Are university libraries in Bangladesh ready to be digital?

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 108-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nafiz Zaman Shuva

Purpose – The core purpose of the study is to find the existing status of digital libraries (DLs) in university libraries of Bangladesh and to see whether university libraries of Bangladesh are ready to convert their traditional libraries into digital ones. Other purposes include: to explore the status of adoption of subscription-based e-resources among the university libraries in Bangladesh; to assess the level of information and communications technology skills of library and information science (LIS) professionals working in the university libraries; and to illustrate the government initiatives on digitization/DL development. Design/methodology/approach – The current study used the mixed methods, i.e. qualitative and quantitative. A questionnaire was prepared to assess the existing status of DL systems in university libraries of Bangladesh and to meet other purposes of the study. The population of the study included the heads of the public and private university librarians in Bangladesh. Several phone contacts were made for this study. A good number of e-mail addresses of the librarians of public and private universities in Bangladesh were collected over the phone. The study was conducted from June 2012 to September 2012. Of the 50 identified respondents, the author received 30 completed questionnaires. The heads of 18 public universities and 11 private universities and one international university responded to this study. Two responses were received by post. Therefore, the response rate for the current study is 60 per cent. Findings – As part of the government’s pledge to build “Digital Bangladesh”, several initiatives have been taken that are related to digitization, information development and developing repositories and e-services for citizens. However, not much initiative has been taken to develop nationwide DLs in Bangladesh. In terms of e-resource usage scenario, public university libraries are better in offering e-resources to its students and faculty members than private university libraries in Bangladesh. Finally, it turned out that the majority of the university libraries in Bangladesh are not ready to be digital. Lack of funds, lack of infrastructural support and lack of skilled LIS professionals are the main reasons hindering the development of DLs in the university libraries of Bangladesh. Originality/value – This study will help DL researchers around the world in getting information on the status of DLs in Bangladesh. The Government of Bangladesh, policymakers, university authorities and LIS professionals in Bangladesh will highly benefited from this research. No study to find DL readiness of the universities has so far been conducted.

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 28-33
Author(s):  
Shamima Yesmin .

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the websites of university libraries to ascertain that libraries are effectively utilizing their respective websites to provide easy access to all electronic resources available in the library. The objective was also to a represent a comparative analysis between public and private university library websites regarding the presence of electronic resources with their easy access via the internet. For the purpose of this study, a research instrument in the form of comprehensive checklist of eighteen e-resources was developed to evaluate their accessibility in the websites of public and private university libraries. Twenty university library websites, comprised of ten top-ranked public and ten top-ranked private universities in Bangladesh, were studied for data collection using content analysis method. The findings demonstrate that the presence of e-resources on selected university library websites is still in its early stage, but it has been growing rapidly. The private university library websites are ahead of public university libraries in terms of the integration of web-resources. It is hoped that the findings of this paper will serve to assist the University librarians and other similar institutions in choosing, selecting and acquiring the most appropriate format of information resources, and making these available to their websites, which will both satisfy the needs of their library users and fit within their library budget.


2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (6) ◽  
pp. 550-564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Duarte Canever ◽  
Maria Renata Martínez Barral ◽  
Felipe Garcia Ribeiro

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the causal links between public and private university environments and the entrepreneurial intention (EI) of students. Design/methodology/approach The impact of different university environments on the students’ EI was checked using a model adapted from Krueger et al. (2000). The study comprised a sample of students enrolled in business administration from three public and three private universities at first semester (freshmen) and at the last two semesters (senior) in Brazil. The model was measured through various questions and later assessed by principal component analysis to build constructs. Via t-test and path analysis the EI and the antecedents were subjected to a comparative analysis to test the equality of the models across the four categories emerged. Findings The two main types of Brazilian university environments (public and private) do not present significant differences in the way they influence EI and its antecedents. Both the tests of means and the tests of measurement of the structural relations between constructs confirm this finding with only a few exceptions. The result of this study is opposed to other studies carried out in Brazil, by showing that the public university environment is not worse for the entrepreneurship than the private. The environmental effects are mostly equal and they as a whole are not conducive to the development of EI. Research limitations/implications The study comprises business students only, and enrolled on regular universities. It is worth highlighting that evidence was brought to the debate for a group of universities in Brazil. Replicating the study with students from other areas and other universities, as well as students in Master’s and Doctorate programs could enrich the analyses. Practical implications This study provides insight into entrepreneurship education, as to which the university environment is conducive to the entrepreneurship. It brings insights for the development of entrepreneurial universities. Originality/value This study contributes to understanding the differences between the public and private universities environment regarding students’ EI.


