Library Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan.

A descriptive and analytical Case Study

Abstract:

Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan is a fastest growing University of Southern Punjab, (Pakistan).

It has vast disciplines of Arts, Social Sciences, Languages, Commerce, Law, Pure Sciences, Sports Sciences,

Engineering, Agricultural, and Veterinary Disciplines. Total number of students studying in this university is

17000, Role of libraries in promotion of education and research is familiar to every one. This case study reveals

present status and structure of library systems of this University. It reveals entire structure, i.e. Service

Structure of Librarians, services, facilities and opportunities providing to readers. In this paper, staff, services

rendered, automation situation, annual budget, etc., have been discussed.

Keywords: Library, Bahauddin Zakariya University; Departmental libraries, Bahauddin Zakariya University,

Unit Libraries, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan.

Introduction:

Case study is a research approach that focuses on a detailed account of one or more individual cases, i.

e. of a single individual, group, incident, or community.

Documented study of a specific real-life situation or imagined scenario, used as

a training tool in business schools and firms. Students or trainees are required to analyze the

prescribed cases and present their interpretations or solutions, supported by the line of

reasoning employed and assumptions made.1

Bhatti, R. & Chohan, T. M., (2010) explained that case study research provides a detailed portrayal and

an understanding in depth of a single phenomenon - such as an issuance policy, service provision. It usually

carries out within a much more limited timescale than an ethnographic study and is likely to have interviews

and documents as its main data sources.2

Kumar, R., described that case study method is an approach to studying a social phenomenon through a

thorough analysis of an individual case. The case may be a person, group episode, process, community, society
or any other unit of social life. All data are gathered and organized in terms of the case. It provides an

opportunity for the intensive analysis of many specific details often overlooked by other method.3

Research Methodology

Authors used method of data collection through four methods i) available data: ii) communication with

related library professionals, iii) personal observations & experience and iv). Information collected from official

documents and records. Internship/practicum reports also provided more information about library. Authors

themselves are serving in this University since, 1977 and they had vast experience and knowledge about the

developments and prevailing system and structure of library.

Objective of Study:

Main objective of this study is to reveal whole library structure of this University. Paper explained the

status of collection, organization of reading material, services provided by libraries situation of physical

facilities provided by libraries. To disclose facilities provided by different library units. It also provides

information about their services, reading material and problems facing in libraries. At the end discussion and

conclusion about the whole situation is also included.

The City of Multan:

According to Dunlop, J., The city of Mooltan, already celebrated in ancient annual, has during the past

year filled an important page in modern history. Sir Alexander Burnes states that he heard it styled by the

natives, mallithan, which he translates the place of the Malli, and thence infers that it was the Cith which

was, according to Arain, taken by Alexander the great. Mooltan was thew favourite resting place of

Aurungzeb in his progresses through the Empire. It was besieged and taken by the Muhaomedans under Ben

Kasmin at the end of the eight century; by Mahomat Ghiznee two centuries later; by Mahomat Ghori in 1176;

by Tamerlane in 1398; by Runjeet Singh in 1818; and lastly, by the forces of Anglo- India 1849. The city is

built on high mound, and is enclosed within a wall from forty to fifty feet high. On three sides of the town these

walls pierced with seven gates.4

 According to Khan, Dr. Ahmad Nabi, The contribution of Multan towards the inception, evolution and

dissemination of a particular style of architecture is all the more unique. Although the earliest known

monument of the style was produced somewhere else, yet its polarization and dissemination took place here,

and in this connection the distinguished services of the Shurawardiya saint particularly Shaikh Bah-al-Din

Zakariya and his grandson Shaikh Rukne-Din were unprecedented.5

Bahauddin Zakariya University Prospectus, Multan has remained a center of excellence in education.

Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya (1172-1262), a Muslim religious scholar and saint established a school of higher

learning in theology in Multan; where scholars from all over the world came for studies and research.6

Bahauddin Zakariya University:

According to Bahauddin Zakariya University Prospectus, the University of Multan was established in

1975 by an act of the Punjab Legislative Assembly. To pay homage to the Great Saint, the name was changed

from University of Multan to Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan in 1979. The University offers a wide

range of program: M.A, M. Sc., MBA, M. com MCS., M. Phil and Ph. D / Additionally, in recent years, the

University has taken a lead to introduce 4-year undergraduate programs in Science, Commerce, Business,

Pharmacy, Engineering and English Literature & Language. Various short-time Course and Diplomas have

become popular with the general public and are offered from time to time.7

The chart shows collective strength of students, admitted and studying in this university. It also describes the

load of readers upon Central as well as different departmental libraries.

