Based on the ideological and cultural needs of the people of Pakistan and keeping in view the importance of the National Library as the nation’s topmost resource center of its literary heritage and fountainhead of all kinds of library development in the country, the following functions have been laid down for the National Library:
To serve as legal depository for all Pakistani publications under Copyright Ordinance 1962.
To preserve national literary heritage for the use of present as well as future generations.
To compile and publish Pakistan National Bibliography and bibliographies to maintain national bibliographic control.
To serve as national/international book exchange center.
To serve as ISBN agency for Pakistan.
To represent Pakistan at relevant international forums on behalf of the Government of Pakistan.
To promote resource sharing and bibliographic standards among libraries of Pakistan.
To organize trainings, workshops, conferences, and seminars for library professionals in the country.
To extend advisory services on technical and professional issues of libraries in Pakistan.
To collect significant works in other literatures, including selected scientific and technical materials.
To provide reference and research services to ministerial libraries.
Provision of free library services to all citizens of Pakistan irrespective of geographical divisions.
Provision of free library services to foreigners residing in Islamabad.
