Message-ID: <199604030430.AA17379@sdnpk.undp.org> Date: Wed, 3 Apr 1996 04:15:59 -0500 From: Riaz Khan <mailto:RIAZKHAN%nldp@SDNPK.UNDP.ORG> Subject: INTRODUCING COMPUTERS To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
Dear List members,SORRY FOR THIS LONG MESSAGE: HOWEVER TO GIVE A COMPLETE PICTURE IT WAS NECESSARY:
This message deals with how Library Automation and Computer Literacy was introduced in Pakistan through the Netherlands Library Development Project. I think it can provide a lot of insights into the issues.
It is essential to give a brief background of NLDP, and the status of Library Automation in Pakistan so that you may fully understand the environment in which the project operated.
Priority of Library Development Everybody agrees that a Education is the key to national development but very little funds are set aside for the purpose. Within the low priority area of education, library development seems to be the most neglected area. Often Government and Donor agencies are not aware of the crucial role, well-stocked and well-managed libraries can and should play in the process of national development. Library development is still largely regarded as a marginal activity to be taken care of by incidental book donation programs. Moreover the legal and professional status of librarians is in many aspects very unsatisfactory. Librarians in Pakistan have to pay for book- losses which exceed a certain percentage. The undesirable result of this procedure is that the vast majority of the libraries work with a closed shelf system which does not stimulate the students and other library users to make use of the library. The premises and facilities of most libraries are not up to the standard. Financial constraints prevent the librarians from providing good service. Little or no attention is paid to structural measures which can really change the pitiful state of affairs of most libraries of Pakistan. Although this very project is a Dutch initiative, neither library development nor this project have been mentioned in the official DGIS policy paper on Pakistan (Beleidsplan voor de periode 1992 - 1995; Pakistan).Library Automation in Pakistan
It seems, however that the project has started having a positive impact on the Pakistani Authorities and the International Donor community. Discussions with officials indicate a gradual growing interest for the matter.
Considerable credit for this change has to be given to the efforts of the Pakistan Library Association and its provincial branches. Their enthusiasm and loyal co-operation with the project has started bearing fruit. Active involvement of the direct target group in implementing the project may draw the attention of policy makers.
The Netherlands Library Development Project (NLDP)
The Project was initiated as the Netherlands Scientific Literature Project in 1975 by the Netherlands Government. This project focused specifically on collection building of scientific libraries. In the framework of this project 3.5 million Dutch guilders were committed to provide scientific book support to libraries of universities and research centers. The project was originally limited to " book-aid," and covered in principle institutions showing interest in receiving books.
After an evaluation by SOCRATES in 1988 the SLP was restructured and the number of beneficiaries was limited to six universities, and the scope was widened to include some staff training and the purchase of equipment and library furniture.
In June 1991 the country desk approved the phase II of the project. The scope of the project was further widened to include all library development activities and also the operation at the national level. The project name was changed to the "Netherlands Library Development Project.'
As this project is the first one of its kind to be introduced on a national scale in Pakistan, it had to be flexible with ample room for adjustments during its life-span. In the past there have been several examples of book-aid projects, but a structural approach in which the libraries and their associations played a vital role has never been tested before.
The ultimate goal of the project is to develop within Pakistan an efficient Information network which will make access to information easy for researchers. This entails the development of a proper infrastructure for the acquisition, storage, retrieval and dissemination of information. Eventually the project also hopes to link the research facilities in Pakistan with international Information sources.
Translated into practical terms an efficient Information Network provides answers to the following questions:
- What information is available on the topic? - Where is the information held? - In what form is the information available? - How can the information be obtained?
At present in Pakistan it is very difficult to get answers to the above questions. The main reason is that the Library and
Information Science field has been neglected in the past and continues to be neglected. Very few libraries are computerized and there is a great shortage of qualified Information specialists.
Keeping in view the requirements, the project provides technical and financial assistance for:
- Developing human resources through training - Undertaking action oriented Research - Holding Seminars and Conferences - Improving Library Collection - Formulating National Policies and Plans - Introducing Information technology - Publishing Newsletters and Journals - Developing National Databases - Establishing Information Networks - Establishing linkages with International Organizations
In general the project supports activities which lead to the improvement of libraries and Information services in the country. Library automation, and the development of Information Networks are being undertaken on a priority basis. Information is the backbone of development and the project intends to make information easily accessible to all those who are involved in National Development.
