National Archives of Pakistan: Resources, Services and User Satisfaction

Abstract

National archives are organizations where records related to a nation are maintained
and preserved as cultural heritage and historical evidence to be used by present and
future generations. After independence, the Pakistan Archives and Records
Commission was established in 1948 to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of
Pakistan. Later on, a Directorate of Archives and Libraries was established in Karachi in
1951. The foundation stone of the building of the National Archives of Pakistan was laid
down in Islamabad in 1981.This study has been conducted to explore the user
satisfaction with the resources and services of the National Archives of Pakistan (NAP).
Survey method was used to obtain users’ opinion. Fifty-three out of sixty respondents
participated in this study. Data were analyzed using the software Statistical Package for
Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Findings of the study showed that most of the
participants are satisfied with the resources and services of the NAP. The areas which
need improvement include arrangement and cleanliness of materials, air conditioning
services and publication services. Majority of the participants were highly dissatisfied
with the NAP location. Recommendations include improvement in archival collection,
repairing and cleaning of materials, provision of air-conditioned environment and
starting of shuttle service for the visitors.