Frequently asked questions
Joining the consortium, sharing resources and using Koha Cloud.
What is CSTRDLP?
The Consortium of Science & Technology (S&T) and Research & Development (R&D) Libraries of Pakistan promotes resource sharing among libraries by upgrading library standards and building the capacity of librarians, to support the scientific research community. It also develops a digital repository of indigenous S&T material and PakCat, the union catalogue of books in Pakistani libraries.
How can our organisation become a member?
Your organisation should meet these requirements:
- a library collection of at least 5,000 items (negotiable)
- a librarian with a library & information science degree (required)
- technical services in the library (cataloguing and classification)
- a role in the consortium to serve the library collection
- permission to use its OPAC data for the union catalogue, under the inter-library loan policy
Then fill in the CSTRDLP request proforma and email it to pl@pastic.gov.pk. See Become a member.
Is there a membership fee?
No fee. Members contribute by sharing their library data for PakCat (the union catalogue), or abstract-level data from their digital repository.
Which libraries can become members?
Any library: universities and colleges, scientific organisations, special libraries and public libraries.
What are the benefits of joining?
- access to the largest network of libraries in Pakistan
- the Koha library system with free hosting
- free data migration and backup for Koha
- the union catalogue for resource sharing
- free access to the digital repository of indigenous literature
How do we get Koha Cloud?
Download the university or college proforma, fill it in and email it to pl@pastic.gov.pk. PASTIC sets up your Koha library and sends the address and administrator login. See Koha Cloud.
How secure is our data on Koha Cloud?
Your Koha is reached over a secure https connection. PASTIC makes automatic daily backups and checks that each one is complete, and your library can export its own data from Koha at any time.
Are trainings or workshops offered?
Yes, for librarians and research scholars: library automation, library digitisation, information literacy, searching techniques and citation tools. Register for training.
How do we add our library to PakCat?
Follow the SOP for adding a library to PakCat (PDF). Libraries on PASTIC Koha Cloud already have the Z39.50 / SRU connection PakCat needs.
Still have a question? Contact the consortium team.