Islamia University of Bahawalpur hold seminar on use of web technologies in libraries

Pakistan News & Features Services

The department of Library & Information Science at the Islamia University of Bahawalpur organized a one-day seminar on Applications and Usage of Web 2.0 Technologies in University Libraries of Pakistan. The LIS students, professionals and faculty members participated in the seminar in which Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, President, Library Promotion Bureau (LPB), was the chief guest.

 

In her introductory remarks, Dr Rubina Bhatti, Chairperson & Associate Professor, DLIS, Islamia University of Bahawalpur, noted that Web 2.0 was just the beginning of one of many changes occurring in the web world, so librarians and information managers must welcome and adopt this new concept in libraries of Pakistan as in countries with advanced education and librarianship systems. 

She emphasized on the need of organizing workshops/trainings by Library Schools to explore innovative and practicable ideas and practices regarding usage of Web 2.0 technologies in libraries. 

Mohammad Saleem, Lecturer, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, and Librarian, Military Station Library Multan Cantt, discussed the overall situation of the usage and applications of tools Web 2.0 in university libraries of Pakistan. 

He deliberated on Introduction of Web 2.0, Identification of Web 2.0 Tools Applied in Libraries, Purpose of Web 2.0 Tools Applied in Libraries and Usage of web 2.0 tools by library professionals and users of Pakistani university libraries.

He pointed out that Web.2 supports libraries, so libraries should adopt users-anticipated Web 2.0 tools to enhance and promote the quality of library services. He advised the LIS professionals to make use of library website, library blog, RSS feeds and Bulletin Board to assist their users. 

“After the adoption of Web 2.0 technologies, libraries should offer a series of information literacy and digital literacy to improve users’ knowledge about them and skills of using various sources of information in all formats by all possible means,” he suggested. 

Mohammad Saleem said that the Library Schools should include the contents regarding Web 2.0 technologies in their IT related courses in order to prepare future library professionals about the potential usage of Web 2.0 technologies. 

“The library management should develop and continuously improve and update their websites and use Web 2.0 applications on their websites. The LIS Journals/Newsletters and magazines should be available through RSS feeds on their websites,” he stressed. 

“The library professionals should provide alert services to faculty members and research scholars via twitter with the help of cellular companies. The libraries should positively use social media for marketing, publicity and fundraising and donation in the forms of reading material and computers,” he concluded.