Veteran librarians share thoughts, experiences in exclusive session

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Veteran librarians Syed Iftikhar Hussain and Niaz Ahmed enlightened the audience by sharing thoughts and experiences of their illustrious careers during ‘Session with Head of Library’ event held at Government Degree Girls College, Gulzar-e-Hijri, on August 23 as a part of 1st Anniversary Celebrations of the Karachi Library Association (KLA). 

The session was presided over by Iftikhar Hussain, who had retired as head of the famous Mahmood Hussain Library at the University of Karachi a few years. A man of few words, he briefly touched upon the challenges faced at managing the affairs of the central library of the iconic institution due to budgetary constraints and other issues. 

Niaz Ahmed, having relocated in Canada after a long-stint as librarian at the head office of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in Karachi, floated the idea of establishing libraries dedicated to children besides making arrangements for vocational training at public libraries. He stressed the need for making libraries as centres for learning. 

The session was also addressed by the KLA office-bearers, Farheen Mahmood (President), Syed Khalid Mahmood (Advisor) and Nasir Mustafa (Secretary). They paid glowing tributes to both the veteran libraries and expressed the hope that they will continue guiding the younger crop of professionals. 

The Principal of Government Degree Girls College, Gulzar-e-Hijri, Sameen Durdana, while proposing the vote of thanks, mentioned that the college library, still in its early days, will be improved with the induction of new books and journals.