South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, SAARC, History, Activities, Functions, Roles

MLIS-101: Information System and Programmes.

Name	Abbreviation	Established	Headquarters Address & Contact Details	URL
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation	SAARC	8 December 1985	SAARC Secretariat, G.P.O Box 4222, Tridevi Sadak, Kathmandu, Nepal Contact: (+977 1) 5321785, 53226350, 5331334, 5321411, 5323991, 5320275, Fax: (+977 1) 5327033 Email: saarc@saarc-sec.org	https://www.saarc-sec.org

1. South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)

2. Establishment and Early Years

• SAARC was officially established in Dhaka, with Kathmandu as its secretariat.
• The first SAARC summit occurred in Dhaka on December 7–8, 1985.
• Member states at the time of formation: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

3. Membership

• Afghanistan joined SAARC as its eighth member in April 2007.
• Afghanistan's membership faced initial reluctance and debates, but it became a full member after holding general elections in 2005.

4. Observer Countries

• Observer countries include Australia, China, the European Union, Iran, Japan, Mauritius, Myanmar, South Korea, and the United States.
• China's application for observer status received strong support from certain SAARC members.

5. Awards

• The SAARC Award and SAARC Literary Award recognise outstanding contributions to peace, development, poverty alleviation, literature, and regional cooperation.
• The SAARC Youth Award acknowledges individuals contributing to themes like inventions, environmental protection, and disaster relief.

6. The role of SAARC in the growth and development of libraries:

• Information Exchange and Networking: SAARC can play a crucial role in facilitating the exchange of information and expertise among member countries. This can enhance the development of libraries by allowing them to learn from each other's experiences, adopt best practices, and collaborate on various projects.
• Resource Sharing: SAARC can promote resource sharing among member countries' libraries. This can include sharing of books, digital resources, and other materials. Collaborative efforts can help overcome resource constraints and improve library services' overall quality.
• Capacity Building: SAARC can support capacity-building initiatives for library professionals. This can involve organising workshops, training programs, and conferences to enhance the skills and knowledge of librarians in the region.
• Standardization and Collaboration: SAARC can work towards standardising library practices and systems across member countries. This can facilitate smoother collaboration and interoperability among libraries, making it easier to share resources and information.
• Promotion of Literacy and Education: SAARC's initiatives in promoting literacy and education in member countries indirectly contribute to the growth of libraries. A well-educated population is more likely to value and utilise library services.
• Cultural Exchange: Libraries play a vital role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage. SAARC can facilitate cultural exchange programs that involve libraries, promoting understanding and appreciation of each other's cultures through literature, artefacts, and other resources.
• Digital Initiatives: SAARC can support the development of digital infrastructure for libraries. This includes promoting the digitisation of resources, encouraging the use of technology in library services, and addressing digital divides to ensure equitable access to information.