Lack of Professional Librarians in Gilgit-Baltistan: Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Era

Abstract

Libraries play a crucial role in education, research, and cultural preservation. Their effectiveness depends not only on infrastructure but also on the presence of trained professionals. In Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), the Shortage of professional librarians has historically constrained the development of libraries. This paper analyzes the key factors contributing to this gap, such as inadequate infrastructure, insufficient financial support, and the scarcity of locally trained Library and Information Science (LIS) graduates. It also highlights recent positive trends, including the increasing number of GB students pursuing LIS degrees, with many graduates from GB now working in libraries across Pakistan. These developments suggest that with sustained support and strategic policies, libraries in GB can evolve into modern knowledge centers capable of meeting the educational and cultural needs of the region in the digital era.

Keywords: Gilgit-Baltistan, Professional Librarians, Library Development, Digital Era, Library Services.