What are the current issue and problems faced 

by the library profession in Pakistan?

Answer:

• Lack of ICT Training
• Lack of Awareness
• Lack of orientation
• Lack of mutual resource sharing
• LIS Education
• Leadership Problem
• Communication Skill
• Political scenario
• Financial reserch Problems
• Job  mertial
• Research and publications

Lack of ICT Training .

Frequent advancement in ICT makes the task of training staff more challenging. Local LIS researchers have frequently mentioned the need to improve staff ICT skills and expertise (Mahmood 1998, Rehman 1992, Zakar 2000, Aneeb 2006). Haider 2004 asserts that most library leaders lack the ability to be innovative, creative, imaginative, and visionary, in addition to lacking ICT and communication skills. There is lack of such expertise in working librarians.

Lack of Awareness.

Many studies have found lack of awareness is associated with lower use of electronic collections ((Ibrahim 2004, Saeed 2006 and Waraich 2007and Bashir 2008). Hussain 2006 explores collections (Ibrahim 2006 explores the perception of LIS professionals regarding digital libraries. He found the low IT literacy rate in Pakistan to be a barrier to digital libraries (page 50-56).

User Orientation.

Orientation users to modern library services are other challenges. Mahmood, 2003, Ameen 2006, and Rehman2008, warn LIS schools that they must  produce graduates who are up to the demands of the changing and challenging information market place. Bashir 2008 asserts that training needs attention form university authorities and HEC for better services in Libraries.

Lack of Computer awareness.

As computers ar3e relatively new in Pakistani Librarianship, most writers emphasize heir necessity and importance. Asghar 1994 recommends computers for libraries because of their speed and accuracy, factors also mentioned by Chugtaie 1994. Moinuddin 1992 suggests that the increase of information can only be made possible by the use of information can be3 controlled by computers, and discusses information dissemination which can only be made possible by the use of information technology (Moinuddin 1994).
Lack of Mutual resources sharing.

Since 1915 when Asa Don Dickenson laid down the foundation of the formal library education at the University of the Punjab in Lahore, Pakistan - LIS Education has been tremendous growth, from the certificate course to doctoral research programs . However, designing the regular formal education program to learn a variety of the needed competencies is a big challenge. There is digital library divided in the library environment of the country. It is much difficult and lack of resources to get and how to use it.
Leadership Problem.

There is a scarcity of professionals with leadership qualities. Professionals with the desired skill are not available in sufficient numbers for senior positions. It is the outcome of carious reasons including brain drain, unsatisfactor4y working conditions and ignoring leadership in education. Leadership is almost an unexplored area in library and information Science (LIS) Education and literature. Changing LIS management era into LIS leadership era is the challenge of competitive age.

Communication Skills.

In addition to professional competencies, there is a dire need to polish the communicating and social skills of the future professionals. Sitar 2007 emphasizes on developing the social skills among modern professionals. Keeping in view LIS program at the PU in Lahore has introduced a Course in communication skills and personality development.

Job Metrial.

The profession generally has a low profile in Pakistan, as it is common in other developing countries. Yet, the god thing is that it is comparatively job oriented. There are growing numbers of employment opportunities with the growth of education institutions in public and private sectors and demand for digital information services.

There is the lack of following factors significantly affects professional level of motivation:

Professional visibility Delegation of authority Appreciation Sufficient financial and other benefits Growth opportunities Proper work place conditions

Research and Publications:-

Due to lack of financial resources Pakistani libraries dealing in the subject of library and information science cannot afford very costly foreign books and journals. The situatin becomes more critical when researchers do have a poor knowledge about available local resources in the country.

Political Scenario.

The immature political culture of the country badly affects the growth of public services institution. Libraries face the challenge of the growth due to lack of consistency in aims and policies of carious governments, higher authorities, and bureaucracy. Challenges ahead can be me5t only through the sustainability in policies, constant support of authorities and supremacy of merit at every level instead of vested interests.  

Financial reserch Problem.

The economy of Pakistan is very dismal and the growth rate is not compatible, with the population growth rate. Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Finance 2010 spent 2.45 percent of GDP on educating in 2008-2009. Academic libraries get a small fraction of it. It is the time that librarians aggressively find way to hunt grant from alternate ways from within and outside the country.

Job Mertial.

The future job market is promising for those professionals who are competent enough to use ICT for library operations and service, have leadership traits, and good communication skills. Even presently, the graduates who have needed market expertise got competitive jobs with catchy designations and attractive salary packages. Public private universities, colleges, school corporate institutions, government sectors, industry, NGO’s etc. are there in need of such professionals.