2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 253
Author(s):  
Ahmed Malkawi ◽  
Kamil Al-Otoum

The study aimed to identify the status of applying the principles of accountability in the public and private universities in Jordan. This was done by comparing between Yarmouk University and Jerash University from the perspective of the employees. The study sample consisted of 250 faculty members and one administrator at Yarmouk University and Jerash University. The questionnaire was used as a tool for data collection. The study reached several conclusions, most notably of which include the presence of statistically significant differences in the reality of applying the accountability principles at universities in general, and in the administrative, and academic fields. This, however, is dependent on the variable of the university in favor of Jerash University. The study concluded on a number of recommendations most important of which is the necessity of activating the accountability mechanisms and tools in three areas: administrative, and academic areas of public universities in a higher degree. It also includes a commitment with unified criteria of accountability to ensure the maintenance of an acceptable level of justice and transparency.


2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 488-502 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patience Emefa Dzandza ◽  
Harry Akussah

Purpose There has been a significant change in the provision of library services due to the application of technology to every aspect of library services. This has posed a major challenge to library staff as they need to be abreast with current technologies and their application to library services. One means by which a librarian can overcome this challenge is through professional development (PD) programs. The purpose of this paper is to determine PD opportunities in private university libraries in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey of 61 staff and interviews with 20 heads of libraries was conducted to collect data from 25 private universities in Ghana. Findings The study revealed that not all library staff in the private universities were allowed to attend PD programs. None of the private universities studied had a policy on PD and only three institutions made budgetary allocation to PD programs. Majority of the private universities did not have in-house PD programs and there were no means of knowledge sharing in most of the libraries studied. Originality/value In this paper, the researchers identified the major challenges encountered by library staff in private universities in Ghana and propose that librarians should see PD as a part of their own responsibility while, libraries should have a PD policy and make budgetary allocation toward PD.


2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 21-22
Author(s):  
Md. Habibur Rahman

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the present practicing situation of digital record management (DRM) in the university libraries of Bangladesh. The more particular objectives are to identify the present preservation scenario of DRM, to find out the problems of DRM which are faced by archivists for long-term preservation, to identify the necessary tools and technologies for DRM and to explore the ways to overcome the existing problems. Design/methodology/approach Survey methods were used for gathering data using a well-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was sent to the respondents of some selected public and private universities of Bangladesh. Findings The findings revealed that there are some hindrances to practise DRM, such as lack of stable preservation software, shortage of skilled IT personnel, allocation of insufficient budget, shortage of digital records, lack of proper training of library professionals, and these also provided some suitable suggestions, such as allocation of adequate fund, infrastructure development, recruitment of knowledgeable IT professionals, the simplicity of the intellectual property act, the willingness of authority regarding the implementation of DRM and frequently training arrangements for library professionals for the advancement of DH in the university libraries of Bangladesh. Originality/value The insights and views of the respondents regarding DRM tools and technologies obtained from this study are original and unique.


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 229-249
Author(s):  
Niharika Jaiswal

The broad question that interests this article is how does one read and compare the negotiations public and private universities are making with the neo-liberal paradigm of knowledge production with reference to their social science curricula. Michael Apple’s (1993, Teachers College Records, 95(2), 222–241; 2001, Currículo Sem Fronteiras, 1(1), i–xxvi) argument that curriculum is not a ‘neutral assemblage of knowledge’ but a crafted vision of ‘legitimate knowledge’ produced by hegemonic powers within society forms the theoretical foundation for this article. To understand the changes within a university’s academic practice, this article analyses and compares the undergraduate and postgraduate sociology curricula of two public universities (Delhi University and Ambedkar University), an international university (South Asian University) and one private university (Shiv Nadar University), as well as engages with its practitioners to assess the everyday within these universities. The undergraduate and postgraduate sociology curricula across public and private universities indicate certain convergences in their academic approaches. The universities in question encouraged foreign university collaborations, reframed the course structure to strengthen the university-industry linkages and increased the employability of the students. Interdisciplinary and contemporary papers are offered through new modes of pedagogy. The mode of assessment also focus on writing research papers/dissertations and frequent visits to the field to develop an application-based approach to learning. The neoliberal paradigm of knowledge production affected the convergence of academic practices of public and private universities despite difference in governance structure. This convergence problematises the meaning of ‘public’ in a liberalised, privatised and globalised society.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 132-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atheer Abdullah Mohammed ◽  
Abdul Hafeez Baig ◽  
Raj Gururajan

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical model and investigate the relationship between talent management (TM) processes and knowledge creation (KC) in Australian public and private universities. This is because of the pragmatic advantages for organisations that focus on talents and knowledge. Design/methodology/approach This research adopted the mixed-methods design. The sample comprised 23 individuals for the qualitative study and 286 individuals for the quantitative survey questionnaire, all conducted in nine public and private universities in Australia. Findings The qualitative outcomes were utilised to develop the quantitative survey statement. These outcomes are based on a three-stage method of thematic analysis. The core conclusion of the quantitative study is that there is a significantly positive influence on TM processes (TMPs) on KC. Research limitations/implications The principle limitation of this study was the scope. It only targeted one country (Australia), one state (Queensland) and a part of the higher education sector (the university). Practical implications This research designed a quantitative instrument of TMPs and KC for the Australian educational institutions. The instrument is severely designed and comprehensively conceptualised utilising social, excellent, performance, strategic, behavioural and developmental concepts within TMPs with innovative, informational and technological concepts underlining KC within the Australian public and private universities in Queensland. Originality/value The study adds value to both TM and knowledge management literature through designing a conceptual model that links both of these variables in one tool regarding the university sector.


