FOREWORD

To improve library services in Pakistan libraries need adequate finance which is not available at the moment. This doctoral study, A Model for Alternative Funding for Libraries in Pakistan, by Dr. Khalid Mahmood was directed towards finding alternative sources of funding. Considering its importance the University of the Punjab has approved its publication in book form which is a source of great satisfaction for the profession and deserves our fullest appreciation. I am really pleased to write this Foreword as a co-supervisor and subject expert of the first Ph.D. thesis in Library and Information Science in more than 100 years life of the country’s oldest university. It may be mentioned here that the University has the distinction of introducing the first library course in the East, as early as 1915, under the direction of Asa Don Dickinson, an American librarian and pupil of Melvil Dewey. This is known as the first course, within the walls of a university outside the USA, responsible for laying the foundation of modern librarianship in South Asia.

The study addresses the most central problem in the provision of library and information services in Pakistan. This was in fact, the need of the time. Dr. Khalid premise to find a solution to this deep rooted problem is significant because of its being the first real attempt of its kind in the country. His selection of topic itself reflects his way of thinking and an awareness of global trends in dealing with financial problems of libraries. This is specifically manifested in the comprehensive survey of literature on the subject, and his ability to analyze it critically. Examples from industrialized countries and developing countries as well as from Pakistan are of special significance. All the references are relevant. Throughout it demonstrates coherent structure.

The instruments for data collection were developed on the basis of findings from the literature review. The survey method, the popular method of research in social sciences, was selected. Data from 60 libraries, having a minimum collection of 25,000 volumes, was collected out of a population of 100 targeted libraries of various types. Forty-eight librarians were also interviewed to collect data on various aspects of library funding in Pakistan and seek their suggestions for betterment of the situation.

Dr. Khalid gives an impressive analysis of data collected through questionnaires and interviews of library science experts. The analysis is thorough and well substantiated. It is worth reading, interesting and has a lot of points, making a case for construction of a funding model.

Based on the findings an Alternative Funding Model for Libraries in Pakistan was admirably created by the researcher. Of special significance are the comments of 21 international library experts. Of these mention in particular could be made of Prof. John P. Feather and Dr. Vladimir Zaitsev. The qualitative analysis of the views of experts by Dr. Khalid reflects his professional maturity.

The essence of this research could be seen in the findings and the logical conclusions ably drawn by the researcher. The appendices demonstrate the depth and the extent of the underpinning research.

Dr. Khalid Mahmood has ably demonstrated his ability by presenting a good piece of work of international standard notwithstanding the numerous constraints encountered by researchers in a developing country like Pakistan.

This book is a valuable addition to the limited literature of Pakistan librarianship for its systematic and critical analysis of literature, the sound methodology adopted, accurate statistical techniques applied where needed and careful documentation. It is recommended for practitioners and administrators as well as students of library and information science, particularly in Third World countries, with interest in financial management.

I wish this book well. I wish its author well whom I consider one of the few talented library researchers in the country. His contributions to international library journals of repute speak volumes of his talents. I wish to congratulate him for such a distinctive achievements in such an early age and thank him for choosing me to write this foreword. Finally, I pray to ALMIGHTY for more success for him in coming years.

Prof. Dr. Syed Jalaluddin Haider
5th March, 2005