Library Co-operation Through Resource Sharing (RS)
Abstract
The spread of knowledge sources available in various formats and financial constraints has made it difficult for libraries to satisfy their users’ needs. However, the problems of information explosion, ever changing users’ needs, shrinking library budgets and currency devaluations can be overcome, to some extent, through resource sharing. Library professionals need to explore options to extend users’ access to information sources by forming partnerships with other local libraries having similar collections. These collaborative arrangements enable patrons to access resources otherwise out of their reach. This requires each participating institution to contribute in the network of their extended libraries’ family and do not operate in isolation. It is widely acknowledged that no library, no matter how large and well-funded it is, can be self-sufficient in meeting its users’ demands. Hence, libraries in Pakistan need to develop cooperative plans to meet the challenges posed by rapid growth and diversity of knowledge sources, increased users’ demands and expectations, decreased budgets, hiking prices of books, journals and databases are the major reasons for cooperation amongst libraries. This paper intends to suggest some possible ways for libraries in Lahore to get the benefits of RS.