As one who has always benefited from the bibliographic aids on Pakistan librarianship, I am pleased to accept the invitation to write a foreword to this index, which is not the first attempt of its kind in the country. Between 1959 and 1998, at least 12 similar indices were compiled and published. Nonetheless, at least four separate indices are to be consulted before one feels fully satisfied. However, one would still find a gap of seven years, since the literature for the period 1991 to 1997 is yet to be bibliographized, making it a strong case for compilation of the present index. And I welcome this book.

    The editors’ introduction provides all the necessary information including the perspective, journals covered, arrangement of entries, etc. which I would not like to repeat. The distribution of articles by individual periodicals, by year of publication and by gender has further enhanced its value. The pattern adopted for the index represents the practice followed by leading indexing services. Indeed, this is an important reference source. I recommend this index to all librarians, teachers and students of Pakistan librarianship.

    I would like to record my appreciation, above all, to the editors, who are well known in the field for their writing skills and dedication to their work, for their cheerful acceptance of comments and suggestions at all stages in the planning and preparation of the index. Before concluding I wish the book and its editors. I am grateful for having been chosen to write this foreword.