Library development in Pakistan can only be made sustainable if active input is insured by its target group: the Pakistani librarians and their associations. The project is characterized by a constant dialogue between all parties concerned. The positive results of this participatory approach seem to justify the decision to continue in this vein.
During phase II the emphasis, shifted from providing support to collection building to those activities which have a greater impact such as staff training, computerization, networking and building data bases.
The project now covers not only scientific libraries but many other types of information providing institutions, such as public libraries, WiD-centres and Library Associations. The emphasis of the project has shifted to starting and monitoring joint activities for libraries, such as starting computer centres, organizing training activities in Pakistan and the Netherlands, assisting awareness programmes for librarians and their customers alike and stimulating the establishment of national and international networks.
Within the Netherlands programme for international co-operation, The Netherlands Library Development Project Pakistan (NLDP), is the only cohesive programme working on a national scale for supporting libraries of educational institutions.
The most important development in 1993 was the extension of the project from May 1994 till August 1995. However no additional funds were granted for the extension. Hence all efforts were aimed at consolidating the ongoing activities and ensuring sustainability of the project in the long run. The project is now concentrating on supporting only the essential activities, which are as follows:
- Development of Library Automation and Management Program - Support to Computer Centers - Development of Current Contents service (SERNET) - Local LAMP, CDS-ISIS and other technical training - Support for Pakistan Library Association (PLA) - Marketing of PLA products and Services - Support for Technical Meetings - Research and Publications
The Pakistan Library Association (PLA) The Pakistan Library Association was established by the librarians of Pakistan under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 vide Joint Stock Companies Registration No: 3143. The objectives of the association are:
- To establish a comprehensive Information service in Pakistan - Provide technical advice and assistance - Improve the existing Library services in Pakistan - Conduct research in the field of Library Science - Improve the Status and professional standing of Librarians
At present it has more than 1300 members all over Pakistan. Despite its meager resources, PLA has played a major role in the development of Librarianship in Pakistan by holding seminars, conferences and workshops. It is actively involved in the introduction of Information Technology and Library Automation courses through its four Computer Training Centers established by the Netherlands Library Development Project (NLDP).
To sustain the activities of the PLA other avenues are being investigated. Consultancies and Business ventures are some possibilities. A lot of effort will be required to change the thinking of the librarians towards commercial ventures. It may be sometime before sustainable progress is made. The results of income generation activities so far have been quite encouraging. To date the Association has generated contract worth Rs. 4,180,637.
- Asia Foundation Project Rs. 1,464,200 - Pakistan Investment Board Rs. 762,837 - Pakistan Forest Institute Rs. 1,100,000 - Training of PFI staff RS. 60,000 - Swiss Development Cooperation Rs. 5,000 - Sale of LAMP (20 copies) Rs. 300,000
- Training Courses Computer Center Lahore Rs. 168,200 Karachi (estimate) Rs. 150,000 Quetta Rs. 44,400 Islamabad Rs. 96,000 Peshawar (estimate) Rs. 30,000 Total Rs. 4,180,637
Library Automation in Pakistan LAMP has been developed by The Netherlands Library Development Project (NLDP) in collaboration with the Pakistan Library Association (PLA). It is a totally integrated Library package which includes Acquisition, Fund Accounting, Cataloging, Circulation and Management Reports. LAMP is based on CDS-ISIS version 3.07. CDS-ISIS has been developed by UNESCO and stands for Computerized Documentation Services, Integrated set of Information Services. CDS-ISIS is available free of cost from PASTIC in Islamabad. The application LAMP is available from PLA at RS. 15,000 per copy. The urdu and english versions are sold separately.
Need for Automation At present access to information is very difficult as it is not organized properly. This leads to:
- poor utilization of information - duplication of research efforts - loss of time - duplication in acquisition
Automation is necessary to make research more productive, to disseminate information, and for the development of Union Catalogs. PLA automation standards are being encouraged so that Information Networking becomes easy.
