Chancellor of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology, (SSUET) Z.A. Nizami, has said that modern libraries are increasingly being redefined as places to get unrestricted access to information in many formats and from many sources.
The libraries offer services beyond the physical walls of a building, by providing material accessible by electronic means, and by providing the assistance of librarians in navigating and analysing tremendous amounts of information with a variety of digital tools.
He was speaking at the seminar held by SSUET in collaboration with Social Students' Forum on "Islami Tareekh Main Kutubkhanon Ki Ahmiat (Importance of Libraries in Islamic History)" at the campus. Presiding over the seminar, Nizami said the library provides a "gateway" for students and researchers to access various resources, both print/physical and digital.
He informed that SSUET is subscribing to electronic journals databases, providing research and scholarly writing software, and usually provides computer workstations or computer labs for students to access journals, library search databases and portals, institutional electronic resources and internet access. Nizami annonced to allocate a separate portion in a new block of the university for the repository of Islamic books.
Professor Mallahat Kaleem Sherwani, Chairperson of Library & Information Science, Karachi University said Mongols destroyed the libraries of Baghdad containing countless precious historical documents and books on subjects ranging from medicine to astronomy. Dr Shakil Oaj, Dean of Islamic Studies, Karachi University said that the Holy Quran is the first book that actually paved way for the libraries. The divine book offers a compalete pakcage of life. Senetor Shirala Malik emphasised on redeveloping the book culture in the society.-PR