This document outlines a vision by the Pakistan Library Association to improve libraries and career development for information professionals in Pakistan. It discusses developing standards and legislation for libraries, addressing the job market needs, providing training and scholarship opportunities for career growth, and uplifting the social image of librarians through improved communication and publicity of library services. An action plan is proposed to enhance the Pakistan Library Association's role through new committees and involvement of members and partner organizations.

1. PLA’s vision on
‘Career development of LIS
professionals and overall
improvement of libraries in
Pakistan’
Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmood
President
Pakistan Library Association (Headquarters)

2. Library legislation and policy
provisions
 Standards for libraries
 Legislation for public libraries
 Library foundations
 Service structure for librarians of
public sector
 Recommendations for librarians of
private sector
 Policies on weeding, write off and
book losses, etc.

3. Job market for librarians
 Survey of vacant positions in federal,
provincial and local public and private
organizations
 Advertisement of vacant positions
 Quality and usability of pre-service
education
 Balance between demand and supply of
librarians
 Separate positions for LIS teaching in
colleges
 Encourage colleges to teach LIS to create

4. Career development of
librarians
 Need based in-service training
programs
 Scholarships and travel grants for
MPhil and PhD studies
 Seminars and conferences for
information and experience sharing
 Mentoring programs
 Professional attachment programs
 Identification and documentation of
good practice models in libraries

5. Uplifting social image
 Respond positively to changes in
reading and information seeking of the
society
 Publicity of library services and
librarians’ activities (Print and
electronic media)
 Improve communication within library
community and with the society (email
discussion groups, chatting, social
media)

6. Action plan
 Enhanced focus on PLA membership
 Committees within PLA headquarters and
branch councils
 Involvement of PLA members inside and
outside Pakistan especially senior members
 Help from HEC, Department of Libraries,
PASTIC, Punjab Library Foundation,
Directorate of Libraries, other federal and
provincial departments
 Help from LIS schools and eminent libraries
 Help from sister organizations within and
outside LIS