Defence Central Library has over 53,000 books on a variety of subjects. These range from fictional works of classical writers to books on liberal arts and scientific subjects. There is plenty for students as well. Latest national and international magazines and newspapers are in addition to existing catalogue.
To maintain a library is a difficult job. More difficult is to keep it updated and equipped with a system that helps in its modernisation. The world of words is fast changing. It changes moment to moment and renders all that precedes it obsolete. New ideas and new vocabulary is developing giving rise to conflicts and resolution, both. The freshness of a library is in the combination of the old and the new and that seems to the case with DCL.
DCL has grown over a period of fifteen years. Mostly retired armed forces officers have managed it. On entering the library a sense of discipline and scholarship welcomes the visitor and offers him a comfortable place to read books in relaxed atmosphere.
In the words of its new secretary retired lieutenant colonel Asghar Abbas Naqvi library information service of DCL is computerised and maintains complete data of books inventory, membership record and their accounts besides member's check in/out record at reception and borrowing of book facilities. There is a separate and fully equipped children section.
Like any modern library, DCL has also developed its own website which provides online library information service to visitors at www.dclkarachi.com A detailed account of DCL facilities, list of new books, information and about newspapers, periodicals, language programmes, auditorium activities and rentals are available on the website.
Library membership forms can also be downloaded conveniently. In near future, complete DCL book inventory will be available on the website.
The DCL has established a tradition of issuing regular newsletter. It is unusual of libraries in Pakistan. Usually the in-charges of libraries confine their activities similar to a 9-5 job and relax most of the time. Libraries in Pakistan suffer due to this attitude.
The issuance of DCL newsletter amounts to self-accountability necessary to learn from mistakes and to take initiatives. From the newsletter it appears that the new secretary has plans to further improve the library and make it attractive for the book lovers.
The DCL has potential to become one of the best organised libraries in Pakistan. The need is to keep it fresh with new titles and encourage students as well as others to visit it frequently.
The library should also keep itself aware of the needs of its members. The best of services it can offer is to make the book asked for available to its readers in the shortest possible time.