Status of Library Automation in Pakistan At the time of Phase II of the project in 1991, very few libraries possessed computers and there was no national format. More importantly there was no integrated Library Automation software in the market. Mostly, libraries were developing small applications in Dbase and Foxpro in isolation. No library Automation training was being imparted in the country. Due to lack of funds and support from the Government the library community including the Pakistan Library Association was dormant and very little professional activity was taking place in the country. This was the pitiful state of affairs at a time when other countries were investing in Information highways and the Internet.
Thus very early in the project Library Automation became a priority area for the project.
Strategy for introducing Library Automation The two most critical issues in computerization are the software and the software support and training infrastructure. To train librarians individually is not viable. Courses can be arranged for groups, but then suitable training centre have to be made available. Such an arrangement would be costly and secondly it would be difficult to sustain. To overcome these difficulties it was proposed to set up Computer Training Centres for librarians in Peshawar, Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi and Quetta. Each centre was to have about 11 computers. The centres would be established in one of the libraries and would be managed by the Pakistan Library Association. The total cost of setting up one centre was about Rs. 500,000. It was expected that the recurring cost would be borne by the Association by charging a nominal fee for the training. The centre was expected to be open from 7am to 7pm. The librarians were very enthusiastic about the idea.
Accordingly computer centers have been setup in Islamabad, Quetta, Peshawar, Karachi and Lahore. Establishing computer centers was the only way in which some impact could be made. With a few computers a great number of librarians can be trained. Moreover it also provides a place for practice after getting training as most libraries do not have computers at present. The cost have been kept at a minimum as the Library associations are managing the center on voluntary basis. The Centers are also extensively used during retrospective cataloging projects.
The total number of participants in the various courses held in the Computer Center have been:
- PLA Federal Branch 161
- PLA Lahore 76
- PLA Sindh 75 (approximately)
- PLA NWFP 65
- PLA Quetta 121
A library Automation Group was formed by the project in Islamabad to provide advice to Librarians and Institution who are embarking on automation. The group did valuable research work in the field of Library Automation.
Keeping in view the great demand for Library Automation services, PLA in collaboration with NLDP, has for the first time initiated retrospective conversion service in Pakistan for Libraries and Documentation Centers. All the PLA offices have been equipped with computers and the Association has now sufficient professionals trained on LAMP to undertake Library Automation projects.
The Pakistan Library Association successfully completed the automation of the libraries of the six legislative Assemblies. It was great learning experience. PLA and all the librarians working on the Asia Foundation project gained valuable hands on experience. Many issues came up for the first time especially regarding team management, quality, standardization and pricing. The computer centers played a major role during the implementation of the Asia Foundation project. The PLA Federal Branch Computer Center was extensively used for data entry purposes.
The Departments of Library Science play an important role in the field of library development. Most of the librarians are graduates of these departments. It is these librarians who manage the libraries of Pakistan. Most of the teachers are computer illiterate, at a time when most of the communication and information sharing around the world has reached a very high level of sophistication. Even in Pakistan computers are becoming common, however the departments of Library Science lag far behind. Given the poor state of affairs, these departments are being supported on a priority basis and Library Automation training is being provided. LAMP is an excellent training tool for teaching integrated library automation concepts.
DEVELOPMENT OF LAMP LAMP (Library Automation and Mangement Program) has been developed by The Netherlands Library Development Project (NLDP) in collaboration with the Pakistan Library Association (PLA). It is a totally integrated Library package which includes Acquisition, Fund Accounting, Cataloging, Circulation and Management Reports. LAMP is based on CDS-ISIS version 3.07. CDS-ISIS has been developed by UNESCO and stands for Computerized Documentation Services, Integrated set of Information Services. CDS-ISIS is available free of cost from PASTIC in Islamabad. The application LAMP is available from PLA at RS. 15,000 per copy. The urdu and english versions are sold separately. English Version LAMP has been developed over the past two years after intensive discussion with Librarians and programmers. The need for LAMP arose as there was no integrated program for Library Automation available in Pakistan. The foreign packages were very expensive. Moreover introduction of the foreign packages would have been very difficult and costly. CDS-ISIS existed but was not user friendly and required extensive programming. No library had the resources to develop an integrated package. Internationally also no integrated package was available in CDS- ISIS. Given the great demand for library automation and the lack of an integrated package, NLDP decided to develop LAMP in CDS-ISIS. At the very beginning the first problem which was faced by the development team was the adoption of a suitable format since no national format existed. Hardly any librarian was acquainted with USMARC format or any other international format. Introduction of USMARC at this early stage was not feasible. International agencies like UNESCO, IFLA and other Library Associations were contacted but the response was not very encouraging. Since there was almost no expertise available in the country it became quite clear that it would have to be a totally indigenous effort.
