIVIntroduction to Classification (Theory and Practice) Introduction to Cataloguing (Theory and Practice) Bibliography and Reference Work Library Administration

3.1.2- Curriculum of PBWG and Karachi Library Association: This certificate course programme is of six month duration. PBWG programme remained continued till 1986. Dr. Anis mentions the curriculum of this course as follows: IIIIIIIVVRole of library in the community Library operation Applied Classification Applied Cataloguing Reference and Information work The textbooks used for the courses were more or less the same as recommended readings for Masters programme. 3.1.3- Curriculum of Certificate in Librarianship (AIOU, Islamabad) This certificate programme is of six month (one semester) duration. The admission in this programme is granted in both the spring and autumn semesters every year. A student has to pass two full credit courses for getting certificate. Nonprofessionals working in different libraries, jobless persons and fresh students may benefit from this course. The eligibility for admission is Intermediate Certificate (Higher School Certificate). Course material is in Urdu. However student may opt English for assignment and examination. This programme is based on distance learning with

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correspondence tutorial support and two full credits are required. The curriculum is as below. IIIOrganizing Library Resources (Full Credit) Library Services (Full Credit)

3.2- Library Science as an Optional Subject:

3.2.1- Intermediate: This course is designed for intermediate students as an optional course of two year consisting of 200 marks. Each paper contains 100 marks. Minimum requirement is Matriculation in Arts, Science or Commerce. The Curriculum is as given below. IIIIIIIVVVIHistory of Books and Libraries Role of Modern Libraries Purpose and Functions of various kinds of Libraries Art of Book Binding Documentation of Library Materials Use of Books and Libraries and Reader services Practical: IIIIIIIVCompilation of Bibliography on any assigned topic, (minimum 50 pages) Indexing of periodicals and newspapers Practical work in College Library (six periods of 45 minutes per week) Viva Voce and journals

3.2.2- Bachelor The course is designed for graduates as an optional course of two years consisting of 200 marks. Each paper contains 100 marks (Theory 80 + Practical 20). Minimum requirement for admission is Intermediate in Arts, Science or Commerce.

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Paper I: IIIIIIIVVPaper II IIIIIIIVVAcquisition of Library Material Cataloguing with practical Reference Sources Computer in Libraries Use of Books and Libraries and Reader services Introduction to Libraries History of books and libraries Library Material (printed and non printed) Bibliographical Description of Printed Materials Classification with practical

3.3- Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS):

This degree course is of two year duration and minimum educational requirement is Intermediate. Course material is in Urdu. However a student may opt English for assignments and examination. This based on distance learning system with correspondence and tutorial support where applicable. Eight credits are required for the course and a student has to pass six full credit compulsory courses and two full credit or equal optional courses. Compulsory Courses The detail of compulsory and optional courses with credits is as below: IIIIIIIVIslamic Studies (Half) Pakistan Studies (Half) Ethics (For Non Muslim) (Half) Organizing Library Resources (Full)

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VVIVII-

Library Services (Full) History of Libraries with ref. to Pakistan (Full) Classification and Cataloguing (Full)

Elective Courses (any two full credits or equal) IIIIIIIVVVIVIIUrdu (Full) Education (Full) Pakistani Adab-I (Half) Reporting (Half) Public Relations (Half) Mass Communication (Half) Book Editing (Half)

VIII- Advertising (Half)

4- Comments of Experts:
4.1-About Certificate Programme:
Mumtaz A. Anwar: Training courses conducted by various associations or individuals have never been relevant or up to the standard Anis Khurshid: These courses have received the stamp of approval of the Department of Libraries, Government of Pakistan (perhaps following the textbook formula functions of a national library).

4.2- About Library Science (optional)

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Dr. Jalaluddin Haider: The success of this programme is doubtful in the absence of well-organized libraries, full-time faculty members, instructional material in Urdu and above all definite objectives.

