Funding Dilemma in Pakistani Libraries: Causes, Effects, Responses

Literature on funding problems of Pakistani libraries reveals that poor economy of the country, inflation, low priority to education and price increase of library material are the main causes of this dilemma. The effects of poor funding include inadequate collection, cuts in periodical subscriptions and poor quality of library services. Various responses to the funding dilemma include continuation for seeking public money, cooperation among libraries and seeking for alternative funding sources. Fee-based library services and fundraising are the forms of alternative funding in libraries. Literature shows that there is some awareness about this method of funding in the country and some examples are found but no concerted effort was made in this regard. Pakistani libraries have a great potential for alternative funding. This method can lessen the funding problems of libraries if decision makers give priority to it and carefully plan for this