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1
Content Analysis of Library & Information Science (LIS)
Curricula in Pakistani Universities
Farhat Hussain*
Munira Nasreen Ansari**
ABSTRACT
Education in Library & Information Science at postgraduate level in
Pakistan is imparted by 12 universities including nine in public and
three in private sector, whereas one public university has suspended
the program in 2008. This paper aims to analyze the courses offered
by the library schools of Pakistan. The study explores the number
and type of courses being taught in a year/semester. The number of
courses offered in each semester is more or less equal in all the
universities except Peshawar University which is practicing annual
system. All the universities offer core and technical courses which
are the requirement of a professional degree. The specialized and
elective courses are fairly different but majority of the courses are
same. Most of the elective courses meet the local needs of the library
schools. To fulfill the national and international demands, almost all
the library schools are designing and offering more and more ICT-
related courses. They are also paying special attention towards
practical component of the courses while designing and developing
curriculum. All library schools are trying their best to adopt modern
teaching methods and facilities. All possible assessment techniques
are applied to evaluate the students’ performance. Hence it can be
said that the library education and the courses offered by the library
schools in Pakistan are of superb quality and meeting the challenges
of international market.
Keywords: Library Education; Library & Information Science; LIS Education in
Pakistan; Library Schools; LIS courses
* Assistant Professor,Department of Library and Information Science, University
of Karachi
** Associate Professor,Department of Library and Information Science,University
of Karachi
Jhss, Vol. 9, No. 1 , January to June, 2018
2
Introduction
The history of library education in united India (including today’s Pakistan) begins
from Baroda state in 1911. Through the struggles of Maharaja Sayajrao III, Gaekwar
of Baroda (1862-1939) library schools were introduced. He was a civilized and
educated ruler who supported and promoted libraries. According to Nagar
1
, “He
called and welcomed William Alanson Borden, a leading American librarian, who
had been a pupil-assistant of Charles Ammi Cutter at the Boston Athenaeum and a
lecturer-associate of Melvil Dewey at Columbia University’s School of Library
Economy.”
Asa Don Dickinson was another American academic library pioneer in British India
who was invited by the University of the Punjab in Lahore for a year during 1915-16
“to organize its library on modern American lines.” [Dr] Khurshid
2
wrote “Some of
the developments emanating from British rule significantly differed from the
practice then existing in Great Britain itself. For example, the Commission of Asa
Don Dickinson in 1915 specifically required him to organize the library-training
class of Punjab University at Lahore. Such training did not exist at all in any British
universities at that time. The Calcutta University Commission Report (1917-19) on
the other hand, stressed the need for appointing a trained librarian with the status
and rank of a professor at Calcutta University. Even this practice was uncommon in
British universities where preference for such an appointment was given to those
with academic qualifications.”
The significant change of American influence at the Punjab University during 1913
occurred due to the appointment of Professor James C.R. Ewing as the vice
chancellor of the University of the Punjab (1910-17). He was an American citizen
and had been educated in the United States. As the vice chancellor, he submitted
some proposals to the syndicate of the university to allocate “a sum of Rs. 65000
provided by the Government of India for the improvement of the functioning of the
University.” (Anwar
3
)
Recruitment of a professional librarian to completely organize the library and to
teach young class for library procedures was suggested by Ewing. His suggestion
was implemented in selecting Dickinson for the position of a temporary university
librarian. Dickinson had “received a year’s training under Melvil Dewey in the New
York State Library. Subsequently, he had 10 years varied experience in library work
including 3 years in the Brooklyn Public Library and 3 years in the Washington State
1
Nagar, Murari Lal. Foundation of Library Movement in India. Ludhiana: Indian Library
Institute and Bibliographical Center, 1983. p. 2-3.
2
Khurshid, Anis. Library Education in South Asia. 20 (1-2). 1970. pp. 59-60.
3
Anwar, Mumtaz Ali. Asa Don Dickinson: The Founding Father of Modern Librarianship in
British India. Pakistan Library Bulletin. 21 (2), 1990. p. 13.
Content Analysis of Library & Information Science (LIS) Curricula in Pakistani Universities
3
College Library.” (Anwar
4
). At that time training in librarianship was not available in
the British universities. Describing the status of the university librarian in 1915,
Anwar
5
wrote, “Dickinson was the first highly educated and professionally trained
individual to be appointed as the university librarian in any of the universities in
British India. One could extend this exceptional development to most of the British
Empire including Great Britain and the British colonies in Asia and Africa.”
According to Khurshid
6
, the curriculum introduced by Dickinson covered basic
subjects including decimal classification, cataloguing rules, list of subject headings,
dictionary catalogue, and open shelves. The syllabus was enlarged in 1921 by Labhu
Ram, a student of Dickinson and the assistant librarian of the University of the
Punjab, to include seventy-two lectures instead of the original twenty-five. In 1921,
the subjects used to be taught included: 1) foreign languages 2) linguistic survey of
India 3) basic selection 4) law of copyright in England and India 5) a survey from
Tennyson to Bernard Shaw 6) sources of provincial histories of India 7) oriental
bibliography 8) milestones of English literatures 9) library buildings, their designs
and equipment 10) Anglo-Indian literatures, and 11) open access and technical
libraries.
The education of library and information science at postgraduate level is being
offered by the following nine public sector universities of Pakistan:
1. University of Karachi, Karachi (1956)
2. University of the Punjab, Lahore (1915*), (1959)
3. University of Peshawar, Peshawar (1962)
4. University of Sindh, Jamshoro (1965**), (1970)
5. University of Baluchistan, Quetta (1981)
6. Islamia University, Bahawalpur (1982-83)
7. Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad (1985***), (2001***)
8. University of Sargodha, Sargodha (2010)
9. Khushal Khan Khattak University, Karak (2015)
* Short Certificate course started in 1915, Postgraduate program was started in
1959.
** At the time of establishment, the University was an examining and degree
awarding body,
but later on, in 1951, it got the status of an academic and research institution.
The Department
was established in 1965 with certificate course, but postgraduate program in
Library Science
was started in 1970.
4
ibid
5
ibid
6
Khurshid, Anis. Library Education in South Asia. 20 (1-2). 1970. p. 60.
Jhss, Vol. 9, No. 1 , January to June, 2018
4
*** The Library Science program was started in 1985 with an undergraduate short
certificate
course in Library Science but a regular on-campus Department was established
in 2001.
