BOOKS play an active role in the development of a nation and a library is said to be the hospital for the mind. Libraries shape communities. They are set up to benefit those who seek knowledge but with the library at the Islamia College University, Peshawar, this is not the case.

First, the building in which the books are housed is about a century old and lacks the infrastructure conducive to an archive. There are no reading rooms at all, and students must study in large halls whose walls are lines with shelving where books are piled up.

Then, there is the non-availability of reading material. This library does not have up-to-date books, journals and reference books. The ones available are either too few in the number of copies, or contain outdated research. Students are forced to buy every new book that may be required for even just a reference.

The environment is another problem. There is no concept of silence, although notices have been pasted on every wall. Even the clerks are always gossiping. When a friend and I once complained, the librarian blamed the structure.

There are students, even now, who have limited access to the digital media. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has allowed its online libraries to be used by students of universities recognised by the commission, and students benefit greatly from this. However, the reality at Islamia College University is that while it claims to have set up digital libraries, there are only three computer systems in the library and these are frequently being used for gaming.

The authorities at the institution as well as the HEC are requested to pay heed to these issues. The HEC also needs to inquire about the funds allocated through it to the university by the prime minister.

C. Khan

Buner

Published in Dawn, September 5th, 2017