Centralized System vs. Decentralized Systems:

According to Haroon Idrees, normally, university have any of three library systems these are: 1) A

strong single Central Library; 2).A decentralized library service with no coordination; 3) A Central Library

along with seminar libraries.8 Present library system of Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan is not

completely centralized, because most of unit libraries are working in their respective academic blocks while

some are situated in Central Library. Library has neither centralized nor decentralized systems. From 1976 to

onward its working was semi centralized, after the construction of Central Library building in 1991, on different
occasion higher authorities decided some times centralized or some times decentralized system. In above

mentioned three types its system falls in 2nd Category.

Those library units which are situated in Central Library are also working as unit libraries. In this

situated, it is assumed that University observed decentralized system.

CENTRAL LIBRARY

According to Yaqub Ali, Building of Central Library consists of 03 stories. Its covered area is 40000Sq

Ft. It has the capacity to shelve about 300000 books and to arrange 300 seats for reading. Absolutely functional

library building provides as well designed working area for administrative and technical jobs, an exhibition

lobby, a spacious reference hall, wide open halls for stacking and reading , a special collection hall, a seminal

hall, a meeting room, staff room and 10 research cabins for research scholars.9 It has best arrangements for

ventilations and light. Air conditioners are provided for making the environment comfortable on ground and

first floors. At present, Arabic, Islamic Studies, English, Business Administration, Urdu, Political Science,

International Affairs, Pakistan Studies and History libraries are working in the Central Library.

Presently, Central Library has been working undeclared non lending library, because central library has

been providing circulation services to only those readers whose departmental libraries are situated in this

vicinity. It is also assumed that students of a department could not borrow reading material of other

departmental library, also situated in Central Library.

Administrative setup:

Usually libraries have two main divisions, the reader services division and the technical services

division. Unfortunately, in this library, lack of administrative division is found. It is also due to lack of

professional staff. Each staff has been performing different nature of job e.g. an Assistant librarian has been

performing duties as Reference Librarian and responsible for automation/software development. In this way the

administrative hierarchy has also not been developed up-till now.

Collection of Central Library

Central Library has nearly 97486 volumes. Most of the collection is in English Language, other

collection consists upon oriental languages i.e. Urdu, Arabic, Saraiki, Persian etc.
 Special Collections:

Nawab Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani Collection

Rasheed Siddiqui Collection

Reference Section

Reference Section of library is situation on ground floor and consists on an air conditioned hall.

Approximately 2100 books are available for reference service. Reference tools provided in this library includes

encyclopedias, year books, hand books, Almanacs, Dictionaries, Atlases, Gazetteers, Indexes, Bibliographies,

Accession lists Maps etc, Reference material can only be utilized within library premises and cannot be

borrowed. Only for photocopying purpose, reading material is provided to readers.

Serial Section

Library subscribes 11 daily News papers, in which 07 in Urdu Language (Jung, Nawa-e-Waqt, Khabrain,

Pakistan, Uosaf, Express, Naya Dour) and 4 in English, (Dawn, The Post, The News, The Nation) 10 periodicals

of different frequencies (Akhbar-e-Jahan, Family, Newsweek, Time, Friday Times, Urdu, Digist, Readers

Digest, Spider, Newsline, She) for creating awareness to users. This section also maintains previous record of

these issues in bound form and this service is provided to readers on demand.

Theses / Dissertations Collection:

Copies of theses M.A M. Sc, M. Phil and Ph. D. provide by the Academic departments are available in

this section. Library holds total 1085 M. A. M. Sc, M. Phil and Ph. D, theses among those 66 theses are related

to Ph. D.

Computer Internet Lab:

To facilitate readers, Central Library has developed a computer internet lab. This lab has two portions

one for University faculty members and other for students. It is equipped with 35 nodes hooked up with

intranet and internet. Along with other staff, a qualified computer professional is also available in this lab for

guiding and solving problems of users

Acquisition of Reading Material:

 In the beginning of 1976, when library started functioning, centralized acquisition system was adopted.

In 2001, it is felt that centralized acquisition creates hurdles and due to this reason, complete decentralized

system of acquisition was adopted. But, in 2007, University administration suddenly decided to re-adopt

centralized acquisition system which is still in practice.

DEPARTM ENTAL LIBRARIES.