Besides the above nine public sector universities of Pakistan, Bahauddin Zakariya
University, Multan had also started postgraduate program in Library & Information
Science in 2004, but after four years i.e. in 2008 the program was shelved due to
some administrative reasons. Till now this program is suspended. This university
had adopted the same scheme of studies being practiced by the University of Punjab.
Three universities in private sector; Minhaj University, Lahore, Superior University,
Lahore and Sarhad University of Science and Technology, Peshawar have also been
offering the MLIS/M.Phil program since 2014 but as the scope of this paper is
confined to only public sector universities of Pakistan so they have not been
included here.
Objectives
The objectives of the study are:
1. To find out the programs, teaching methods, teaching facilities/aids, and
system of examinations of all Pakistani public sector universities offering
education in LIS.
2. To examine the LIS postgraduate courses taught at Pakistani public sector
library schools.
3. To review the course contents so that the need of the future demands in
present technological revolution era can be determined.
4. To find out the ratio between the theory and practical courses.
5. To find out the status of core and elective courses.
6. To collect information about the modern especially ICT-related courses
offered in the curricula.
Significance and Implications
Although a number of research articles have been contributed on the curricula being
offered at Pakistani library schools but the course contents have not been deeply
studied and analyzed. This article will attempt to analyze the contents of the courses
from different angles to determine the ongoing demands of modern and
technological-related courses in the field of librarianship. The article will provide
the library schools a foundation to design their courses accordingly.
Content Analysis of Library & Information Science (LIS) Curricula in Pakistani Universities
5
Literature Review
Browsing of the literature reveals that much has been written on every aspect of LIS
curricula being taught at Pakistani library schools. Suggestions have also been given
to improve the abilities and proficiencies of the library professionals and to
incorporate these recommendations in the curricula for better production of LIS
graduates.
Khan and Mahmood
7
compare Pakistani LIS Schools curricula with HEC-designed
curriculum for LIS schools in Pakistan. The authors reveal that only one LIS school
follows HEC-designed curriculum while rest of the schools have set their own
standards. The study has defined the weak areas (that all the courses recommended
by HEC are not being offered by all the library schools) that suggests more
refinements in order to qualify the competition nationally among LIS schools in
Pakistan.
Mahmood
8
studies LIS curriculum for seeking the feedback of the senior
librarians and employers of young librarians. The findings reveal that
“Competencies required of an LIS graduate can be divided into three categories: LIS
core, management, and ICTs. All three areas should be given a balanced importance
in the curriculum”. As a result of these surveys, the author assessed educational
needs of entry level and experienced manpower and also gave recommendations.
Warraich
9
analyzed the curriculum of MLIS at University of Punjab and conducted a
survey on the alumni of the department to find out their satisfaction about the
curricula they studied. Some of the problems or deficiencies pointed out in the
survey include: Non-proficiency in written and spoken English, lack of knowledge of
office communication, lack of interviewing skills, unawareness of advanced library
softwares, lack of IT skills, poor interpersonal skills, lack of leadership skills, weak
presentation skills, lack of research skills etc. The respondents suggested that if
these shortcomings are removed and are incorporated in the curriculum, the alumni
will get better job opportunities and will compete the market.
7
Khan, M. Tufail and Mahmood, Khalid. A comparison of MLIS curricula taught in
Pakistani library and information science schools with Higher Education Commission
curriculum. Library Philosophy and Practice, 2013. Retrieved from:
http://works.bepress.com/khalid_mahmood/18/ on 12 August 2017.
8
Mahmood, Khalid. LIS Curriculum Review Using Focus Group Interviews of Employers.
Library Philosophy and Practice, 2012. Retrieved from
http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac /756/ on 12 August 2017.
9
Warraich, Nosheen Fatima. MLIS Curriculum at Punjab University: Perception and
Reflections. Library Philosophy and Practice, (e-Journal), March 2010.
Jhss, Vol. 9, No. 1 , January to June, 2018
6
Discussing the merits and demerits of the courses of Library Management taught by
all the library schools of Pakistan, Ameen
10
observes that library leadership is
almost an unfamiliar area in library and information science (LIS) education. The
author spots the barriers faced in the evolution of leadership traits among
professionals. Findings suggest that information professionals today require quality
of leadership and anticipation to innovate the future through planning and
preventing from unexpected changes in such emerging social, technological and
professional scenario of the country.
Haider
11
analyzes six LIS Departments of the country with respect to their
cataloging and classification courses’ contents and teaching methodologies. The
study reveals that in almost all library schools of the country, there is a severe
scarcity of DDC and LCC schedules of classification schemes. Although latest edition
of DDC is purchased but only 8-10 sets are acquired due to shortage of financial
resources. Students do practice in groups and 2-3 students share one set of the
schedule. Suggestions comprise: curricula revision, organizing training of teachers
for cataloging and classification courses in developed countries, improvement of
laboratories, and the organization of continuing education programs.
Yusuf
12
analyzes the courses offered in BLIS and MLIS in six library schools in
Pakistan (Universities of Karachi, Baluchistan, Bahawalpur, Peshawar, Punjab and
Sindh). He suggests that all library schools should offer one standard curricula and
necessary process should be initiated by University Grants Commission (UGC). After
reviewing briefly the programs and courses of all six library schools of that time,
succinct comments were given on the shortcomings in the curricula.
Recommendations were made to include courses on communication techniques,
statistics, research methods, networking databases, selective dissemination of
information in the curricula of the universities.
Sabzwari
13
discusses the situation of library education in Pakistan in detail. He
reviews the postgraduate courses in library schools in four universities of Pakistan
which are Karachi, Punjab, Peshawar and Sindh Universities. With respect to
curricula, he advises that at postgraduate diploma level (BLS, DLS, or M.A. Previous),
10
Ameen, Kanwal. Challenges of preparing LIS professionals for leadership roles in
Pakistan. Journal of Education for Library and Information Science. 47(3), 2006. pp.200-
217.
11
Haider, S. J. Teaching of Cataloging and Classification in Pakistan. Cataloging &
Classification Quarterly, 43, 2006. pp. 53-65.
12
Yusuf, M. (1996) Critical view of the courses offered at library schools in Pakistan. PLA
journal. 18, 1996. pp. 68-76.
13
Sabzwari, G.A. Library education and manpower needs in Pakistan. Pakistan library
bulletin. IV (3-4), 1972. pp. 55-71.
