Working of Punjab Library Foundation

1. The Role of Punjab Library Foundation in
development of Public Libraries in Punjab.
By Sher Afzal Malik

2. Introduction
 Punjab Library Foundation (PLF) since its
foundation in 1985 is functioning under a
Board of Governors headed by the Minister
for Education which was notified on
February, 2010 for the period of three
years.; PLF was established under the
Punjab Government Educational and
Training Institution’s ordinance 1960 as an

3. Introduction
 Autonomous body under the executive
control and management of Higher
Education Department. The PLF supports
and enriches the capabilities, resources, and
services of the public libraries and offer
innovative learning programs to promote
literacy among citizens for a brighter future.
PLF reviews the needs of the libraries and
grant funds to meet those special needs.

4. Introduction
 Since establishment of PLF, following grants
have been extended to different libraries of
Punjab. PLF supports activities for the
promotion of libraries, advancement of library
science and cooperation among libraries. .

5. Introduction
 PLF also approves standardized and
customized building plans for libraries. PLF
provides special grants to the libraries
working for preservation of rare books and
manuscripts. PLF gives funds to libraries for
procurement of computers, accessories,
networking and development of software etc.

6. Introduction
 PLF provides funds for the publication of
bibliographies facilitating the readers to have
access of published material for their
research. PLF frames policies for the
development & promotion of libraries in the
province.

7. Introduction
 A large number of public libraries are working under
the administrative supervision and control of Local
Government and Community Development
Department but the post of professional qualified
librarians have not been created at District and
Tehsil levels, hampering in the effective working of
these libraries. Punjab Library Foundation in
coordination with Directorate of Public Libraries,

8. Introduction
 Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organization and other
stakeholders have planned to devise for the reactivation of
libraries established at Tehsil and District levels by formulating
standards and basic qualifications for the libraries. PLF
regularly organizes workshops, seminars, short courses to
enhance capacity building of the working librarians and library
staff to deliver services more efficiently and effectively in
professional way. PLF has formulated standards for libraries
pertaining to building staff, collection of books, reading
material, library furniture and equipment etc.

9.  No payment is made directly to the libraries
for purchase of library material. PLF makes
the payment, within one month for the titles
demanded by the libraries, directly to the
bookseller subject to the approval of the
relevant Committee of the Board and receipt
details of entres in stock register/accession
register.

10. Introduction
 Reviewing the needs of the libraries and disperse funds to
meet those special needs. Framing policies for the
development & promotion of libraries in the province. Arranging
preservation of rare published material and manuscripts.
Supporting activities for the promotion of libraries,
advancement of library science and co-operation among
libraries.
 Preparing bibliographies. Arranging trainings for capacity
building of library staff. To create standards for library services,
book stocks, building and equipment. To advise Government
on legislation and other actions for the promotion of library
services in the province.

11. Introduction
 Developing countries in South Asia and
South East Asia with Colonial rules in 20th
century have the same economic and policy
crises due to inability of leadership and less
focus on libraries. It is interesting to note that
almost 12% libraries were established and
developed in British rule that needs special
attention to maintain.

12. Introduction
 Historically public library model was
established in Brazil although there were
more advanced countries of the world. Public
libraries came into existence with a noble
cause like safeguard to democracy, symbol
of social changer, holy palace and church
according to local scenario.

13. Introduction
 The services and products produced by the
public libraries are high ranked in society. In
many countries of the world special attention
is paid in establishment of public libraries
and information professional as these are the
elements of creating information society. In
the early days it was considered that public
libraries are depositories and issue return of
the books.

14. Introduction
 A public library is a focal point, for community
and a source for educating, teaching and for
dissemination of countries cultural resources.
With the emergence of information society
the preservation paradigm has finished.
Public libraries will survive and thrive by
recognizing their changing role in digital
environment to develop them as meeting
places.

15. Introduction
 In Italy the programme “Libraries without barriers” achieved
very high image and reputation. Libraries spread their units to
such places where people go for other things. The places like
walk area, beaches, churches, sports centers etc. First the
librarians were against the idea and they think that it will reduce
their authority. The societies where disinformation is present
they commonly exclude from the development process and
they end up being left behind.
 The Board may approve from time to time standardized and
customized building plans for new libraries. The Board also
approves and set criteria for qualification of staff, specification
pertaining to reading material, furniture, computers and other
library equipment.

16. Introduction
 Libraries meeting the minimum standards
may be provided grant for provision of books,
furniture, computers and library equipments.
However, the salary of staff shall not be
disbursed out of grants/funds provided by the
Punjab Library Foundation.

17. Introduction
 No grant shall be given to any library until and unless
it is registered as a member with the foundation.
 For the purpose of membership libraries may be
classified into A, B, C categories on the basis of
inter-alia, space, (reading slots), collection, budget,
staff, membership, circulation and library facilities.
 Membership fee and annual subscription for different
categories of the libraries should be notified as
follows:

18. Membership Category PLF
 Fee Category A Category B Category
CRegistration
Rs.5,000/- Rs.3,000/- Rs.2,000/-Annual
Renewal Rs.1,000/- Rs.750/- Rs.500/-

19. Grants
 Grants in Aid will be given on priority to the libraries which may:
 Have a matching grant by the parent department to undertake
a development project or activity; and
 Initiate the project for digitalization, e-library or online journals.
 The libraries under commercial/profit making institutions may
not be entertained for grants by the Punjab Library Foundation.
Private educational institutions’ libraries may qualify for grant in
aid only when they provide tax exemption certificate issued by
Federal Board of Revenue.