Thus work began of designing a suitable format. In this regard the Manual of Anne De Lauro and the OCLC manual very a big help especially the OCLC manual. In September 1992 Misbah ur Rehman was hired on full time basis while Mr. Naeem Ahmed was hired on part time basis to develop the software. We were fortunate that Naeem had a good working knowledge of CDS-ISIS. At that time it was decided to develop only a simple cataloging module. At this initial stage Mr. Abdul Latif Khoosa, Zafar Javed Naqvi and Mr. Azmat ullah Naqvi were extensively involved in the development of the format. Most of the discussions used to be held after office hours in the evening. Soon it became apparent that a fully integrated Library Automation software was required if Library Automation in the real sense had to be achieved. Many hours were spent on going through the OCLC manual, CCF and AACR2. Mr. Naeem developed the circulation module while Mr. Misbah developed the others module. The overall integration of the various modules and Project management function were provided by Mr. Riaz Khan the National representative of NLDP.
The acronym LAMP came automatically to mind as Library Automation and Management Program (LAMP) were components of LMAP. LAMP was used in the olden days when electricity was not available. The same is the situation in Pakistan as far as Library Automation is concerned. The acronym LAMP reflects this state of affairs. During the development stages the joke used to be whether the LAMP is burning or not. This was quite true of the state of affairs during the development stages. Some days would be depressing while other days would be very encouraging.
LAMP training started as soon as the software was ready for demonstration purposes. Valuable feedback was received during these initial training sessions. Most of the suggestions have been incorporated in LAMP while others have been kept pending for the Version 2. The main problem was that some librarians wanted a more sophisticated package while others thought that LAMP was already very complex. To achieve the blend between the two required great planning, thinking and marketing. The pricing of LAMP came under tremendous discussions. Some wanted it to be free while others wanted it to be at a lower price. Again finding a suitable ground was difficult.
LAMP has now been installed in over 50 institutions in Pakistan on stand alone as well as NOVELL LAN network. It has also been installed in more than 60 institutions internationally. The version 1.0 of LAMP was developed keeping in view the requirements of the Library community in Pakistan.
The demand for the USER's Manual arose from day one. However it was a difficult assignment and few had the necessary background and even fewer were ready to take on the responsibility. Mr. Shah Farrukh at that time was the coordinator the Serials Networking project (SERNET) and used to take part in some of the discussions concerning LAMP. He volunteered to develop the Manual. At that time the impression was that it would be basic Manual. However as time progressed Mr. Farrukh became more involved with the Manual and alongwith Mr. Ahmed decided to develop a really good product. Thus work on the Manual started. It has taken approximately 6 months to bring out the final product. Mr. Fazal ur Rehman was also assigned to the team to assist with the editing and proofing. This Manual is the result of the hard work put in by this team working into the late hours of the night. This manual and the LAMP software will bring great recognition to Pakistan once they are distributed internationally. Without the manual it was not possible to market LAMP internationally. Future Development of LMAP and Version 2 However considering the comments and recommendations received by the users it has been decided in principle to develop version 2 of LAMP. The database design of version 2 is complete. Version 2.0 is expected to be more flexible and more in line with AACR2. A lot of work has already been done so far on version 2 by Khalid Mehmood and Shah Farrukh. The version 1.0 was intentionally kept simple so that the librarians could adopt it easily. The greatest advantage of LAMP is that it is a totally indigenous effort and modifications can be easily incorporated. The expertise is available within Pakistan and there is no foreign dependence. It is expected that version two will be developed in MINISIS version H only if the integrated library software to be developed by IDRC does not suit the Pakistan environment.