Content Analysis of Library & Information Science (LIS) Curricula in Pakistani Universities
7
specialization in the profession should be offered and there should be an optional
course of school, college or children librarianship and students should opt any one
of them as per their interest or ability. At Masters level, he suggests to include the
courses which should fulfill the local market needs. For this purpose, he proposes
the courses on Industrial, Medical and Commercial Librarianship in Karachi
whereas the courses of Scientific, Agricultural and Governmental Librarianship in
Lahore, Peshawar and Hyderabad. He recommends that library schools should
make the arrangement of In-Service Training on regular basis. He further suggests
that library schools should provide the facility of limited time registration as
external candidate for those senior library professionals who require improvement
in their skills and qualification for better services.
After going through the articles and literature on LIS curricula in Pakistan, it is
concluded that all the library schools of the country are offering courses of their
own accord and needs and rarely there are one or two schools that are following the
curriculum designed by HEC. The articles also give some suggestions to maintain the
international standard and to fulfill the market needs. The most important
shortcomings which are pointed out in the curricula include non-adoption of
technological and environmental development as the job-offering organizations find
lack of knowledge and skills about the modern innovations especially ICT in the
prospective candidates. Another deficiency is verbal and written English
communication. No doubt, it is not a professional weakness but it is expected a
necessary ability for a librarian. Other deficiencies are unawareness about the latest
library softwares and lack of leadership skills. To remove these shortcomings and
enhance professional skills, the curriculum should be revised and updated by
incorporating the relevant topics so that better job opportunities be acquired.
Methodology
The curricula of all the library schools of Pakistan were collected either directly
from the chairperson of the department or from the websites of the universities or
departments. These courses and their contents were thoroughly studied with
different angles like number of courses offered in a year/semester, titles of courses,
traditional and modern courses, ICT-related trends in the curricula, elective courses,
practical component in the curricula, teaching methods, students’
evaluation/assessment methods, teaching facilities/aids etc. This exercise
developed a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of all the departments
with respect to the curricula and teaching methods and facilities.
The documents and online resources relating to the introduction, history, programs,
courses offered by each library school of Pakistan were also searched. For this
purpose, the information available on the websites of the concerned universities
and the library schools were downloaded and personal contacts were also made
Jhss, Vol. 9, No. 1 , January to June, 2018
8
through telephone, e-mail, and surface mail. The faculty members and especially the
chairpersons of all the departments provided the same material.
Findings and Discussion
Programs Offered
The universities of Pakistan are offering four different graduate and postgraduate
programs in Library and Information Science. The following table elaborates the
same programs:
Table-1 LIS Programs offered by Universities of Pakistan
S.No.
Name of University
BS
4 years
BLIS
1 year
MLIS
1 year
MLIS
2 years
1.
University of Karachi
x
x
2.
University of the Punjab,
Lahore
x
x
x
3.
University of Sindh,
Jamshoro
x
x
x
4.
University of Peshawar
X
x
x
5.
University of Baluchistan,
Quetta
X
x
x
6.
Islamia University
Bahawalpur
x
x
7.
Allama Iqbal Open
University, Isl.
X
x
x
8.
Sargodha University
x
x
9.
Khushal Khan Khattak
University
x
x
All the universities of Pakistan are offering different graduate and postgraduate
programs in Library and Information Science. University of Karachi offers one-year
postgraduate BLIS program which is equivalent to M.A. (previous) or postgraduate
diploma in the same university or other universities. After successful completion of
one-year BLIS, the students are eligible to continue one-year MLIS program. The
University of the Punjab, Lahore offers two-year Masters program in Information
Management which is equivalent to MLIS or MA-LIS programs of other universities.
University of Sindh, Jamshoro (Hyderabad) offers 4-year BS program to students
having HSC or Intermediate. University of Peshawar offers 2-year Masters program
whereas University of Baluchistan, Quetta and Allama Iqbal Open University,
Islamabad are also offering 2-year Masters program. Islamia University,
Bahawalpur, Sargodha University and Khushal Khan Khattak University, Karak are
offering 4-year BS and 2-year Master programs simultaneously.
Content Analysis of Library & Information Science (LIS) Curricula in Pakistani Universities
9
System of Examinations
Both semester and annual systems are in practice in the universities of Pakistan.
Table-2 Examination Systems adopted by the universities
S.No.
Name of University
Semester
Annual
Total Semesters
MLIS
BS
1.
University of Karachi
x
2+2
x
2.
University of the Punjab,
Lahore
x
4
x
3.
University of Sindh,
Jamshoro
x
x
8
4.
University of Peshawar
x
x
x
5.
University of Baluchistan,
Quetta
x
4
x
6.
Islamia University
Bahawalpur
x
4
8
7.
Allama Iqbal Open
University, Isl.
x
4
x
8.
Sargodha University
x
4
8
9.
Khushal Khan Khattak
University
x
4
8
Of nine universities offering Library and Information Science, eight universities are
pursuing semester system whereas remaining only one i.e. Peshawar University is
practicing annual system. Of them, six universities are offering MLIS or Masters in
Library & Information Science or MA in Information Management, one university
(Karachi University) offers BLIS and MLIS programs of one year each, and one
university (Sindh University) imparts four year BS program. Islamia University
Bahawalpur, Sargodha University, and Khushal Khan Khattak University, Karak are
offering both two and four year programs concurrently.
Curriculum offered by Pakistani LIS Schools
The integral part of any educational program is curriculum. The core curriculum
should have the ability to meet the needs of LIS profession. This is composed of the
following:
1. The objectives of program
2. Number of courses
3. Outline of the courses
Jhss, Vol. 9, No. 1 , January to June, 2018
10
4. Practical contents
The curriculum should carry the contents of each course and it should also explain
the learning outcomes of the course that after successful completion of the program
what would be expected from the learner.
Various number of courses are taught in every university of Pakistan to complete
the educational program in library and information science/information
management.
Table-3 Number of courses offered by the universities
S.No.
NAME OF
UNIVERSITY
SEMESTER SYSTEM
ANNUAL
SYSTEM
1st
Semester
2nd
Semester
3rd
Semester
4th
Semester
1st
Year
2nd
Year
1.
University of
Karachi
6
7
7
7
x
x
2.
University of
the Punjab
7
6
6
6
x
x
3.
University of
Sindh*
x
x
x
x
x
x
4.
University of
Peshawar
x
x
x
x
6
6
5.
University of
Baluchistan
5
5
6
4
x
x
6.
Islamia
University
Bahawalpur*
6
6
6
6
x
x
7.
Allama Iqbal
Open
University
5
5
6
4 or 1
x
x
8.
Sargodha
University*
6
6
6
6
x
x
9.
