A plan for modernization of university libraries in Bangladesh

Abstract

This study aims to propose a modernization plan for university libraries of Bangladesh. The study discusses the present conditions of the university libraries as well as finds out the systems and services provided by the sampled university libraries. The objectives of the study were to find out the advancement in university libraries in the developed world; to find out the present scenario of university libraries of Bangladesh; to specify the sectors and divisions of university libraries needed to be modernized to implement the proposed plan; to assess the requirements for modernization of university libraries of Bangladesh; to conduct a comparative study on public and private university libraries to assess the existing status; to develop a plan for modernization of university libraries of Bangladesh; to find out barriers and limitations of modernization issues; and to put recommendation and concluding remarks. A survey was conducted to gather information from the sample university libraries and their stakeholders. Twenty (10 public and 10 private) out of 111 university libraries have been selected purposively as a sample to conduct the study. Data have been collected by two sets of structured questionnaires, unstructured interviews of the senior professionals, observation and field visit of the sample universities to uncover the situation. The research finds that present condition of university libraries (public and private) of Bangladesh is not fully in line with the demand of higher studies and expansion of new education system. The findings of the study have been presented with eight chapters, 54 tables, and 32 figures/charts with detailed explanations. The researcher feels a larger percentage of the universities and its stakeholders may have participated but due to some constraints that was not possible. The research was conducted on the universities’ main library excluding seminar and institutional libraries. Twenty-three newly established university libraries were not included in the study. The cost benefit effect of the proposed model has not been taken into consideration. Furthermore, the technological aspects for implementation of the model have also not been taken into account due to resource constraints. This research provides an elementary model plan for establishing a modern university library for the country. Necessary phases have been incorporated to implement the plan so that university libraries can change their present conditions and future libraries can get right direction from the beginning. Therefore, it makes provisions not only for ensuring an effective guideline for policy makers from the part of the government but also university libraries of all kinds will find helpful directions to transform their existing situation towards modernization. The researchers’ in this field will find new possibilities towards further research.