Administrative Setup:

As discussed above, approximately all departments have their own unit libraries. Where two or more

departments are functioning, libraries of these departments have been merged in one unit library. Unit libraries

have been working under direct control of their building Incharge or Head of respective department. In all

matters, departmental libraries are independent units. Library professionals are responsible for administration of

these libraries.

o Budget and Financial Matters:

Budget for purchase of library books for Central Library and departmental libraries are allocated

under-7 university library Head of Annual Budget Estimates. While budget for purchase of books for

libraries of constituent colleges and Campus of other cities is separately allocated in their respective budget

heads. Library committee distributes reallocates budget for Central / departmental libraries. In following Charts

re-allocation/distribution of budget of last 10 years for purchase of books has been provided.

Staff and Collection:

Most of departmental libraries have at least one professional staff member. Detail of library staff

working in Central / Departmental libraries and detail of Book collection is as under:-

Table 1
S. No. Departmenta/Institute/College, Program Morning + Strength of

Facultywith year of Establishment

of Commerce, Law & Business Administration..Evening Students in

S Department Program Morning + Strengt

all session.
1. Department of Economics 1975 BS-4. 44 176
. /Institute/College, with M. A Evening85+65=150 h of 300
M. Phil 22 64
N year of Establishment Ph. D Student
Department of Education (1986)
o 2.
BS-4. 44 176
s in all
M.A 83+75=158 316
M. Ed
session
M. Phil 22 44
1 Institute of Management BBA Ph. D 84+65=149 198

. 3. Department of History (1976) MBA/MS

Sciences (1977)
M.A after 86+67=155
84 310 168

BBA M. Phil
Hons 22 44
Ph. D
MBA Banking & 66 132
4. Department of Geography (2009) M. Sc 45 90
Finance
MBA II 43+43=86 172
5. Department of Pakistan StudiesMS Leading
M.A to 85

(1998) M. Phil ----

PH. DPh. D
2 Department of Commerce BS (Accounting & 66 254
Gender Studies (2008) M.A 60 120
. (1996) Finance
6. Department of Political ScienceBS
& (Commerce)
M.A 85+55=140
66 254 280
International Relation (1975) M. Sc. (Accounting
M. Phil 22
82 164 44
Ph. D
& Finance)
7. Department of Mass BS-4 43 172
M. Sc 3 years 50 150
M. A 72+60=132 264
Communication
(Commerce)
M. Phil 22 44
M. Com
Ph. D
3 BZ University Gilani Law BA/LL.B. 67 335
8. Department of Sociology (2001) BS-4 44 176
M.A 64+55=119 238
College (1971) 5 years)
M. Phil 22 44
LL.B (3 years) 78+70=148 444
Department of Applied
9. of engineering and Technology BS-4 44 176
Faculty
M. A 63 126
S Department /Institute
Psychology (2000) Program Morning + Strengt
M. Phil 22 44
Advance 28 20
. /College, with year of Evening h of
Diploma
N Establishment Student
Clinical
o s in all
Psychology
. 10. Department of Philosophy (2003) BS-4 44 session 176
1 Department of Civil B. ScM. A 63
57 228 126
M. Phil
. 11.
Engineering
Department(1994)
of Sports Science Engineering
M. Sc. 4 90
2 Department of Electrical B. Sc 57 228
(2010) 5
Engineering (1997
Multan College of Arts (2003)
Engineering
12. BFA (Bachelor 32 128
3 Building & Architectural B. Sc 44 176
Fine Arts)
Engineering Department Engineering
B. Des 32 128

(2001) (Bachelor of

Design)
4 Computer engineering B. Sc 44 176

Department (2004) Engineering

5 Mechanical Engineering B. Sc 56 224

Department (2004) Engineering

6 BZ. University College of B. Sc 56 224

Textile Engineering (2004) Engineering

7 Institute of Advanced B Sc. 40+30=7 280

Material (2007)
Faculty of Islamic Studies & Languages
S. Department / Institute / College, Program Morning + Evening Strength

N with year of establishment. of

o. Students

in all

session
1 Department of Arabic M. A 84 168
M. Phil 22 44
Ph. D
Diploma
2 Department of English (1975) BS-4 44 176
M. A 85+70+45=200 400
M. Phil
Ph. D
Diploma ELT
3 Department of Islamic BS-4 43 172
M. A 85 170
Studies (1982) M. Phil 22 44
Ph. D
4 Department of Urdu M. A 84 168
M. Phil 22 44
Ph. D
5 Department of Siraiki Area M. A 25 50
M. Phil
study Center (2006)
Ph. D