Khushal Khan
Khattak
University
6
6
6
4 or 5
x
x
Content Analysis of Library & Information Science (LIS) Curricula in Pakistani Universities
11
*BS Program of 8 Semesters divided as follows:
S.No
NAME OF UNIVERSITY
SEMESTERS
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
1.
University of Sindh
6
6
5
5
5
5
6
5
2.
Islamia University
Bahawalpur
6
6
5
5
5
6
6
4
3.
Sargodha University
6
6
5
5
5
5
6
6
4.
Khushal Khan Khattak
Univ.
6
6
5
5
5
5
6
4
Karachi University teaches 27 courses in all in 2 years or 4 semesters (13 in BLIS
and 14 in MLIS), Islamia University and Sargodha University each teaches 24
courses in all in 2-year program and 43,44 courses respectively in 4-year program.
Khushal Khan Khattak University offers 22 or 23 courses in MLIS and 42 courses in
4-year program. The students of Punjab University have to study 25 courses,
besides 8-week mandatory non-credit practicum (internship) in 2 years to get
Masters degree in Information Management. Fulfillment of 20 courses (without
thesis) or 17 courses (in case of research thesis) is the requirement of Allama Iqbal
Open University. University of Sindh is unique in a sense that it is the only library
school which offers only 4-year program and students are required to study 43
courses in all to complete their program. Peshawar University offers 12 courses
(under annual system) whereas Baluchistan University teaches 20 courses to
complete 2-year Masters program.
Courses offered at MA (Previous)/BLIS (or equivalent) Level
At present only University of Karachi is offering one-year postgraduate BLIS
program and after qualification, the graduates are eligible to further study one-year
MLIS program. The BLIS program of University of Karachi is equivalent to M.A.
(Previous) of all other universities of Pakistan (except Allama Iqbal Open University,
where degree of BLIS is equivalent to B.A., B.Sc., B.Com. etc). The courses offered at
this level are the core courses and the students have to study all the courses without
any choice or option. The following table shows the maximum titles of the courses
being offered at BLIS/MA (Previous) or equivalent level by the universities of
Pakistan:
Jhss, Vol. 9, No. 1 , January to June, 2018
12
Table-4 Titles of the courses offered at BLIS or equivalent level
S.N
o
Course Title
K
U
Pu
U
Si
U
Pe
U
B
U
I
U
A
U
Sa
U
KK
Tot
al
1.
Bibliography & Bib.
Control
Y
N
N
Y
N
Y
N
Y
N
4
2.
Cataloguing
(Practical)
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
9
3.
Cataloguing (Theory)
Y
N
N
Y
N
N
Y
Y
Y
5
4.
Classification
(Practical)
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
9
5.
Classification
(Theory)
Y
N
N
Y
N
N
Y
Y
Y
5
6.
Collection Dev. &
Management
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
8
7.
Communication Skills
Y
Y
N
N
N
N
N
N
Y
3
8.
Foundation of Inf.
Based Org.
N
Y
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
1
9.
Foundation of
Librarianship
N
N
N
N
N
Y
Y
Y
N
3
10.
Fundamentals of
Management
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Y
1
11.
History of Books &
Libraries
Y
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
1
12.
Human Information
Behavior
N
Y
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
1
13.
Information Literacy
Instruction
N
Y
Y
N
Y
N
N
Y
N
4
14.
Int. to Publishing &
Book Trade
N
N
Y
N
Y
N
N
N
N
2
15.
Introduction to IT
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Y
1
16.
Introduction to LIS
N
N
N
Y
N
N
Y
N
N
2
17.
IT: Concepts and
Application
N
Y
N
N
N
Y
N
Y
Y
4
18.
Library & Society
Y
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Y
2
19.
Library
Automation/IS&R*
N
N
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
N
N
4
20.
Library
Correspondence
Y
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
1
21.
Library Operation
Y
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
1
22.
Literature on Islam
N
N
N
N
N
Y
N
N
N
1
23.
Management& Admn.
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
9
Content Analysis of Library & Information Science (LIS) Curricula in Pakistani Universities
13
of LIC**
24.
Managing Collection &
Online
N
Y
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
1
25.
Marketing of Lib & Inf
Services
N
N
Y
N
Y
N
N
N
N
2
26.
Online Information
Retrieval
N
Y
N
N
N
N
N
Y
N
2
27.
Organization of
Information
N
Y
N
N
N
Y
N
N
N
2
28.
Personality Dev. &
Com. Skills
N
Y
N
N
N
Y
N
N
N
2
29.
Qualitative Research
Methods
N
N
Y
N
N
N
N
N
N
1
30.
Quantitative Research
Methods
N
N
N
N
Y
N
N
N
N
1
31.
Ref./Inf. Sources &
Services
Y
Y
N
N
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
6
32.
Research
Methodology
N
N
Y
N
Y
N
N
N
N
2
33.
Serial Management
N
N
N
Y
N
N
N
N
N
1
Total …………
1
3
13
1
0
9
1
0
1
2
1
0
12
12
101
*IS&R=Information Storage & Retrieval **LIC=Library & Information
Centers
Key:
KU = Karachi University, Karachi
PuU = Punjab University, Lahore
SiU = Sindh University, Jamshoro
PeU = Peshawar University, Peshawar
BU = Baluchistan University, Quetta
IU= Islamia University, Bahawalpur
AU = Allama Iqbal Open University, Isl
SaU = Sargodha University, Sargodha
KK = Khushal Khan Khattak University, Karak
The above 33 courses (in all) are being offered at M.A (Previous) or equivalent level
by the nine library schools of Pakistan. Some of the core courses are common and
are taught in majority of the library schools but most of the courses are taught
independently or in two to three library schools. The fundamental core courses like
Classification, Cataloguing, and Management and Administration of Library and
Information Centers are being offered by all nine library schools. The course of
Collection Development is not offered by Punjab University and the course of
Jhss, Vol. 9, No. 1 , January to June, 2018
14
Reference and Information Sources and Services is not offered by Sindh University,
Peshawar University, and Baluchistan University whereas remaining six universities
are offering this important core course. Sindh University (which is practicing 4-year
BS program) offers this course under the title “Basic Reference Sources” in fourth
semester. Although the table shows that theory of Cataloguing and theory of
Classification are not offered by Punjab University, Sindh University, and Islamia
University but fact is that Punjab University and Islamia University are offering
these courses under the title “Organization of Information” whereas Sindh
University is offering these courses under single title “Organization of Information”
in fourth semester.
