Quaid-e-Azam Library Digitisation Project launched to bring historic Lahore library resources online

The Quaid-e-Azam Library Digitisation Project has been launched in Lahore to modernize one of Pakistan’s most important research libraries. The project aims to convert a large part of the library’s academic resources into digital format within the next two to three years.

Officials say the Quaid-e-Azam Library Digitisation Project will help students and researchers access valuable knowledge from anywhere in the world. Many of the library’s books and research materials will become available online.

Director General Punjab Libraries Kashif Manzoor said the library is among the country’s major reference and research centers. It currently houses around 150,000 books and also offers access to millions of digital research materials.

Through the Quaid-e-Azam Library Digitisation Project, the collection will gradually be converted into digital form. This will allow scholars, students, and researchers to benefit from its academic resources without needing to visit physically.

The historic building of the library dates back to the mid-19th century. It was originally used as a gymkhana before being used by the Civil Services Academy and later military offices during martial law. In 1984, the building was officially turned into a public library.

The library was named after Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Officials say the name reflects the connection between leadership and knowledge, highlighting the role of education in national development.

The library also holds rare academic collections, including early 19th-century publications from the subcontinent. Historical journals, manuscripts, and valuable research material are preserved in various institutions across Punjab.

Officials said the Quaid-e-Azam Library mainly serves as a reference library. Researchers frequently use encyclopedias and academic materials, while many students preparing for competitive exams like CSS and PMS also visit for study.

A “Lincoln Corner” supported by the United States government has also been established inside the library. The space allows more than seventy people to study and conduct research at the same time. There is also a proposal to establish a “China Corner” in the future.

Under the Punjab government’s broader e-library vision, digital academic content will be provided either free or at minimal cost. Partnerships with international publishers and the Higher Education Commission will support the project.

An initial budget of one billion rupees has been allocated for the e-library initiative. Authorities have already approved 478 million rupees under the PC-1 plan, while further administrative approvals are in process.

Meanwhile, improvement projects are also underway for several libraries across Punjab. Renovation of the Bahawalpur Central Library is expected to be completed by June, while new libraries are being established in multiple districts.

Students visiting the library say printed books remain a trusted source of knowledge. They believe books provide verified information and a peaceful environment for focused study compared to online material.