DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL LIBRARIES IN PAKISTAN

摘要

Infomiation and communication technology (ICT) and industrial sectors in Pakistannhave made significant progress in recent years; nevertheless, the economy of Pakistannmainly depends on agriculture. Agricultural academic and research institutions innPakistan arc contributing their role for tlie development of agrieulliiriil fiekl. I libraries arenimportant part of these institutions for fulfilling the research and information needs ofnagricultural scientists and researchers. This paper is based on the literature. It examinesnthe status of agricultural libraries in Pakistan. The paper also explores the problemsnwhich agricultural libraries are facing in offering better services. Most common problemsninclude limited financial resources, lack of competent manpower, inadequate andnoutdated collection, absence of agricultural library edueation in library schools, and lacknof training facilities and continuing education programs for agricultural librarians. Thenpaper also investigates the growing trend of ICTs applications and use of CD-ROMndatabases in agricultural libraries. There appeared gap in local literature regardingncontemporary state of agricultural libraries in Pakistan.