QAU Libraries

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 four floors in 1985. The total covered area of DRSM library is about 102,500 sq. ft. An impressive, tall, four storey 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 Margalla hills.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 a 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 support in the preparation of courses and the pursuit of research through its resources and services.

Library Collection

DRSM library has a diverse and rich multidisciplinary collection. DRSM library offers one of the best collections in the region; a collection with over 2, 30,000 books, CDs, DVDs and 35,000 bound volumes of research journals. Talking in terms of quantity as well as quality of collection, it retains its most important character of an academic library to adequately cater the needs of students, researchers and faculty members equally. 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, 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 software.

Library Floors:

Ground Floor comprises a Librarian office, Acquisition, Computer, Reference and Technical sections. This floor is designated as Reference Floor and consists 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 with 105 computers and a 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 Floor and 1^st Floor of library are centrally air conditioned.

2nd Floor is declared the General Book Floor. This floor possesses a well organized book collection on all university disciplines in the University. 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 specified for current and old issues of Periodicals, Journals and newspapers. DRSM Library has been declared 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 the task of upgrading the DRSM library of the University keeping in line with the modern library trends in this age of information technology. Library professionals have very successfully executed an up-gradation and strengthening plan of DRSM library envisaging futuristic needs during 2006-08. Prior to it, Library was short of 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 a lift etc. The major theme of this project plan was to up-grade and strengthen the library bringing it to international norms of productivity and originality, for the acquisition, generation, transition, dissemination and application of knowledge. For further information, please visit our website lib.qau.edu.pk/

Seminar Libraries:

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

1. Anthropology Dept.
2. Biology Dept.
3. Chemistry Dept.
4. Defense and Strategic Studies Dept.
5. Economics Dept
6. History Dept.
7. International Relations Dept.
8. Physics Dept.

Library Timings:

DRSM library offers very flexible library hours i.e. 8.00 AM to 8.00 PM (Monday – Friday) and 8.00 AM to 4.00 PM on Saturday.

Library Services:

1. Lending services
2. Open Access
3. General Reading Services
4. Reference and Information Services
5. Photocopy services
6. New Arrival Display
7. Library Orientation
8. Internet Facility
9. Assistance in the Use of Library