School Library System in Pakistan: An Overview
BY ABID HUSSAIN, LIBRARY OFFICER AT INSTITUTE OF STRATEGIC STUDIES, ISLAMABAD
Abid Hussain
S
chool is defined as “An institution Picture is taken from City School : A private schools system in Pakistan
for educating children”. Merriam schooling system is stronger than that Some Association like Pakistan
Webster Dictionary defined the of Government schools. The meager Library Association (PLA), Pakistan
word library as “a place in which literary, budget for health and education in Library Club (PLC), University of
musical, artistic, or reference materials Pakistan has been improved bit by the Peshawar Library Alumni Association
(such as books, manuscripts, recordings, current government and some necessary (UPLISAA), Pakistan Librarians Welfare
or films) are kept for use but not for sale”. action has already been taken by the Organization (PLWO), Pakistan Library
The school affirms that education begins retrospective government. But, still, Automation Group (PAKLAG) Islamian
at birth and continues throughout life some loophole is existing to improve the Library Information Science Alumni
and that therefore all our values apply schooling system in Pakistan. Association are organizing reading
equally to adults, parents, teachers, cultural programmes for students at
guardians and all children in the school. Private schools are charging hiking school level, but non-availability of
Every school in developed countries fees without government decision. libraries in schooling system at rural and
obviously maintaining their own libraries In each street there is a number of many in urban areas are shocking. The
for the enrolled students but, developing schools being established. These schools Government of Pakistan and educational
countries like Pakistan has not yet paid have no uniqueness in their syllabus department at country and provincial
a proper attention, although few schools by government sides. The syllabus at level should take necessary action against
are maintaining their libraries at Private government schools are outdated and these issues. The school should assign a
sector but mostly the government schools struck up, though, some necessary action yearly library financial plan adequate for
are deprived of such services. has been taken but to make it up to the sustainable library expansion to hold up
mark to make our student distinguished recent and projected requirement. Our
Schools around the world generally and one. Proper attention is required from children are our tomorrow and being a
particularly in Pakistan are working on the educational expert. The Library Pakistani veteran, we should protect our
common objectives: systems at Private sector schools are tomorrow.
bit good and charging heavy amount
1. Ambition to have the best education in schooling fees for these libraries, The writer is working as Library officer at
and training system in the country but reading trends among students are Institute of Strategic Studies, a think-Tank
mournful. The government school in based on Islamabad. He can be reached at
2. Education is the key to giving every urban areas have their own libraries for [email protected].
child an equal opportunity in life just a formality. There is
no concept of librarians
3. Develop desirable social standards, and trained staff at school
moral and religious values level, the libraries which
are existed are breathing
4. Develop individual talents last in the mercy of God.
Very meager amount have
5. Develop awareness and appreciation been stipulated for library
of the role of technology in national purposes, The principal
development and much more. and managing authority
are not spending proper
The schooling system in Pakistan funds being allotted from
is improving gradually. The Private Government side. Sources: Picture is taken from a government school at Islamabad
IASL NEWSLETTER 10 VOLUME 48, ISSUE 1
