Community informatics in libraries in Pakistan

Abstract

PurposeThis paper reports a study into the current status of, and future prospects for, community informatics (CI) services in libraries in Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachIt is based on a questionnaire survey of academic and public libraries, and community centres, in the major cities of Pakistan, backed up by interviews with librarians and community leaders.FindingsIt is found that while most libraries provide community information services, these are of traditional kind, and there are very few examples of information and communication technologies‐based CI. There is enthusiasm for developing such services among librarians, and high regard for library services in the community. Essential factors are funding for provision of equipment and training, and awareness raising in the community.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was limited to a sample of libraries in large cities.Practical implicationsProposals for development of a government‐sponsored CI initiative are presented.Originality/valueThis is the only study to date which investigates the role of libraries for CI provision in Pakistan, and one of very few which studies this topic in a developing country.