2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 679-694 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roland Izuagbe ◽  
Sunday Olanrewaju Popoola

Purpose The study examined the applicability of TAM2 theoretical constructs of social influence and cognitive instrumental factors vis-à-vis the facilitation of perceived usefulness of electronic resources among library personnel in private universities in South-west Nigeria. Design/Methodology/Approach Descriptive research design of correlational type alongside the single-stage random sampling technique were used to select 212 respondents from a population size of 259 library personnel across the 21 private universities in South-west Nigeria. The instrument used to elicit data was the questionnaire. Of the 212 copies of the questionnaire administered, 181 (85.4 per cent) were found valid for analysis. Findings Social influence and cognitive instrumental factors significantly had relationship with and facilitated perceived usefulness of electronic resources. Similarly, the study revealed that cognitive instrumental factors are stronger facilitators of perceived usefulness of electronic resources than social influence factors among library personnel in private universities in South-west, Nigeria. Practical implications Implementation of electronic resources without ascertaining library personnel usefulness perception leads to resource underutilisation and wastage. Management of private university libraries should, therefore, take into cognisance the usefulness perception of library personnel before the implementation of electronic resources for optimum utilisation. Originality/value There is no known research endeavour within the Nigerian context that examined perceived usefulness of electronic resources among library personnel in the private university domain, using the additional theoretical constructs of TAM2 as our research model suggests. This study is, therefore, a pioneering effort towards ascertaining library personnel’s perceived usefulness of electronic resources prior acceptance and use in private university libraries.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Hernan Gonzalez-Campo ◽  
Guillermo Murillo-Vargas ◽  
Monica Garcia Solarte

PurposeA mission statement is the central axis of any organization and the cornerstone of its strategic planning. Universities have implemented this tool to define, among other things, its identity; however, the legal nature and functions of the mission statement have not been determined. In this article, the authors analyze the differences in the university mission statements of public and private higher education institutions in relation to the mission functions proposed by the 1992 legislation on higher education in Colombia – Law 30 – involving teaching, research, extension and social projection and internationalization.Design/methodology/approachThrough content analysis, the authors analyze the mission statements of two groups of institutions that make up the totality of universities in Colombia – 32 public and 53 private universities. The analysis is conducted along the four dimensions defined by the law as comprising the higher education mission, i.e. teaching, research, extension and social projection, and internationalization, due to its importance in the high-quality institutional accreditation process.FindingsBased on the differences identified in the mission statements, the authors establish the university functions and determine how they give back to society in their legal capacity as public or private institutions.Research limitations/implicationsThis research scenario is appropriate for answering research questions related to whether there are differences in the strategies of Colombian public and private universities based on their mission statements. Although the Colombian higher education system includes various types of tertiary institutions, only universities are included in the study.Practical implicationsResearch has shown that regardless of their legal nature, based on their mission statements, Colombian universities are mainly geared towards teaching. However, when comparing additional dimensions, private universities are less involved in research processes and more focused on activities related to social impact than are public universities. Additionally, private universities are more engaged in internationalization than are public institutions, with mission statements focused on both national and international accreditation processes.Social implicationsThe results of this research are intended to help society comprehend the differences between public and private universities in Colombia based on mission statements, which can contribute to understanding, among other factors, the academic programs offered by universities and how they should guide their activities.Originality/valueThis is the first such study in Colombia, a country that provides higher education through public and private institutions in very similar proportions, that analyses the differences in university mission statements and whose findings contribute to understanding whether universities are strategically oriented towards their own established policies or to contributing to the development of new public policies aimed at supporting the country's development process.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marsela Thanasi-Boçe ◽  
Selma Kurtishi-Kastrati

Purpose This study aims to explore the extent to which universities in developing countries have adopted social responsibility (SR) and track its implementation. Design/methodology/approach Through content analysis, the study examined the SR activities in 14 universities in Albania and North Macedonia. A framework for assessing SR in universities was developed based on the ISO 26000/2010 standard and the main SR domains relevant to the university context were identified and analysed. A comparison between public and private universities was made and best practices were highlighted. Findings The results showed that the highest scoring domain is organisational governance, while the environment domain scored lowest. No significant differences between public and private universities were identified in the disclosure of the university social responsibility (USR) domains. Research limitations/implications Domains were assessed based on the online content the universities disclosed and did not consider any unpublished content. Social implications The best SR practices are promoted to increase other universities’ level of engagement with the USR approach. Originality/value The study adds to the contributions in the USR literature by providing a better understanding of the application of USR in developing countries. The developed framework may be used to assess USR engagement in a practical way.


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