Courses offered at MA (Final)/MLIS Level
Only University of Karachi is offering two separate postgraduate programs of BLIS
and MLIS of one year each. These programs are equivalent to M.A. (Previous) and
M.A. (Final) of other universities of Pakistan. The courses offered in first year have
been discussed in the above table, whereas courses of second year are being
enumerated here. The following table shows the maximum titles of the courses
being offered by the universities of Pakistan at MLIS/M.A. (Final) level:
Table-5 Titles of the courses offered at MLIS or equivalent level
S.No.
Course Title
KU
PuU
SiU
PeU
BU
IU
AU
SaU
KK
Total
1.
Academic
Libraries
Y*
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
N
Y*
N
4
2.
Advanced
Management
Techniques &
Operations
N
N
N
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
N
2
3
Advanced
Management &
Leadership Skills
N
Y*
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
1
4.
Adv. Tech.
Operations/Adv.
Cataloguing &
Classification
N
Y*
N
Y
N
Y*
Y2
Y*
N
6
5.
Agricultural
Libraries
N
N
N
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
N
2
6.
Application of
Information
Systems
N
Y*
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
1
7.
Archives &
Record
Y*
Y
Y*
Y*
Y*
Y*
N
Y*
Y
8
Content Analysis of Library & Information Science (LIS) Curricula in Pakistani Universities
15
Management
8.
Basic Research
Methods &
Techniques
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Y
1
9.
Bibliographical
Control
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
N
N
N
Y*
3
10.
Business &
Industry
Information
N
N
N
N
Y*
N
N
N
N
1
11.
Cataloguing of
Special Material
Y
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
1
12.
Children
Libraries
N
N
N
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
N
2
13.
Comparative &
Int Librarianship
Y
N
N
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
N
3
14.
Comparative
Classification
Y
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
1
15.
Computer
Networks
N
N
N
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
N
2
16.
Computer
Programmng for
I.M^
N
N
N
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
N
2
17.
Database Design
& Management
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
Y*
N
Y*
N
4
18.
Digital Library
Y
Y*
Y*
N
Y*
Y*
N
Y*
Y
7
19.
Electronic
Collection
/Resources
Management
N
Y*
N
N
N
Y*
N
N
N
2
20.
Financial
Management
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
Y*
N
Y*
N
4
21.
Health & Medical
Sc. Libraries
Y*
N
N
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
N
3
22.
Health Sciences
Information
N
N
N
N
Y*
N
N
N
N
1
23.
Human Resource
Management
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
Y*
N
Y*
N
4
24.
Humanities &
Soc. Sc. Info.
N
Y*
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
1
25.
Indexing and
Abstracting
Y
Y*
Y
N
Y
Y*
N
Y*
Y
7
26.
Information
N
N
N
N
N
Y*
N
N
N
1
Jhss, Vol. 9, No. 1 , January to June, 2018
16
Architecture
27.
Information
Literacy
Instruction
N
N
N
N
N
Y*
N
N
N
1
28.
Information
Policy
N
N
N
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
N
2
29.
Information
Seeking & Use
N
N
N
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
Y*
3
30.
Information
Sources and Lit.
**
Y*
Y*
Y*
Y*
Y*
Y*
N
Y*
Y*
8
31.
Information
Storage &
Retrieval
Y
N
Y
N
Y
N
N
N
Y
4
32.
Intellectual
Property Rights
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
N
N
N
N
2
33.
Internship
N
N
Y
N
N
N
N
N
N
1
34.
Introduction to
Computers
N
N
N
Y*
N
N
N
N
N
1
35.
IT and Libraries
Y
N
N
Y
N
N
N
N
N
2
36.
Knowledge
Management
N
Y
Y*
N
Y*
Y*
N
Y*
Y
6
37.
Law Libraries
N
N
N
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
N
2
38.
Lib. & Inf.
Services in
Pakistan
N
N
Y
N
Y
N
N
N
N
2
39.
Lib. & Inf.
Software
Packages
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Y*
1
40.
Libraries and
Society
N
N
N
N
N
Y
N
Y*
N
2
41.
Library
Automation
Systems
N
Y
N
N
N
N
N
Y
N
2
42.
Management of
Info. Systems
N
N
N
Y*
N
N
N
N
N
1
43.
Marketing of Lib.
Info. Services
N
Y
N
Y*
N
Y
N
Y
Y
5
44.
Media
Information
Management
N
Y*
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
1
45.
Media
Librarianship
N
N
Y*
Y*
Y*
Y*
N
Y*
N
5
Content Analysis of Library & Information Science (LIS) Curricula in Pakistani Universities
17
46.
Media
Technology &
Resources
Y*
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
1
47.
Models for
Lib.Management,
Decision Making
& Planning
N
N
N
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
N
2
48.
National
Libraries
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Y*
N
1
49.
Online
Information
Retrieval
N
N
N
N
N
Y
N
N
1
50.
Personality Dev.
& Comm. Skills
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Y
N
1
51.
Planning of Lib.
& Info. Centers
Y
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
1
52.
Practicum
N
Y
N
N
N
Y
N
N
N
2
53.
Preservation &
Conservation
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
Y*
N
Y*
N
4
54.
Prof.
Communication
Skills
N
Y*
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
1
55.
Project
Management
N
Y*
Y*
N
Y*
Y*
N
Y*
N
5
56.
Public Libraries
& Legislation
Y*
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
N
Y*
N
4
57
Public Records,
Rare Materials
N
N
N
N
N
Y*
Y2
Y*
N
4
58.
Qualitative Res.
Methods
N
N
Y
N
Y
N
N
N
N
2
59.
Record
Management
N
N
N
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
N
2
60.
Research
Methodology
Y
N
N
Y
N
N
Y2
N
N
4
61.
Research
Methods in LIS
N
Y
N
N
N
Y
N
Y
N
3
62.
Research Project
N
N
Y
N
N
N
N
N
Y*
2
63.
Resource
Sharing &
Networking
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
Y*
Y2
Y*
Y
9
64.
School Library
Media Center
Y*
Y*
N
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
N
4
65.
Science &
N
N
N
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
N
2
Jhss, Vol. 9, No. 1 , January to June, 2018
18
Technology
Libraries
66.
Semantic Web &
Linked Data
Technologies
N
Y*
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
1
67.
Serial
Management
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
Y*
Y2
Y*
N
6
68.
Special Libraries
Y*
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
N
Y*
N
4
69.
System Analysis
& Design
N
N
N
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
N
2
70.
Thesis
Y*
Y*
N
Y*
Y
Y*
Y*
Y*
N
7
71.
Web
Development
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
N
N
N
N
2
72.