Faculty of Pharmacy
Department / Institute / Program Morning + Evening Strength

College, with year of of

Students
Establishment.
in all

session
1 Department of Pharmacy Pharma 1) 116+102=218 872
M. Phil 66 132
(1976) Ph. D
Faculty of Science & Agriculture
S Department / Institute / Program Morning + Evening Strength

of
. College, with year of
Students
N Establishment
in all
o session
.
1 Department of Botany BS-4 52 208
M. Sc. 82+75=157 314
M. Phil 22 44
(1984) Ph. D
2 Department of Zoology BS-4 52 208
M. Sc. 82+75=157 314
M. Phil 22 44
(1986) Ph. D
3 Department of Chemistry BS-4 77 308
M. Sc. 85+81=166 332
M. Phil 66 132
Ph. D
4 Center of Advanced Studies BS-4 52 104
M. Sc 84+65=149 298
in Pure & Applied M. Phil 22 44
Ph. D

Mathematics
5 Institute of Computing BS (CS) 80 320
BS (IT) 48 192
BS(TS) 47 94
MCS 74+53+127 254
MIT 46 92
M. Sc (TS) 47 94
MC (CS) 21 42
6 Department of Physics BS-4 53
M. Sc (Physics) 85+45=120
M. Sc. Applied Physics) 52
MS/M. Phil 22
Ph. D
7 Department of BS-4 35 140
M. Sc. 36+28=64 128
M. Phil 22 44
Biotechnology (1995) Ph. D
8 Department of Statistics BS-4 52 208
M. Sc. 64+65=149 298
MS/M Phil 2 22 44
(1976) PH. D
PGD (CP&CS)
9 Department of Environment BS-4 24 96

Science (2010)
1 University College of B. Sc (Hons) 82 328
M. Sc (Hons)
0 Agriculture & Agriculture B. Sc . Agriculture

Engineering
Engineering (1989) M. Sc. Agriculture

Engineering
M. Phil 110 220
Ph. D Agriculture.

Engineering

S Department / Institute /

. College, with year of

N Establishment

.
1 Department of Veterinary DVM 68+50=118 472
 Science (2006)
M .Phil 66 123
Ph, D

Table 2

S.# Departm Budget allocation from 2000-2001 to 2010-2011.

ent

/Institute
2001- 2002- 2003- 2004- 2005- 2006- 2007- 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1 Central 150000 290000 350000 700000 200000 89882 600000 355000

Library
2 Physics 25000 40000 90000 75000 150000 95000 200000 200000 200000 150000
3 Chemistry 25000 40000 90000 75000 150000 95000 200000 200000 200000 150000
4 Pharmacy 25000 40000 90000 75000 150000 95000 200000 200000 200000 150000
5 Mathematic 25000 40000 90000 75000 150000 95000 200000 200000 200000 150000

s
6 Statistics 25000 40000 90000 75000 150000 95000 200000 100000 200000 150000
7 Botany 25000 40000 90000 75000 150000 95000 200000 200000 200000 150000
8 Zoology 25000 40000 90000 75000 150000 95000 200000 200000 200000 150000
9 Advanced 25000 ------ ----- 75000 500000 500000 200000 300000 200000 150000

Materials
10 Computer 25000 40000 90000 75000 150000 95000 200000 200000 200000 150000

Sc.
11 Education 20000 30000 60000 50000 100000 60000 100000 200000 100000 100000
12 Economics 20000 30000 60000 50000 100000 60000 100000 150000 100000 100000
13 Managemen 20000 30000 60000 50000 100000 60000 100000 200000 400000 200000

t Sc.
14 Mass 20000 30000 60000 50000 100000 100000 75000 100000 100000 100000

Communica

tion
15 Psychology 20000 30000 60000 50000 100000 100000 75000 100000 100000 100000
16 Sociology 20000 30000 60000 50000 100000 100000 75000 100000 100000 100000
17 Philosophy ----- ------- ------ ------- 100000 60000 75000 100000 100000 100000
18 Veterinary ----- ------- ------ ------- 95000 200000 300000 200000 150000

Science
19 Urdu 20000 30000 60000 50000 100000 60000 75000 100000 100000 100000
20 English 20000 30000 60000 50000 100000 60000 100000 200000 100000 100000
21 History 20000 30000 60000 50000 100000 60000 75000 100000 100000 100000
Political Sc 20000 30000 60000 50000 100000 60000 75000 100000 200000 200000