4.3- About Distance Learning Programme at AIOU:

Anis Khurshid: To introduce an under-graduate and a 2- year M.A. programme in Library and Information Science as a correspondence and distance education programme. It has been an ill-advised attempt which has no precedence anywhere in the professional world. He also comments for reading material of Bachelor degree as: The B.A. degree at AIOU defines itself as Library and Information Studies Group, a cursory glance at the reading material of this programme reveals that it does not define Information and for that matter Information Science in the text at all. At certain places, the material on other subjects discussed in the texts appears to be more detailed than would seem necessary for the level of the course. Where a detailed treatment was needed, only a brief description has been provided . Dr. Sajjad ur Rehman: Such a programme would have a devastating impact on the quality of library education in the country Hamid Rehmen:

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He also warns of dangers posed by the distant learners.

5- Conclusion:
Library education at undergraduate level is equally important like at postgraduate level, because it prepares not only trained Para professional staff but also a base for well trained future librarians. There is need to streamline and up to date the curriculum of these programmes. Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) must be introduced at undergraduate level as per their needs in the respective programmes. The response from students opting Library Science is excellent in colleges, but in order to run this programme successfully, there is need of well-organized libraries, full-time faculty members, adequate reading material and up to date curriculum. The role of Professional Associations and Library Schools is very important for the development of library education at undergraduate level. Both should regularly watch these programmes. Pakistan Library Association should make efforts for creating posts of lecturers in colleges. Further there is need of quality assurance for Certificate and BLIS Programmes at AIOU, because these programmes are usually condemned by the library science experts on solid bases. If it is necessary to run these programmes, then these should be designed in such a way so that could meet the needs of the present developments in the field of Library and Information Science.

REFERENCES:
1- Anwar, Mumtaz A. (1992). State of the Library Profession in Pakistan: from celebration to reality. In Sajjad ur Rehman, Abdus Sattar Chaudhry, Afzal Haq Qarshi (Eds.). Library Education in Pakistan: Past, Present and Future (pp. viixviii). Lahore: PULSAA.

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2- Khurshid, Anis (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. 3- Rehman, Abid (1992). Demand and Supply of Library Science Graduates in Pakistan. In Sajjad ur Rehman, Abdus Sattar Chaudhry, Afzal Haq Qarshi (Eds.). Library Education in Pakistan: Past, Present and Future. Lahore: PULSAA. 4- Siddiqui, Akhter H. (1976). Library Development in Pakistan. Lahore: Student Services. 5- Haider, Jalaluddin (1996). Libraries and Library Agencies in Pakistan: Part II. In Libri, v. 46, pp.209-216. Denmark: Munksgaard. 6- Khurshid, Anis (2003). Library Education in Pakistan. In J. Feather and P. Sturges (Eds.). International Encyclopedia of Information and Library Science (pp. 595598). London: Routledge. 7- Khurshid, Anis. (1979). Library Education in Pakistan. In Allen Kent, Harold Lancour and Jay E. Daily (Eds.). Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science (v.21, pp. 282-299). New York: Marcel Dekker. 8- Qarshi, Afzal Haq (2006). Voyage through History. In Afzal Haq Qarshi (Eds.). Pakistan Journal of Library and Information Science. (v.7,pp.1:4). Lahore: Department of Library and Information Science. 9- Haider, Jalauddin (1981). Library Education in Iran and Pakistan. In Anis Khurshid (Ed.). Library Education across the Boundaries of Cultures: a Festschrift (pp.91-106). Karachi: Library Science Department. 10- Nazir, Muhammad, (1992). Library Science Bator Akhtiari Mazmoon: Pasmanzar o Pasheraft. In Muhammad Asghar, (Ed.). PULSAA News. 4(1-2), pp.8-10. Lahore:PULSAA 11- Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad. (2006). Department of Library and Information Science. Retrieved November 29, 2006 from http://www.aiou.edu.pk/programmes.asp 12- Higher Education Commission Pakistan (2006). Curriculum of Library and Information Science. Retrieved November 29, 2006. from http://www.hec.gov.pk/curriculum

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13- Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Islamabad (2006). Curriculum of Library Science. Retrieved Nov. 29, 2006 from http://www.fbise.gov.edu.pk

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