ByFarasat Shafi-UllahLibrarianNational University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Islamabad- Pakistan

Automation in Libraries : Converting manual library functions i.e Acquisition, circulation, catalogue, Patron management and serial management on computer. Libraries and computers have deep link, a report for IFLA shows that the concept of computer in library related to post introduction of IBM 360 series in 1964. Economics also play a pivotal role in adaptation of technology especially in developing world.

Modern library service began in 1915 with the arrival of Asa Don Dickinson at the University of the Punjab to organize the University libraryEstablishment of Directorate of Archives and Libraries within the Ministry of Education was established in 1949 Establishment of Pakistan Bibliographical Working Group in 1950Pakistan Library Association (PLA) came in existence on March 1957, to care for all the LIS professionals problems.

Foreign Expertise for Automation: First Foreigner expert worked for library profession was Mr.L C.Key Key indicator for library automation in PakistanThree major library automation projects : NLDP, USAID etcStory of LAMP (Library Automation Management Program) was quite successful till early 1990s .We see no development in late 1990s specially when a significant change result in new publishing methods, online resources and computer technology i.e new windows, fast processor.

University Libraries in Federal Capital (Islamabad): 13 public sector and Three private sector universities are in Islamabad (Capital of Pakistan), (Pakistan, 2008).

Efforts for University libraries Automation : Some personal, individual and volunteer efforts give a impressive change in library automation and its services especially in major cities e.g. Islamabad (Capital), Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar.

HEC Initiatives for ICTs in University Libraries : HEC ( formally UGC) also launches National Digital Library Program by adapting INASP and PERI to boost ICT adaptation in HE libraries.

Current scenario of automation in university libraries: Most of libraries are still using free/open source or in-house developed library automation software's. In pakistan 02 Libraries are using off the shelf ILS, 28 are using open source or locally developed and 12 have put their data on LOC Z3950 gateway.

Bahria University is federally chartered public sector university established vide Presidential Ordinance No. V of 2000 on 7 Feb 2000.On 14th July 2005 library was shifted to new building and inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Shaukat Aziz (Bahria, 2010)Islamabad library has grown up to 22000 volumes, more than 2000 books on CDs, and more than 2000 theses. Islamabad Campus has more than 4500 students including under graduate and post graduate students. Library services are provided to 4500 students, more than 250 teaching staff and 150 non-teaching staff

Absence of library standards in existing 'Oracle-based system' at Bahria University. From the day first university was trying to automate the library. First developed software was Oracle based without any library standard i.e MARC21. Phases in Project management: At the time of joining at Bahria University in Feb 2005, the first project was assigned Shifting of library to new building and Library Management system implementation Web OPAC with live status of library collectionLocal Digital LibraryTheses depositoryMarc21 based data on LOC Z3950

Before starting this project following was consideredInformation auditICT capability studiesuser surveyFinal Decision : goes to free application provided by PakLAG. Now All Libraries are automated on free applications MS-Access based LIMS, WINISIS, and PakLAG OPAC & Digital Tool Kit and their catalogue on LOC Z3950.

Circulation is barcode enabled generated by LIMS and also give facility of borrower picture display during circulation processReporting module is very strong specially books issue history, books issue to me etcSpine labeling and barcode generation through thisAutomated stock taking

Web OPAC gives facility to user for log on and check the status of books issued to himTotal issue historyFine

During this entire process I found following challengesWhat is the best option ???: a managerial challenge : looking for a better and economical choice with a small and less skilled team was a big challenge.Training needs of Library Staff : Adapting change is necessary to implement automation project. This become bigger challenge and trickier when you are simultaneously heading a team as boss and project director also. Change management (readiness of staff to adopt new technology): Another challenge was ensure staff especially clerical and para-professional staff with less ICT skill that this change will not affect their current job but facilitate their work. Infrastructural barriers/organizational barriers : In addition to all these managerial challenges the biggest challenge was retrospective data conversion to current system, selection of appropriate hardware. Priorities on 'to do list'... : New site preparation according to new hardware including cabling and provision of equipment in existing circulation desk were mainly decided after consulting the library handbooks and library furniture catalogues e.g Gresswell and Gaylord

challenges are too many as;Selecting ICT packages for automationStaff training and preparation for new systemFunds and other available resourcesSupporting staff to adapt and sustain the changeSuccessful completion of project

Marketing and further sharing of successful projects i.e. propagating the success storiesAcknowledge the professionals who guided and involved in any part of projectBetter understanding of ICT, its application specially emerging trends and style of services i.e. Web 2.0/3

LIMS (MS-Access based)PakLAG Web OPACPakLAG Digital Library ToolkitMarcEditZebra ServerYaz ClientAll these software's applications are free and their support is also available. To share all this a training was also arranged training at Bahria University for experience sharing

On the basis of professional experience further is recommended for Pakistani librarianship;

Inclusion of more ICT in LIS school syllabus

Patronizing the volunteer efforts e.g. PakLAG, LibCoop, Librarian Welfare by joint trainings with existing professional bodies

To steer library automation in the country PLA should nominate a person in each provincial office as Library Automation Advisor who should have hands on experience of library automation and can guide other professionals for this

Whatever we say it adaptability, change or professionalism. Darwin Theory of evolution Survival for the fittest dominate .

Change is the only permanent thing in the world. The people who are not adaptable they are like still water which result nothing but ?????????

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