Library and Information Science Curriculum in Pakistani Universities: A Comparison with Higher Education Commission Approved Curriculum

The main theme of this research article is to equate the library and information science curriculum taught at Bachelor of Studies (BS) level at the Pakistani schools of library and information science with curriculum designed by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. Efforts were made to dig out and download the required information from the websites of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and schools of library and information science where the BS-LIS program is in functioning mode. In cases of non-availability of the desired information on the concerned university website, the authors consulted prospectuses and also approached the faculty/focal person of the concerned department for the requisite information. Seven out of fourteen LIS schools are offering BS-LIS programs in Pakistan. The majority of these schools follow the guidelines of the HEC in connection with BS-LIS programs in the country. Revision of LIS curriculum by the HEC is currently needed, as course revision has not taken place since 2014. The oldest schools of LIS are required to offer BS-LIS programs, as they have not yet initiated this program. This study is beneficial in designing a market-based curriculum for library science professionals in Pakistan. This attempt also helps the university authorities to make possible the compatibility of their BS-LIS program in line with the HEC curriculum. Uniformity in LIS curriculum at the national level is also a probable output of this study that can assist our professional bodies to achieve accreditation with international bodies.