Web Publishing
N
N
N
N
N
Y*
N
Y*
N
2
Total
19
20
21
14
22
43
11
41
13
204
Y* = optional course ** Science, Technology, Social Science, Humanities, Islam,
Pakistan ^ Information Management Y2 = Two courses under same title as I & II
The above 72 titles of courses (in all) are being offered at M.A (Final) or equivalent
level by the nine library schools of Pakistan. Some of the courses are common and
are taught in majority of the library schools but most of the courses are taught
independently or in two to three library schools. The majority of the courses of final
year are optional or elective; hence the number of the total courses rises in each
library school. Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Islamabad offers five pairs of
courses under same title but in fact, they are ten courses. Hence these courses are
counted as two courses each against the same title. Archives & Record Management,
Resource Sharing and Networking, and Information Sources and Literature are the
courses being offered by eight out of nine library schools. Advanced Technical
Operations is being offered by five library schools (either as compulsory or elective
course) except Karachi University, Sindh University, Baluchistan University, and
Khushal Khan Khattak University. Sindh University, Baluchistan University, and KKK
University are not offering this course at any level whereas Karachi University offers
the course as two different courses i.e. “Comparative Classification” and
“Cataloguing of Special Materials”. The courses of Information Sources and
Literatures on Islam, Pakistan, Humanities, Social Science, Science, and Technology
are also offered by all the universities (as elective courses) except Punjab University
and AIOU. AIOU does not offer these optional courses whereas Punjab University
offers these courses under different titles like Business and Industry Information,
Government Information, Health Sciences Information, Humanities and Social
Sciences Information, Law Information, and Scientific and Technical Information. All
universities, except Punjab University, are offering the course of Resource Sharing
and Networking whereas AIOU offers this course into two parts i.e. I and II. M.A.
Content Analysis of Library & Information Science (LIS) Curricula in Pakistani Universities
19
thesis as an elective course is practiced by all the library schools under the same
title whereas Sindh University, and KKK University offer it under the title Research
Project.
Modern especially ICT-related Courses offered in the Curricula
The analysis of the courses taught at the departments of Library & Information
Science/ Information Management of Pakistani universities, shows the following
ICT-related courses in the curricula.
Table-6 Modern Components/Trends at Postgraduate Level in LIS Curricula in
Pakistan
Trends
KU
PuU
SiU
PeU
BU
IU
AU
SaU
KK
Digital Library
x
x
x
E-Learning/E-Collection
Mngmt.
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Web
Designing/Publishing
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Information Architecture
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Information Retrieval
x
x
x
x
x
Database Designing
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
ICT/Introduction to
Computers
Key:
KU = Karachi University, Karachi
PuU = Punjab University, Lahore
SiU = Sindh University, Jamshoro
PeU = Peshawar University, Peshawar
BU = Baluchistan University, Questta
IU = Islamia University, Bahawalpur
AU = Allama Iqbal Open University, Isl
SaU = Sargodha University, Sargodha
KK = Khushal Khan Khattak University, Karak
Elective (Optional) Courses
At postgraduate (Masters) level, the students are given choice to opt one or some
courses of their interest or aptitude out of given list of courses. In library and
information science, this facility is available by all the universities. The Pakistani
universities are offering compulsory as well as optional courses to their students.
Following is a detail about elective courses:
Jhss, Vol. 9, No. 1 , January to June, 2018
20
Table-7 Number of optional courses offered in LIS schools
University
Number of Elective Courses Taught
Number
of
Choices
given for
Elective
Courses
3rdSemester/
7th Semester
4th Semester/
8th Semester
Annual
Karachi
University,
Karachi
1(3) + 1(3)
1(3)+1(4)+1(2)
5(15)
Punjab
University,
Lahore
Nil
6(13)
6(13)
Sindh
University,
Jamshoro
2(7)
2(7)
4(14)
Peshawar
University
Peshawar
1(3)+
1(8)
2(11)
Baluchistan
University
Quetta
2(20)
2(20)
4(20)
Islamia
University
Bahawalpur
2(5)
1(10)+1(7)+1(7)+2(14)
7(43)
AIOU,
Islamabad
Nil
4(5) or 1(5)
4(5)/1(5)
Sargodha
University,
Sargodha
2(6)
1(10)+1(7)+1(6)+2(13)
7(42)
Khushal
Khattak Univ.
Karak
1(5)
1(2)
2(7)
Titles of Elective Courses
All the universities of Pakistan are offering more or less similar titles of courses as
optional courses but the choices may slightly vary depending upon the local market
needs. In urban areas, as the libraries associated with medical, business and
management, law, banks and financial institutions, and other special organizations
are well developed. In industrial areas, the scientific and technical libraries, and in
Content Analysis of Library & Information Science (LIS) Curricula in Pakistani Universities
21
rural areas, agricultural libraries are the need of the people. In federal and
provincial capital cities, the libraries of parliament and assemblies are also
established whereas public, school, children, and academic libraries are the need of
all the areas so the library schools covering the libraries of their jurisdiction, offer
optional courses of librarianship and information sources as per their need.