&

Internationa

l Affairs
22 Arabic 20000 30000 60000 50000 100000 60000 75000 100000 100000 100000
23 Gillani Law 50000 50000 60000 100000 100000 100000 200000 200000 100000

College
24 Agriculture 50000 50000 125000 125000 300000 200000 200000 150000

&

Agriculture

Engineering
25 Engineering 50000 55000 500000 500000 500000 550000 500000 500000
 and

Technology
26 Textile ------- ------- -------- ------- 200000 200000 200000 400000 200000 ------

Engineering
27 Saraiki ------ 95000 95000 50000 100000 100000 100000
28 Commerce 20000 30000 60000 100000 100000 100000 150000 200000 100000
29 College of ----- ------- 60000 100000 100000 100000 150000 200000 100000

Arts
30 Undergradu 50000 90000 20000 20000 300000 300000 150000

ate

Table 3

S. No. Department/Institute Professional Non Attendant Collection.

/ Constituent College Staff Professional &

Libraries. Staff others

1 Central Library 03 10 13 97486
2 Physics 01 01 01 7701
3 Chemistry 01 01 01 7769
4 Pharmacy 01 01 01 6463
5 Mathematics 01 01 01 7121
6 Statistics 4135
7 Botany 01 01 01 2505
8 Zoology 3511
9 Advanced Materials 01 -- 01 1593
10 Computer Science 01 -- 01 4385
11 Education 01 01 -- 3848
12 Economics 01 01 01 5300
13 Urdu (Khalil Siddiqui 01 01 01 18128

Library)
14 Management Sciences 01 01 01 4920
15 Reference Library 01 01 01 2701

IMS
16 Mass Communication -- 01 01 3318
17 Psychology 01 01 01 1550
18 Sociology --- -- -- 1596
19 Philosophy -- --- -- 557
20 Veterinary Sciences -- 01 -- 650
21 Urdu 01 01 01 13832
22 English 9601
23 Islamic Studies 11129
24 Arabic 3808
25 History 13832
26 Political Science & 5109

International Affairs.
27 Pakistan Studies 2043
28 Geography 112
29 Gender Studies.
30 Commerce 01 01 -- 4236
31 University Gillani -- -- 02 21500
 Law College
32 University College of 01 -- 01 5663

Agriculture &

Agriculture

Engineering
33 Civil Engineering 02 01 01 4429
34 Electrical Engineering 5014
35 Mechanical 2289

Engineering
36 Computer Engineering 1560
37 Building & 472

Architecture
38 University College of -- 01 01 2050

Textile Engineering
39 Sariaki 01 01 01 10025
40 Multan College of -- -- 01 700

Arts.
41 Undergraduate Center -- 01 -- 1933

Serials / Periodicals:

Serials are an important source of libraries for providing current information to their readers. Each

library with its financial limit, tries to purchase journals / magazines to fulfill the requirements of the readers.

According to Periodical Registers of Libraries, detail of the journals / magazines being subscribed by

departmental libraries is as under:-

S Name of

. Department / Periodicals

N Institute /

o Constituent

College Library
1 Physics Daily:3 Urdu (Nawa-e-Waqt, Jung, Ousaf) & 1. English (Dawn)

Weekly: 1 Urdu (Akhbar-e-Jahan)

2 Chemistry Daily: 1 Urdu (Nawa-e-Waqt Junj, Pakistan) & 1. English ( The Nation,

Dwan) Weekly: 1 Urdu (Akhbar-e-Jahan)

3 Pharmacy Daily: 2 Urdu (Nawa-e-Waqt , Pakistan, Ousaf)

Weekly: 1 English (NewsweeK)

4 Mathematics / Daily: 3 Urdu (Nawa-e-Waqt, Pakistan Ousaf) & 1. English

Statistics (Dawn)
 Weekly: 1 Urdu (Akhbar-e-Jahan)
5 Botany / Daily: 1 Urdu (Nawa-e-Waqt) & 1 English (Dawn)

Zoology Weekly: 1 Urdu (Akhbar e-Jahan)

6 Advance Daily: 1 Urdu (Jung, Ousaf, Pakistan) & 1 English (Dawn)

Materials
7 Computer Daily: 3 Urdu (Jung, Ousaf, Pakistan ) & 1 English (Dawn)

