Pakistan Library Association

Pakistan Library Association is the representative National Body of the Librarians in Pakistan. The PLA was formed in Karachi in March 1957. Prior to the formation of PLA there was Pakistan Bibliographical Working Group (PBWG) working for the promotion of library activities. According to Dr. Anis Khurshid '' it was PBWG which in its meeting held on July 6, 1954, constituted an Adhoc Committee with H. A. Qazi as its Chairman, to form a National Association for Librarians". The Adhoc Committee members include Syed Vilayat Hussain, Khawaja Noor Elahi, Fazal-e-Elahi and Akhtar H. Siddiqui. The PLA is responsible to look after the interest of the professional librarians and to work for the development and improvement of libraries both in formal and informal sectors of education and research.

Aims & Objectives

Article 3 of the Constitution reveals AIMS & OBJECTS of the association as under:-

3.1 The Association shall work for:-

i. The establishment of a comprehensive library service throughout Pakistan.

ii. The promotion of better organization of libraries by arranging technical advice and assistance to library authorities,

iii. The promotion of study and research in library science and dissemination of information about current trends, theories and practices in the field of librarianship.

iv. The improvement of the status and professional standing of library workers and for safeguarding their interests, and

v. For such other ends as will further the cause of libraries and librarians of Pakistan.

3.2 The Association shall act as a Liaison between Pakistani organizations of similar aims and objects and those outside Pakistan and shall arrange for mutual co-operation.

​In pursuance of aims and objective declared in the constitution , association is working :-

1. To promote the better organization of libraries by arranging technical advice and assistance to library authorities.

2. To improve study and research in library and information science and to disseminate information about current trends, theories and practices in the field of librarianship.

3. To improve the status and professional standing of library professional and to safeguard their interests.

4. For the development and improvement of the library services, the library professionals and the librarianship itself to enhance their social image and to ensure respectful survival in the society.

5. To promote the library profession and improve social acceptance and the legal, administrative and financial support for the professionals to perform their role effectively.

6. For such other ends as well further the cause of libraries and librarians of Pakistan.

Future Plans

1. All professional staff working in various academic institutions (Universities, Colleges, Schools, Medical colleges, Technical Institutes etc) should be declared as teaching staff at par with the teaching staff in respect of pay, allowances, technical pay etc. and the status of professional staff should be equal to faculty members.

2. The nomenclature of different posts of librarians should be standardized.

3. All vacancies of librarians in Sindh Government and Private Sector should be filled.

4. Training opportunities will be provided to librarians within country and out side the country.

5. Library Science as an optional subject at inter and B. A. level will be introduced in all colleges and the post of lecturer should be created.

6. To promote the library activities and librarianship the PLA will organized different workshops, seminars, conferences, book fairs, book day, library day, book launching ceremony and other activities in the province.

7. Policy Framework, Legislation and Service Structure

8. Continuing Education and Professional Development

9. Public Relations and Image Building

10. Research and Publications

11. ICT Solutions and Services

12. Career Counseling and Placement

13. Women LIS Professionals’ Empowerment

14. Logistics & Events Management

15. Fund Raising and Financial Resources Mobilization