The absence of standard library software is one of the main hinderance in the effective automation of libraries of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) of Pakistan. A review of the literature does not provide the actual requirements of the libraries in Pakistan related to library software and highlights the absence of library software selection criteria. This paper explores the opinion of the experts about the current status of library software, problems faced by the libraries and needs relevant to library software in order to suggest a sustainable solution for the automation of the libraries of HEIs of Pakistan. This study was conducted using qualitative approach and three focus groups were conducted in Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi. The participants of all three focus groups comprised librarians from HEIs, Library and Information Science (LIS) experts with experience in designing and implementing library software, LIS educators with experience of teaching library automation and computer science professionals having experience with library software. A purposive sampling was made in this regard. A discussion guide was prepared on the basis of literature review and expert opinions. Data were analyzed qualitatively. The analysis of focus groups revealed that there was a shortage of library software and the libraries of HEIs were still in the process of automation. Few libraries were using standard software but most of the libraries had implemented cataloguing module only. The non-availability of standard library software, regional languages, lack of awareness, lack of funds and lack of vision in the top management of HEIs were the common problems causing hinderance in the effective automation of the libraries. The experts suggested formulation of a consortium under the umbrella of HEC that takes the resposibility of development and distribution of the software.

中文翻译：

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巴基斯坦高等教育机构图书馆软件相关问题的应对：焦点小组分析

缺乏标准图书馆软件是巴基斯坦高等教育机构 (HEI) 图书馆有效自动化的主要障碍之一。文献综述并未提供巴基斯坦图书馆与图书馆软件相关的实际要求，并强调缺乏图书馆软件选择标准。本文探讨了专家对图书馆软件现状、图书馆面临的问题以及与图书馆软件相关的需求的看法，以便为巴基斯坦高校图书馆的自动化提出可持续的解决方案。本研究采用定性方法进行，在拉合尔、伊斯兰堡和卡拉奇进行了三个焦点小组。所有三个焦点小组的参与者都包括来自高等教育机构的图书馆员、具有设计和实施图书馆软件经验的图书馆和信息科学 (LIS) 专家、具有图书馆自动化教学经验的 LIS 教育者和具有图书馆软件经验的计算机科学专业人士。在这方面进行了有目的的抽样。在文献综述和专家意见的基础上编写了讨论指南。对数据进行定性分析。焦点小组分析显示，图书馆软件短缺，高校图书馆仍处于自动化过程中。很少有图书馆使用标准软件，但大多数图书馆仅实施了编目模块。标准库软件不可用、区域语言、缺乏意识、高校高层管理人员缺乏资金和缺乏远见是阻碍图书馆有效自动化的常见问题。专家们建议在 HEC 的保护伞下建立一个联盟，负责软件的开发和分发。