Science
8 Education Daily: 3 Urdu (Nawa-e-Waqt, Pakistan, Ousaf) & 1. English

(Dawn) Weekly: I Urdu (Akhbar-e-Jahan

9 Economics Daily: 3 Urdu (Nawa-e-Waqt, Paksitan, Ousaf, & 1. English

(Dawn)
1 Urdu (Khalil Daily: 3 Urdu (Jung, Ousaf, Pakistan & 1. English (The News)

0 siddiqui Library) Weekly:1 Urdu (Akhbar-e-Jahan)

1 Reference Daily: 1 Urdu (Nawa-e-Waqt, & 1. English ( Dawn)

1 Library Institute Weekly: 5. English (Time, Newsweek Economist, Spider,

of Management
internet)
Science
1 Mass Daily: 6. Urdu (Nawa-e-Waqt, Jung, Khabrain, Pakistan Express,

2 Communication Ousaf & 2. English ( The News, Dawn)

Weekly: 1 Urdu (Akhbar-e-Jahan), 1. English (Times)

1 Psychology Daily: 4 Urdu (Nawa-e-Waqt, Jung, Pakistan, Ousaf & 1. English

3 Sociology (Dawn)
Philosophy
1 Veterinary Daily: 2 Urdu (Khabrain, Jung, &1. English (Dawn)

4 Science s
1 History Daily:2. Urdu (Nawa-e-Waqt, Pakistan & 1. English (Dawn)

5 Weekly: 1. Urdu, (Akhbar-e-Jahan)

1 Commerce Daily: 1. Urdu (Jung) & 1. English (Dawn)

6 Weekly: 3. English (Business Recorder, The Economist, Spider)

1 University Daily: 2 Urdu (Khabrain, Jung, & 1. English (Dawn)

7 Gillani Law

College
1 Agriculture & Daily: 4. Urdu (Khabrain Nawa-e-Waqt, Jung, Pakistan &

8 Agriculture 1. English (Dawn).

Engineering
1 Engineering and Daily: 4 Urdu (Khabrain, Nawa-e-Waqt, Jung, Pakistan &

9 Technology 1. English
 Weekly: 1 Urdu (Akhbar-e-Jahan)
2 Textile Daily: 2. Urdu (Nawa-e-Waqt, Jung, & 1. English (Dawn)

0 Engineering
2 Multan College Daily: 1. Urdu (Khabrain)

1 of Arts
2 Saraiki Daily: 1. Urdu (Express) & 1. English (Dawn)

2
3 Undergraduate Daily: 3. Urdu (Khabrain, Jung, Express & 2. English (Dawn,

2 Studies Center The News)

Weekly: 1. Urdu (Akhbar-e-Jahan) 1. English Time)

Members of Library:

Only students of relevant departments could get membership of their departmental libraries respective

departmental library is responsible for issuance of Borrower cards to its admitted students. However, all

enrolled students could study reading material within the premises of library. Regular academic staff of

University can borrow reading material form each Unit library but the lending facilities are restricted to only

students of relevant department. Academic staff allowed for getting reading material from each unit library.

Reading facilities of other than university readers could also be provided after getting permission from Head of

department.

Technology Processes:

Reading material, after acquisition, has been shifted to departmental / unit libraries. All technical

processes are performed by Professional staff of unit libraries. Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) scheme is

being used for classifying the reading material. Some libraries are using 19 th edition and mostly are using 21st

edition. Oriental, Arabic and Islamic Studies Libraries are using Shafi and Sabzwari Classification rules. For

author notation, Cutter Table in not in use. Presently, first three digits of Authors name and first digit of title

are being used. Manual catalogues are also prepared by unit libraries according to AACR2, but they are using

middle level. Some unit libraries are not preparing Subject catalogue.
 S. No. Category No. of Books Described Period.
1 Students 04 30 days
2 Teachers 25 02 Month
3 Researchers 06 15 Days
o o Union Catalogue:

Manual Services of union catalogue has not been available both in Central and Unit libraries.

According to Bahauddin Zakariya University News Bulletin (2004) Computers along with necessary items for

automation have been provided to the central as well as unit libraries. Data regarding all the books have been

fed in the database, networking of all the libraries has been completed and they have been connected through

LAN11 online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) is available on intranet and internet as well. Unfortunately, it

has not been updated and revised sine a long time. Now data of Central /Departmental libraries is being fed in

database of new software and in this way, it is hoped that OPAC will be updated in near future.

o Organization of Reading Material

After completion of technical processes, spine labeling has been performed. Most of libraries got print

of spine labels form printers, along with both call numbers and Accession numbers. Professional staff along

with non professional staff organized this reading material. Usually, Libraries have been adopting open shelf

system.

o Circulation Services:

For purpose of circulation all unit libraries are adopting uniform library rules. According to B. Z.