Following elective courses are being offered by the Pakistani library schools:
Table-8 Titles of elective courses offered by the library schools
Name of
University
Titles
Karachi University
Any One from the following:
Information Sources & Literature on Humanities
Information Sources & Literature on Science
Information Sources & Literature on Islam
Any One from the following:
Public Library, Library Legislation and System
Children Librarianship, School Library Media Center
Special Librarianship
Any One from the following:
Information Sources & Literature on Social Science
Information Sources & Literature on Technology
Information Sources & Literature on Pakistan
Any One from the following:
Archive Management and Preservation
Academic Libraries
Medical Libraries and Librarianship
Punjab University
Any Six from the following:
Digital Libraries
Project Management
Advanced Cataloguing and Classification
Indexing and Abstracting
Scientific and Technical Information Sources
Electronic Resources Management
Advance Management & Leadership Skills
Application of Information Systems
Semantic Web and Linked Data Technologies
Professional Communication Skills
School Library Media Center
Media Information Management
Jhss, Vol. 9, No. 1 , January to June, 2018
22
Thesis (6 credits)
Sindh University
Any Two from the following:
Bibliographical Control
Digital Library
Inf. Sources on Science, Technology, Humanities, Islam,
Pakistan
Intellectual Property Rights
Project Management
Serial Management
Database Design and Management
Any Two from the following:
Web Development
Knowledge Management
Human Resource Management
Financial Management
Archives and Records Management
Preservation and Conservation of Library Material
Media Librarianship
Peshawar
University
Any One from the following:
Information Sources of Science and Technology
Information Sources of Humanities and Social Sciences
Information Sources of Islam and Pakistan
Any One from the following:
Public Records, Rare and Archival Materials and
Preservation
Communication and Media Librarianship
Management of Information Systems
Special Libraries
Academic Libraries
Public Libraries and Legislation
Marketing of Library Information Services
Thesis
Baluchistan
University
Any Four from the following:
Digital Libraries
Media Librarianship
Data Base Design & Management
Web Development
Knowledge Management
Human Resource Management
Financial Management
Content Analysis of Library & Information Science (LIS) Curricula in Pakistani Universities
23
Archives & Records Management
Intellectual Property Rights
Bibliographic Control
Project Management
Preservation & Conservation of Library Material
Serial Management
Information Sources on Islam and Pakistan
Information Sources on Business & Industry
Information Sources on Health Sciences
Information Sources on Humanities and Social Sciences
Information Sources on Science & Technology
Information Sources on Law
Information Sources on Agriculture
Islamia University
Any Two from the following:
Literature on Humanities
Literature on Social Sciences
Literature on Science
Literature on Technology
Literature on Pakistan
Any One from the following:
Academic Libraries
School Libraries
Children Libraries
Public Libraries
Special Libraries
Agricultural Libraries
Health and Medical Libraries
Law Libraries
Science and Technology Libraries
Any One from the following:
Advanced Management Techniques
Public Record, Rare Materials and their Conservation
Communication and Media Librarianship
Indexing and Abstracting
Resource Sharing and Networking
International and Comparative Librarianship
Models for Library Management, Decision Making and
Planning
Any One from the following:
Web Publishing
Database Structure and design
Jhss, Vol. 9, No. 1 , January to June, 2018
24
Computer Networks
Computer Programming for Information Management
System Analysis and Design
Digital Libraries
Electronic Collection Management
Any Two from the following:
Serials Management
Information Policy
Knowledge Management
Financial Management Libraries and Information Centers
Information Seeking and Use
Project Management
Archives Management
Advanced Cataloguing and Classification
Information Architecture
Information Literacy Instruction
Records Management
Preservation and Conservation of Library and Archival
Material
Human Resource Management
Thesis and Viva Voce
AIOU
No Elective Courses except in lieu of following four
courses of last semester, the students may opt thesis
comprising 12 credit hours:
Public Records, Rare Material & their Conservation-I
Public Records, Rare Material & their Conservation-II
Management of Serials Publications-I
Management of Serials Publications-II
Sargodha
University
Any Two from the following:
Literature on Islam
Literature on Pakistan
Literature on Humanities
Literature on Social Sciences
Literature on Science
Literature on Technology
Any One from the following:
National Libraries
Academic Libraries
School Libraries
Content Analysis of Library & Information Science (LIS) Curricula in Pakistani Universities
25
Children Libraries
Public Libraries
Special Libraries
Agricultural Libraries
Health and Medical Libraries
Law Libraries
Science and Technology Libraries
Any One from the following:
Advanced Management Techniques
Public Records, Rare Materials and their Conservation
Communication and Media Librarianship
Indexing and Abstracting
Libraries and Society
International and Comparative Librarianship
Models for Library Management, Decision Making and
Planning
Any One from the following:
Web Publishing
Database Structure and Design
Computer Networks
Computer Programming for Information Management
Systems Analysis and Design
Digital Libraries
Any Two from the following:
Information Policy
Knowledge Management
Financial Management of Libraries and Information Centers
Information Seeking and Use
Project Management
Archives Management
Advanced Cataloguing and Classification
Resource Sharing and Networking
Records Management
Serials Management
Preservation and Conservation of Library and Archival
Material
Human Resource Management
Thesis and Viva Voce (6 credits)
Khushal Khan
Khattak University,
Karak
Any One from the following:
Information Sources and Literature on Social Science
Information Sources and Literature on Islam and Pakistan
Jhss, Vol. 9, No. 1 , January to June, 2018
26
Information Sources and Literature on Science and
Technology
Information Sources and Literature on Law
Bibliographical Control
In lieu of Research Project, following Two courses are
to be opted
Library and Information Software Packages (Theory &
Practical)
Information Seeking Behavior
Practical Component in Curricula
The LIS curriculum is composed of both theoretical and practical components.
Nature of some of the courses is fully practical-based whereas that of some other
courses is theory-cum-practical.
Table-9 Theory-Practical Components of the Courses
Uni
1st Semester
2nd
Semester
3rd
Semester
4th
Semester
Annual
T
h
Pr
T/
P
T
h
P
r
T/
P
T
h
P
r
T/
P
T
h
P
r
T/
P
Th
Pr
T/
P
KU
6
-
-
3
2
2
5
-
2
4
-
3
x
x
x
Pu
U
5
-
2
3
2
1
5
-
1
7
3
3
x
x
x
SiU
4
1
-
3
1
1
3
-
2
-
1
4
x
x
x
Pe
U
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
5+
4
0+
4
1+
1
BU
4
1
-
3
1
1
5
-
1
2
-
2
x
x
x
IU
4
-
2
2
2
2
4
-
1
5
1
-
x
x
x
AU
3
-
2
3
-
2
2
2
2
4
-
1
x
x
x
Sa
U
4
-
2
3
2
1
5
-
1
5
1
-
x
x
x
KK
6
-
-
2
2
2
4
-
2
3
1
2
x
x
x
“Th” indicates Theory
“Pr” indicates Practical
“T/P” indicates Theory-cum-Practical
Key:
KU = Karachi University, Karachi
PuU = Punjab University, Lahore
Content Analysis of Library & Information Science (LIS) Curricula in Pakistani Universities
27
SiU = Sindh University, Jamshore
PeU = Peshawar University, Peshawar
BU = Baluchistan University, Questta
IU = Islamia University, Bahawalpur
AU = Allama Iqbal Open University, Isl
SaU = Sargodha University, Sargodha
KK = Khushal Khan Khattak University, Karak
Teaching Methods
Both traditional and modern teaching methods are applied in all the universities of
Pakistan. Nature of some courses demands the conventional style of teaching in
which the focus is on teachers’ lecturing but the interaction and participation of the
pupils is also required. Some other courses demand the mediocre and modern styles
of teaching.
