Dr. Raziuddin Siddiqi Memorial Library (DRSM Library) 

Introduction :

Dr. Raziuddin Siddiqi Memorial Library (central library) is located at the center of university academic campus. Central library shifted from the departmental premises to its own building in 1985, comprising of four floors. The total covered area of DRSM library is about 102,500 sq. ft. An impressive, tall, four storied building of Central library facing glorious fountains is situated at the heart of the main university campus. Viewing from front, the Central Library building presents exceptionally inspiring natural scenes of mountains of the Damine Kho valley.

Central Library was re-named as Dr. Raziuddin Siddiqi Mermorial (DRSM) Library on 06-02-1999 to recognize and remember the meritorious services of the founder Vice Chancellor of Quaid-i-Azam University.

QAU is really proud to enjoy well equipped, organized and computerized library. DRSM library is managed by highly experienced and qualified Library and Information Science Professionals who are committed to provide high quality services. Library professionals are striving hard for the development of an outstanding library collection to cater the needs of its patrons and supports in the preparation of courses and the pursuit of research through its resources and services.

Library Collection

DRSM library is a multistory building with diverse nature of rich, multidisciplinary collection. DRSM library offers one of the best collections in the region, a collection that offers over 2, 30,000 books, CDs, DVDs and 35,000 bound volumes of research journals. Hence, the most important function of an academic library is to cater the needs of faculty members, students and researchers adequately in the terms of quality and quantity of collection. DRSM Library is currently subscribing 60 titles of international Journals (2010-11) along with the electronic  books / journals secured by Higher Education Commission, Islamabad through Programme for Enhancement of Research Information (PERI). These e-resources are accessible freely across the university premises. In addition to books and journals, library has substantial collections of United Nations, Special /Rare collection, AIRC collection, and Oriental collection etc.

Library Catalogue:

The DRSM Library in collaboration with University Computer Center has recently launched a new web based Library Management System (LMS) to provide access to updated Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC). LMS is compatible with other international standard library softwares.   

Library Floors:

Ground Floor is comprises of Librarian office, Acquisition, Computer, Reference and Technical sections.  This floor is designated as Reference Floor and consist of of two important collections i.e. Reference collection and Special / Rare collection. Reference Collection includes encyclopedias, dictionaries, almanacs, atlases, handbooks, yearbooks, dissertations, surveys, statistical reports etc.

1st Floor: The most significant collections on the first floor are Oriental (Urdu) collection, American Information Resource Center’s (AIRC) collection and Reserve collection. Internet Lab, comprising of about 105 computers and Seminar Hall are also located on this floor. Internet Access Lab provides free Internet facility which is widely used by the students, scholars and researchers.  Ground and 1^st Floors of library are centrally air conditioned.

2nd Floor is declared as the General Book Floor. This floor posse a well organized book collection on all university disciplines. Circulation Desk, for issue / return of books is located on this floor. DIRC i.e. Digital Information Resource Center has recently been established for management of digital and electronic resources.

3^rd Floor is designated as Periodical Services Section. This floor is comprises of current and old issues of Periodicals, Journals and newspapers. DRSM Library was declared as a United Nations Publication’s depository library for many decades. UN publications are available on the 3rd floor. It is of special importance for researchers of history, International relation, anthropology and defense and strategic studies.

Up-gradation and Strengthening of DRSM Library

Library and Information resource managers have taken up task of upgrading the DRSM library of the University and bringing up to par with the requirements and standards of the modern library trends in this age of information technology. Library professional have very successfully executed an up-gradation and strengthening plan of DRSM library envisaging futuristic needs during 2006-08. Prior to it, Library was facing serious dearth of most advanced information management tools and allied accessories. This project covered various areas like civil work, furniture and fabrication, library automation and networking, security and safety (fire alarm system, CCTV and MS Scanning System), generator, and lift etc. The major theme of this project was to up-grade and strengthens the library as par with international norms of productivity and originality, for the acquisition, generation, transition, dissemination and application of knowledge. For further information please visit our website www.qau.edu.pk/lib/

Seminar Libraries:

Now following departmental libraries designated as Seminar libraries have been also extending ready reference services to the students, scholars and faculty members :

o    Anthropology Dept.

o    Biology Dept.

o    Chemistry Dept.

o    Defense and Strategic Studies Dept.

o    Economics Dept

o    History Dept.

o    International Relations Dept.

o    Physics Dept.

Library Timings

DRSM library is offering very flexible and conducive library hours i.e.

8.00 AM to 8.00 PM (Monday – Friday) and 8.00 AM to 4.00 PM on Saturday.