Resource Centre
The Library
The Newspaper and Clipping Section
 Introduction
The SDPI Resource Centre serves as an information resource base for the multi-disciplinary research at the institute. It also caters to the needs of the general public, students, academia and the research scholars both in the country and abroad. The Resource Centre has two sections namely the Library and the Newspaper and Periodical section.
Goal
To fulfill the information needs of multi-disciplinary research and policy advice to the government, non-government organizations, private sector and the mass media to facilitate the transition to sustainable development in Pakistan.
Objectives
The SDPI Resource Centre has evolved an effective coherent mechanism of acquisition, processing, organization, creation and dissemination of information. It undertakes the following roles:
- To select and acquire appropriate resource/research information
- To organize the research information for easy access and use
- To advise and assist people in finding relevant material
- Information dissemination through publications, newsletters
- To network with libraries and information/documentation centres.
The Library
Introduction
The SDPI Resource Centre is one of the best and the biggest information resource on sustainable development and related fields in Pakistan. It maintains a library of selected, relevant and up-to-date information resources in an organized manner. The resources include books, documents, journals, audio and videocassettes, CD-ROMs and digital and online resources. The library holdings exceed 16500 books and documents with special strengths in the areas of development, environment and agriculture. There is an exclusive section for government and data publications. There are 145 CD ROMs and 62 videos. The library subscribes to 31 journals and periodicals. In addition to the subscription, the library receives over 200 serials including journals, periodicals, and newsletters. Additional resources are available through the Inter-Library Loan Program and the Publication Exchange Program. Photocopy service is available in the library. Library timings
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for national holidays.
Library Membership
The library membership is open to all. However, library membership can be acquired by depositing the refundable security of Rs.3000, in addition to minimal service charges. The library database is also accessible through our website.
Library Consultancy
The Resource Centre offers library development, organization and computerisation consultancy services. Consultancy projects have been carried out with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). These assignments have helped establish SDPI as a pioneer in library automation. The service not only generates funds for the Institute, but also helps in achieving standardization of systems, services, practices and procedures.
Library Networking
In order to enhance access to information, the Resource Centre networks with national and regional thematically coherent organizations. The RC's Publication Exchange Program has a fraternity of 17 organizations. Under this program, SDPI publications are exchanged with books and other material published by partner organizations. These organizations include, among others, the Gujarat Institute of Development Research- India, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)- Nepal, Regional Centre for Strategic Studies-Sri Lanka and Shirkat Gah-Pakistan. The RC also has a formal Inter-Library Loan arrangement with four Pakistani libraries in Islamabad and Lahore.
The Newspaper and Clipping Section
Development Monitor/Development Database
Since 1993, SDPI’s Resource Centre (RC) has been maintaining a database of development news on a daily basis. The database is called the Development Monitor (DM). The DM database has over 0.85 million entries on a wide range of subjects. The database covers eight major national dailies, The Friday Times, Pakistan and Gulf Economist, The Herald and The Newsline. The RC offers clippings to both in-house and external users. The services are offered at cost to external users. (For Development Monitor/Development Database access please contact Mr. Mohammad Shah Farrukh, Coordinator Resource Center) SDPI’s Development Update
In order to keep abreast of emerging issues at the national and local level, the SDPI launched its weekly newsletter of newspaper headlines called the Development Update during 2005. It is an efficient research tool to track development in a particular field or on an issue and a valuable resource for researchers and students, as it has articles by scholars and reputed names in particular fields.
The Development Update is distributed free of cost to over one thousand recipients and is also available at: http://www.sdpi.org/online_bulletins.htm
Pakistan Environment Digest (PED)
SDPI also compiles the monthly Pakistan Environment Digest (PED). It is a methodical compilation of selected news, comments, articles and announcements concerning the 14 program areas of the National Conservation Strategy appearing in the national print media.
Four special PED issues on selected topics are brought out in a year. The topics for the year 2005 were the October Asia Earthquake, SDPI in Press, Afghanistan Refugees Issue, Wana intervention and Industrial pollutants.
The annual subscription to the Digest is Rs 2500 and 1000 for organizations and individuals respectively.
(Download Pakistan Environment Digest (PED) subscription form) 
For further information please contact: Mr. Mohammad Shah Farrukh, Coordinator Resource Center.
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