Table-10 Teaching Methods
Teaching Methods
KU
PuU
SiU
PeU
BU
IU
AU
SaU
KK
Lectures
Lectures-cum-Discussion
Group Discussion
Tutorials
x
x
x
x
x
x
Case Study
x
x
x
x
x
x
Assignments
Seminars
o
o
x
o
Panels of Experts
o
o
x
o
x
x
Brainstorming
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Group Work
x
x
x
x
Online Discussion
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Guest Speakers
o
x
x
x
x
Lab Exercises
Study Tours
o
o
o
o
o
o
x
Presentations
= Yes x = No o = Occasionally
Students Evaluation/Assessment Methods
System of examinations in all the universities is more or less same i.e. Theory and
Practical examinations are taken separately. But few other methods or systems are
Jhss, Vol. 9, No. 1 , January to June, 2018
28
also adopted in different courses. The following table defines clearly the assessment
methods in every library school:
Table-11 System and Methods of Assessment
Evaluation/Assessment
Methods
KU
PuU
SiU
PeU
BU
IU
AU
SaU
KK
Written Examinations
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Case Study
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Oral Presentations
N
N
N
N
N
N
Y
Y
Y
Formal Reports
O
O
N
N
N
Y
Y
Y
N
Individual Works
O
O
N
N
N
Y
Y
N
N
Group Projects
O
O
N
N
N
N
N
N
O
Practical Works
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Thesis and Viva Voce
O
O
O
O
O
O
Y
Y
Y
Y = Yes X = No O = Occasionally
Teaching Facilities/Aids
All the universities are trying their best to provide better teaching facilities and
well-equipped libraries and laboratories to their students.
Table-12 Teaching Facilities
Teaching Facilities/Aids
KU
PuU
SiU
PeU
BU
IU
AU
SaU
KK
Black/White Board
Overhead Projectors
x
x
x
x
x
LCDs
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Multimedia Presentation
Cataloguing/Classification
Lab
x
x
x
x
x
x
Cataloguing/Classification
Tools
Computer Lab
x
x
Departmental/Seminar
Library
x
x
x
x
Well-equipped Audiovisual
Lab
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Sound System
x
x
x
Content Analysis of Library & Information Science (LIS) Curricula in Pakistani Universities
29
Both modern and traditional teaching facilities/aids are available in all the
universities. Black/white board, the basic necessity of any educational institution, is
used by all library schools. As overhead projector has been replaced by multimedia,
so only three library schools i.e. Karachi, Punjab, and Sindh are still using it as well
as multimedia which is under use of all library schools. Only two library schools i.e.
Peshawar and Sargodha are maintaining well-equipped audiovisual lab where
besides other equipment, LCD is also available. All schools are imparting training to
their students with latest editions of all cataloguing and classification tools. Only
three departments are having the facilities of separate cataloguing/classification
labs whereas remaining departments are providing these services to their students
either in the classrooms or in the departmental or central library. Computer labs are
also maintained by all library schools except Allama Iqbal Open University.
The library education in Pakistan is heading towards right direction and not only
public sector but also the private sector universities are taking interest in opening
library and information science departments. Of nine public sector universities, only
one university is offering only 4-year BS program and only one university is offering
one-year each BLIS and MLIS programs. Four universities are offering 2-year
Masters program, and three universities are practicing both 2-year and 4-year
programs. As far as examination system is concerned, only Peshawar University is
following annual system whereas remaining eight universities are practicing
semester system. Number of courses offered in each semester is more or less equal
in all the universities. The core and technical courses are taught by all the
universities whereas specialized and elective courses are somewhat different but
majority of the courses are same. Most of the elective courses meet the local needs
of the library schools. All the library schools are focused on offering more and more
ICT-related courses to meet the national and international demands. In designing
and developing curriculum, the library schools pay special attention towards
practical component of the courses. All library schools are endeavoring their best to
adopt modern teaching methods and facilities. Students’ performance is evaluated
using all possible assessment methods. In short, the library education and library
schools of Pakistan are on the right track and meeting the challenges of
international market. To maintain the international repute, regular revision and
updating of curricula, training facilities to faculty members, use of modern
technology, and promotion of research activities are necessary.
Jhss, Vol. 9, No. 1 , January to June, 2018
30
Conclusion
The education of library science (now library and information science) was started
in 1956 from University of Karachi. At that time it was a one-year postgraduate
program and gradually it was elevated to higher level and today has reached to
Ph.D. Till 1982, five universities were offering programs in library science but later
on, the number started increasing. The other universities of Pakistan, following the
example of Karachi University, also started the programs and now nine public sector
and three private sector universities of Pakistan are offering professional degree
program in library and information science. Realizing the importance of library
education, the private universities have started offering the program up to Ph.D.
Although the program had been started as one year postgraduate diploma in Library
Science (PGD-LS), or DLS, or BLS, or equivalent but after some time, it had been
converted into one more year as MLS, or MA in Library Science but in the recent
years, due to the involvement of Higher Education Commission (HEC), emphasis
was given to 4-year BS program (equivalent to M.A.). Some universities adopted the
four-year program whereas some others continued with the two-year postgraduate
program. Today, a few universities are practicing 2-year, some other 4-year, and
some both the systems in parallel. As far as the system of education and
examination is concerned, till the end of 2016, except two universities (Peshawar
University and Baluchistan University) were practicing semester system whereas
these universities were following annual system but with the start of 2017,
Baluchistan University has also come in the mainstream and has adopted semester
system and now only Peshawar University is practicing annual system.
The graduates of the universities who had/have two degrees of one year each (most
commonly BLIS and MLIS) are in favor of continuation of these two separate
programs as after successful completion of one year, if the student wants to drop for
a reason or another, he/she can get a degree which would be useful for his/her
career. Most of the working librarians support this practice and demand all the
universities to follow the system.
As far as accreditation body to accredit a professional degree program is concerned,
unfortunately there is no such body. In western and developed countries, the
accreditation body recognizes the program of LIS and different organizations give
Content Analysis of Library & Information Science (LIS) Curricula in Pakistani Universities
31
preference to the candidates having passed professional education approved by
accredited council.
The Higher Education Commission has developed LIS curriculum and, from time to
time, revises it but the library schools, except one or two, develop their own
curricula as per local requirements. The curricula of all Pakistani library schools are
same with minor differences. All the universities are offering core courses to the
students of BLIS or equivalent while specialized and elective courses are taught in
next year. Although due to the demand, some of the courses have been bifurcated
into theory and practical but there is no proper ratio of credits and marks between
the two, nor do they have separate passing heads. The curriculum designed by HEC,
indicates ratio between theory and practice but either the universities are not
practicing the HEC curriculum or if practicing, they do not follow the standard ratio
of HEC.
Jhss, Vol. 9, No. 1 , January to June, 2018
32
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