Status of digital libraries in medical university and college in Bangladesh

Abstract

In this digital era of information explosion any library cannot meet the each and every demand of their patrons because of various constraints. The aim of the study was to explore the status of digital library initiatives in medical university and college libraries of Bangladesh. To meet this aim, the study analyzed the collection, staff, ICT, automation, e-resources and digitization status in medical university and college libraries of the country; explored the libraries readiness to carry out digitization activities; the researcher analyzed the prevailing digitization practices, projects, identified the major issues and hindrances affecting library digitization practices and suggested recommended activities to improve the medical college libraries poor condition and also suggests a Medical College Taskforce on Building Digital Library. Keeping in view the purpose and objective of the study the study used the mixed method research design by using qualitative and quantitative techniques. For the demand of the study the researcher use the survey research by using interviews and semi structured questionnaire techniques for data collection. In order to collect the necessary information for research work, the researcher visit to the 27 number of interviewees from 23rd September to 22 nd October. The study has been discussed under six chapters which consists of background of the study with basic description of digital library, literatures tat reviewed, methodology that adopted to successfully complete the research, status of ICT, automation, e-resources and digitization in Bangladesh, data analysis and finding, problems faced by medical libraries, recommending suggestions and summery of the study. The findings of the study revealed a very shocking library condition in medical university and college of Bangladesh. The study found that, very few libraries just take automation plans; even few libraries do not have any computers and librarian. Except BSMMU, no medical college library is members of any e-resource consortium. They have so many problems that impede the development of libraries, such as efficient staff, fund, e-resources, technologies, integrated library software, no digitization plan or initiatives etc. The findings of this study will be useful to library planners at all levels in establishing more concrete collaborative plans for national digital library system in medical colleges. To remove the darkness the Government of Bangladesh along with medical university and colleges should take initiatives to develop “Digital Library” nationwide. The researcher has tried to find out every pro and cons of the medical university and college libraries, so that everyone who wants to know about this sector they will be able to get useful information.