University calendar Vol.-1, (2010). Following are the rules of Central Library of BZU.

Regular students of the university, teachers, and employees are eligible to get the membership. After

receiving the verified list of admitted students, library issues the library cards to the students after

getting the photograph of each student.


A card known as the Borrowers card may be issued to each person entitled to draw books form the

library on his application. Such card shall be non-transferable and shall have to be presented at the

counter at the time of borrowing or returning books. In case of losing the card, the card holder shall

inform the librarian in writing. A duplicate card may be issued to him issued on his card.

Card holder shall be personally responsible for the safe return of all books issued on his card.

The following persons shall be eligible to become the members of the library. The entitlement for

drawing the books is mentioned against each person.

A book if not required by any other member may be re-issued to the same card holder.

Members who lose any library book shall be required to replace the lost material with new one or

pay the double cost according to rules.

Reference material is not issued to the members.10

o Inter Library Loan:

Inter library loan is another facility providing by libraries to its readers. It could be provided more

efficiently in presence of union catalogue. Presently, Library has been in transitional phase of data feeding in

new in house developed software. It is hoped that after completion of data feeding, union catalogue should be

available on intranet and internet also. After that libraries would be in a position to start this precious service to

its readers.

o Reference Service:
 In all unit libraries, reference collections have been organized, in separate portions cupboards, Reference

service and answers of reference questions have been provided by professional library staff efficiently and

dedicatedly. Most of Library professionals have dual Master degree.

o Photo copying service:

Photocopying shops are almost situated near each department. Most of departmental libraries provide

facilities of photocopying to its members and this facility is also given to other readers who come causally and

other non members of libraries.

o Current awareness Services & Selective Dissemination of Information:

Unit libraries are continuously providing current awareness service to its readers. New arrivals lists are

provided to faculty members and also available within library for ready reference. Selective dissemination of

information for academic staff and researchers is also provided by professional library staff.

o Automation / Software:

Bahauddin Zakariya University purchased a microcomputer in 1991. This computer was purchased for

automation of library system. Vender also provided library software for automation of library inventory record.

But, this software could not fulfill requirements of complete library automation. As mentioned by Yaqub Ali

(1991), university library has purchased Macintosh micro computer having 256 K ROM and 4 RAM, 160 MB

hard disk and a dot matrix printer. The supplier has developed software for executing library operations. 11

Another attempt was made for automation in 2001; University authorities took keen interest and

purchased 30 Pentium 3 Computers. This time software was developed by university itself. These computers

were distributed to departmental libraries also for automation. While in first attempt only central library was

planned to be automated library. This software was also not according to International standards.

Developmental libraries entered their complete inventory record in database. But, this software was used only

for cataloguing and searching purpose. On the other hand, it was only in English language and could not fulfill
oriental and other languages. In this way, major collection of libraries was not fed in that software. In 2008,

University decided to develop complete software for all university operations e.g. accounts, administration,

registration, transport etc. Library software was also on part of that Campus Management System (CMS).

After two and half years, integrated software for using both Central Library as well as Departmental libraries

has been developed, which has also capabilities of multilingual data feeding. But, unfortunately, this firm has

lapsed his time to complete whole software and library data was in transition stage. Software has not been

tested so far.

o Theses Collection:

Each departmental library along-with other reading material also maintained theses collection. Each

library has a rich collection of this research documents. Libraries also organize this collection, and provide

services to their readers. This collection also treated as reference material and could not be issued to any reader.

However, libraries provide photocopying facilities of relevant material desired by readers.

o Building / Space:

Libraries are public places, where people come for reading and quench their thirst of knowledge.

Building of library should be attractive, comfortable, and widened according to nature and scope of its purpose.

In Bahauddin Zakariya University most of departmental libraries are working in only one room, where staff,

stacks, store are all situated in same vicinity.

o Reading Room:

Reading room is basic requirement of any library. No library could be called a library without reading

room. In departmental libraries, no separate accommodation is being provided for reading room. Readers could

read in that same vicinity, where all other activities have been performing. So a suitable environment for

reading is not available in most of library.

 o User education:

It is also function of library to educate its readers about procedure and system of library. In this

way readers could be able to utilize library services more effectively. In the beginning of the session,

Departmental Libraries of Bahauddin Zakariya University, delivered library orientation lectures to each

class. Central Library also performed this activity, on demand of departments and on the visits of classes

or visits of readers from other institutions.