Urdu Version As soon as the english version was released librarians wanted an urdu version of LAMP as well. Considering the importance of the urdu version NLDP undertook to convert LAMP into urdu. NLDP was fortunate to obtain the services of Advanced Micro Systems for the conversion. The League of Arab Nations had already offered their help in the conversion as they had already experience in developing the Arabic version of CDS-ISIS. However NLDP decided to attempt the conversion process locally so that problems in future could be resolve locally. Although AMS took a long time but in the end the efforts have been successful and the urdu version is will be available by February 1995. The availability of the urdu version of LAMP will be a major achievement of the project. It will be sold separately for Rs. 15,000.
Newspaper Clipping Module A Newspaper Clipping module has also been incorporated into LAMP. It has been developed by the Computer Section of the National Assembly of Pakistan. The National Assembly was one of the first Users of LAMP software. The details have not been included in this Manual and may be released separately in future.
SERNET Another important information product which has been incorporated into LAMP is SERNET. The third issue of SERNET (Serials Networking project) is complete. It contains on diskette the contents of approximately 750 Journals which are available in the major Libraries of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. SERNET was distributed to more than 50 institutions all over Pakistan. Training was also imparted to the staff of these institutions. It is good product but the marketing is extremely difficult. It will take time before institutions subscribe to the service. The SERNET software will also be provided as part of LAMP so that institutions are able to enter their own data. Indexing of the articles needs to be considered at the next stage. It is planned to enter the current contents of the newsletters published by the NGOs in Pakistan. The details have not been included in this Manual and may be released separately in future.
Utilities Utilities have been developed to download data into LAMP from a variety of sources and for making global changes in a database. However these utilities are for advanced users and efforts are being made to make them more User friendly.
The main problem now facing NLDP/PLA is providing technical support for LAMP and CDS-ISIS. It is planned to develop master trainers in each city who can, who can then provide backstopping for the software. Another important aspect for the future is to bring the format in line with the international formats.
Conclusion A major part of the phase I of the project was "Book Aid". The early part of 1992 was spent in identifying the requirements and developing concepts. The later part of 1992 of Phase II of the project focused on "Library Development" activities, in which the basic infrastructure was developed. During 1993 the project developed the Library Automation software and provided some training to Librarians. In addition the marketing of PLA products and services was also undertaken. In 1994 and 1995, the stress will be on consolidation of the various activities and ensuring sustainability of the project.
There is an urgent need to formulate standards and National formats. It is recommended that a committee be formed at the National level to formulate policies and guidelines for the promotion of Libraries and information services.
As the project is nearing the end, the activities have been curtailed and efforts are being made to ensure sustainability.
The primary objective now is to ensure that PLA:
- manages to run the Computer Centers efficiently
- has sufficient master trainers who could provide support for CDS-ISIS and LAMP software
- continues with the development of both the english and urdu version of LAMP
- is in a position to undertake library automation projects
The model developed for this project could very well be transferred to other developing countries. It is recommended to investigate the possibilities for example in countries such as Bangla Desh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. One copy of LAMP software has already been sold to the University of the South Pacific in Fiji. NLDP and PLA would be more than happy to share the experience gained while developing LAMP and would be willing to provide training on LAMP to other developing countries at the lowest possible charges. It is about time that the developing countries get together and develop a common and affordable integrated library software. LAMP is one such attempt, which may be taken as a starting point.
LAMP is by no means the ultimate library software. It has many limitations yet at the same time it has many strength. The product must be evaluated in light of the CDS-ISIS software constraints and the conditions prevailing in the developing countries. It is hoped that Users will evaluate the software and the Manual and send us recommendations for the further improvement of LAMP.
At present we are introducing E-MAIL in the libraries and providing training on E-MAIL software in our training centers. Soon we will be looking at providing internet training.
We have also developed a CD-ROM of the available Bibliographic databses of 15 librraies. Th etotal records are now more than 400,000. This has initiated the process of Resourse sharing and Information networking. All this is possible because of the Computer Centers and the exisitence of the Pakistan Library Association and the financial, managerial and technical input of the project
Riaz Khan
E-MAIL: mailto:riazkhan%nldp@sdnpk.undp.org