20. PLF Working
 Reviewing the needs of the libraries and
disperse funds to meet those special
needs.Framing policies for the development
& promotion of libraries in the
province.Arranging preservation of rare
published material and
manuscripts.Supporting activities for the
promotion of libraries, advancement of library
science and co-operation among

21. PLF Working
 libraries.Preparing bibliographies.Arranging
trainings for capacity building of library
staff.To create standards for library services,
book stocks, building and equipment.To
advise Government on legislation and other
actions for the promotion of library services
in the province.

22. Objectives
 To explore working of the Punjab Library
Foundation in Punjab.
 To find out the importance of Punjab Library
Foundation for Librarianship.
 To find out impact on librarianship in Punjab
due to Punjab library Foundation sport.

23. Significance
 Significance
 This is the first study on the Role of Punjab Library
Foundation in development of Public Libraries in
Punjab.
 It will be helpful development of Public Libraries in
Punjab., government of the Punjab, higher
authorities and decision makers for the sustainability
and development of this quiescent public library
services in the Country.

24. Significance
 The study will help researchers to obtain a precise
picture about development of Public Libraries in
Punjab.
 This study will contribute to the literature about
development of Public Libraries in Punjab.
 The study based on actual situation and result can
be used development of Public Libraries in Punjab.
 This study will be helpful raised awareness about the
development of Public Libraries in Punjab.

25. Literature Review
 This study aims to explore working of the Punjab
Library Foundation in Punjab, to find out the
importance of Punjab Library Foundation for
Librarianship, to explore the contemporary status of
public libraries in Punjab. Its key objective is to
identify the impact on librarianship in Punjab due to
Punjab library Foundation sport.It is a Quantitative
study based on questionnaire survey. It covers the
one province of Pakistan i.e. Punjab.

26. Literature Review
 This is first the ever study on the role of Punjab Library
Foundation in development of libraries in Punjab. It will be
helpful for Punjab Library Foundation, Government of the
Punjab, higher authorities and decision makers for the
sustainability and development of this quiescent PLS in the
country to preserve rich cultural heritage for future
generation.Ex Chief Librarian Quaid-e-Azam Library
Mr.Muhammad Taj has made report grant in aid on public
library Punjab and which libraries developed by sport of Punjab
Library Foundation. Mr.Ghulam Ahmad Ch. Director Public
Library Punjab also compelled the PLA directory by the sport of
Punjab Library Foundation.

27. Literature Review
 The both reports on the Public libraries would not
discuss in detail working of Punjab library
Foundation and its objective. But in my study I shall
try my best to explore importance, working, and the
role of Punjab Library foundation in the development
of libraries in Punjab.Some our Library professionals
don’t know about the Punjab Library Foundation.
Some professionals tend to that the Library
Foundation is perhaps a Library some know that the
PLF is organization etc.

28. Research Questions
 What is level of working of the Punjab Library
Foundation in Punjab?
 What are the problems related to explore
working of the Punjab Library Foundation in
Punjab.

29. Research Methodology
 Research Methodology
 Survey research will be done and information
will be collected through questionnaire.
 Data Collection Instrument& Procedure
 Survey research method will be used in order
to carry out research. Data will be collected
by using a questionnaire which will be
designed based on literature review.

30. Research Methodology
 Sampling
 Purposive sampling technique will be used
for collection of data from professional
Librarian, Chief Librarians and Office bearers
of PLA, PLWO from Public Libraries in
Punjab working under Directorate of Public
Libraries Govt, of the Punjab, Autonomous
bodies, and Dist Govt of Punjab, almost 40
libraries in Punjab.

31. Data Analysis
 Descriptive statistics will be used to analyze
the data generated, frequencies,
percentages and table will be provided to
support where appropriate. The data will be
analyzed through SPSS (20.0 version) which
should be helpful in Mean, standard
deviation, t-Test and ANOVA.

32. Anticipated output of the study
 This study will:-
 Helpful to measure and explore working of the
Punjab Library Foundation in Punjab.
 Be generalized and helpful to find out the perception
of The Role of Punjab Library Foundation in
development of Public Libraries in Punjab.
 Be helpful to redefine the policies and practices of
Public Libraries in Punjab about Punjab Library
Foundation.

33. Availability of Resources
 Literature will be available on the topic at
national and international level and will be
accessible by the author. The data will be
available and accessible for study and it will
be analyzed skillfully.

34. Ethical Considerations
 Permission will be taken to use instruments
from authorities.
 Will inform consent.
 Will follow the confidentiality rules.
 Participants will have access to results.
 Data will be used only for research purpose

35. Limitations
 The study will cover only the Public Libraries
working under the Directorate of Public
Libraries, Autonomous Bodies libraries of
Punjab and almost 40 Public libraries in
Punjab.