Discussion:

Central Library, Bahauddin Zakariya University, has a marvelous building, but most of its

capacity is occupied by other departments since a long time. Library is almost observing decentralized

system, but due to unknown reasons some departmental libraries are working in this building, in spite of

their own buildings. No permanent decision has been taken since very beginning for centralization or

decentralization system.

Acquisition section has been working without direct supervision of technical/ qualified staff;

junior official staff has been performing all activities independently since a long time. Technical Section

also not exists in its real form. Technical processes have been performed on each unit level or section of

Central Library. In this way uniformity in function is not possible.

Annual financial budgets for departmental libraries are very short and not fulfill requirement of

all subject/papers requirements being taught in the university. Budget for periodical literature is also

very short and Scholarly Journals are not being subscribed in departmental libraries as well as Central

Library. Research Scholars fulfill their requirements of current literature from HEC databases and their

own resources.
 Both Departmental as well as Central Library are facing problems of staff. Due to this

administrative hierarchy has not been developed in Central Library. Strength of staff in departmental

Libraries is same as 25 years before, while number of students and reading material is continuously

increasing. In this situation services level has been declining day by day.

Due to lack of union catalogue, most of departments are purchasing duplicate copies of same

documents. In the absence of union catalogue, services of inter library loan are also not providing.

Readers of one department are also not allowed to get reading material from other departmental

libraries. In this way, readers are facing problems in acquiring reading material available in other unit

libraries.

Complete software for automation is also not developed up till now. Third attempt has also

stopped in mid of its development. University authorities have tried thrice for in house development, but

no struggle has been accomplished. Data of documents has been fed three time labor but no result has

been achieved. Many unit libraries are using 2nd developed software for inventory record and searching

purpose. Some are using newly developed software, which is in transition stage. With respect to

software, most of the problems related to oriental languages, e.g. Arabic, Urdu, Sariaki etc.

Conclusion and recommendations:

Funds should be increased for purchase of reading material to both unit as well as Central

Library.

Separate allocation may be made for purchase of at least two peer reviewed journals to each unit

library and 10 for Central Library.

Decision must be taken for centralization or decentralization of Library structure.

 Special attention has been required for development of Reference section of Central Library.

Reference section should be furnished with latest reference material.

Decentralized Acquisition is also suggested, because it is not possible for vast and continuously

growing library system to adopt centralized acquisition system.

Professional trained staff may be appointed / deputed for smooth functioning of Acquisition

Section.

For uniform technical operations Technical Section should be developed.

Tailor made software should be purchased, which have ability to work in multi lingual functions

and could perform integrated with unit libraries and also has off line/ batch processing facility. It

also resolved problems of union catalogue (OPAC) and inter library loan.

More online full text databases, on the recommendations of Faculty members and researchers

should be provided.

Digitization of Newspapers and other rare book material should be designed for easy searching,

it also resolve space problem.

Facility of Inter Library Loan may be started without delay.

References:

1. http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/case-study.html

2. Bhatti, R. & Chohan, T. M., Islamia University Library of Bahawalpur Pakistan, PLISJ, Karachi:

Library Promotion Bureau, 41 (2) p.3.

3. Kumar, R., Research Methodology, Australia: Pearson Education, 2005. p.113.

4. Dunlop,

5. Khan, Dr. Ahmad Nabi

6. Bahauddin Zakariya University. Prospectus, 2010. Multan: The University.2010. pp.

7. ibid

8. Haroon Idrees, Hamboldt University Library System and Service: a descriptive case study,

PLISJ, Karachi: Library Promotion Bureau, 41 (2) p.19

9. Yaqub Ali., Bahauddin Zakariya University Library: a descriptive and analytical study. Lahore:

PULSSA, 1991. p.17.

10. Bahauddin Zakariya University. Central Library: official report 24.07.2002. Multan: The University,

2002. p.3

11. Bahuddin Zakariya University, Multan, Annual Budgets 2001to 2010.

12. Bahuddin Zakariya University, Multan, New Bulletin, Multan: B. Z. Univ. Jan. 2004, Vol.42 No.42. pp.6-

13. Bahuddin Zakariya University, Multan, Calendar 2010, Vol.1

14. Yaqub Ali., Bahauddin Zakariya University Library: a descriptive and analytical study. Lahore:

PULSSA, 1991. p.17.