U.S. Embassy Organizes International Libraries Conference

October 14, 2010

Islamabad - In collaboration with the Pakistan Library Association, the U.S. Embassy co-sponsored a conference on the "21st Century Vision for Libraries" at COMSTECH. Over 240 library professionals, scholars, educators, and library patrons from throughout Pakistan and abroad participated in the two-day conference.

The conference focused on the practical solutions to problems that libraries and information centers in Pakistan commonly face.  Participants discussed emerging trends in international librarianship and their implications and opportunities for collaboration in Pakistan.

Libraries enhance communities not only through the provision of information and access to knowledge but also by bringing communities together through cultural and social opportunities," said Brent Beemer, Cultural Attaché.  "Libraries in Pakistan have an opportunity to empower their communities and meet the dynamic needs of the nation."

U.S. support for this conference represents a greater focus on education in Pakistan.  Two librarian experts from the United States traveled to Islamabad to attend the conference.