While libraries the world over are considered sites of knowledge dissemination, the Frere Hall library, with its outdated books, and lack of maintenance, has assumed the status of a decaying colonial landmark.
Established in 1865, decades before the partition of British India, the Frere Hall library, despite housing a rich collection of almost 70,000 books on subjects ranging from natural sciences to business, is now only visited for its collection of history books by students preparing for the Central Superior Services (CSS) examinations.
“Three years ago, a small CSS corner was created in the library and it constitutes the only regular student activity observed here in decades,” revealed a staff member.
Lack of upgradation of books and technological facilities in the library can be cited as one major reason behind the rising unpopularity of the place among students. According to sources from within, even though the library has a large collection of books on a variety of subjects, much of them are old editions which are not up to date with current researches, debates and discoveries and are hence redundant, in particular, to medical and engineering students, whose study and practice depends largely on them possessing adequate knowledge of latest innovations.
“Most of the books on medicine and IT are outdated, and are completely useless for students who demand information on modern day topics,” revealed an employee at the library. He further stated that despite the Sindh government allocating almost Rs1.2 million per year for the upgradation of the libraries reading material, and other facilities, no new books have been added, nor have any technological improvements been made.
Ironically, in the age of modern handheld devices, the library still lacks the availability of computers and operates without a centralized information system, relying entirely on the dated catalogue system for issuing books to visitors.
Commenting on the manual system of borrowing, an employee said that the registers used to enter the record of borrowed items at the library hasn’t been touched since 2008. “The last book that was checked out from the library was almost 15 years ago.”
Borrowing of books becomes an even more unlikely occurrence, when the obsolete condition of the books in the shelves is beyond redemption. Many sources report the absence of a proper cleaning team or equipment like vacuum cleaners, with layers of dust being found accumulated on and around most books on display, repelling away any prospective reader or borrower.
“The upper floor of the library is severely in need of fumigation since years, because of which we are constantly exposed to dust, mites and other insects which cause severe allergies,” reported another employee, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “No authorities however take notice,” he added.
Another crucial aspect which is ignored is the unavailability of a librarian. According to sources, the Frere Hall hasn’t had a permanent supervisor since the last librarian retired several years ago. In fact, the temporary replacement had also checked out two months ago, leaving the library completely unattended.
Speaking on the matter, Saif Abbas, Senior Director of Culture, Sports and Recreation, said, “The Sindh government has prohibited the hiring of library staff including librarians and cleaning workers, from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, therefore all we can do is hope for external assistance to come from the US Consulate, once located right across the landmark.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 27th, 2023.
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