Database Management Systems and Use of Digital Resources in Some Selected Public University Libraries of Bangladesh: An Overview

This paper Discuses present status of database management practices and use of digital resources of five selected Public University Libraries of Bangladesh. Survey has been carried out on the names of used software, number of databases for the dissemination of library resources with total number of records, subscription of online journals with other digital and electronic resources, number of current/bound journals, computers, CDs and audiovisual materials etc. The objectives, methodology for collection, presentation and analysis of collected data for this study and highlights the meaning, need, main considerations, components and domain of library automation in the context of surveyed libraries also have been described. The development of digital technology combined with the evolution of Internet has prompted significant changes in library services and operations within the last few years. The study tries to focus on the availability of hardware and software in the respective library, examine types and forms of library collections, various house keeping operations, management, services, and library administration etc. It has also put forward some suggestions for the future development of the surveyed libraries. Bangladesh Journal of Library and Information Science Vol.2(1) July 2012 pp.67-78DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjlis.v2i1.12923

Digitization and Developing Digital Library and Information Support in Bangladesh: Professional Challenges

The digital revolution throughout the world has brought about new challenges as well as new opportunities for the information professionals. The information professionals of the developing countries are grappling with problems like weak infrastructure, lack of skilled manpower, financial stringency etc. in implementing information and communication technologies in the libraries and also in the digitization of information resources. This paper explores the problems and potential of ICT and digitization in context of the library and information sector of Bangladesh. An elaborate analysis of various challenges for establishing digital information systems and services in the backdrop of the socio-economic realities of Bangladesh has been presented in the paper, along with indications as to how these challenges could be overcome. The paper ends with the conviction that, if these challenges could be dealt with successfully, the Vision 2021 stated by the Government could be realized in time. Bangladesh Journal of Library and Information Science Vol.2(1) July 2012 pp.57-66DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjlis.v2i1.12922

E-Journals Usage Trend in IUB Library

This article aims to give a general understanding about the popularity of electronic resources in Independent University, Bangladesh, which would help in shaping higher education in the country. Resources usages were determined on the basis of electronic resources providers’ data. The article comes up with some important findings. Use of Emerald database in IUB found to be more rational compared to other three IP based databases. The ratios between the top-most and the 25th documents those opened, from Emerald 5:1, from JSTOR 13:1, from ABI/Inform 19:1, from OUP Journals 31:1. Users preferred PDF documents and Period had no influence over usage. The study only covered IP based electronic resources; password based or other free electronic resources were out of the study. This is the first case study on the use of electronic resources in Bangladesh, which would give Bangladeshi libraries a guidance regarding electronic resources subscription. Bangladesh Journal of Library and Information Science Vol.2(1) July 2012 pp.79-91DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjlis.v2i1.12924

Digital Libraries in the New Millennium

The concept of digital library is not a new one, although it is only recently that digital library is gaining prominence all over the world. This article provides a holistic understanding of digital libraries including its present context and future directions. Various technical issues ingrained in the concept of digital library also has been analysed in the article. Issues like interoperability, information retrieval, property and access control and usability also has been discussed in detail. Although digital library is a technical phenomenon, it has wider social and economic implications. The article casts a critical glance at these implications as well. In the end, ongoing international efforts in the arena of digital libraries also has been discussed. Bangladesh Journal of Library and Information Science Vol.2(1) July 2012 pp.92-102DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjlis.v2i1.12926

Education, Information Literacy and Lifelong Learning: Three Pillars of Nation Building in the Emerging Knowledge Society

This paper is based on the assumption that libraries have a pivotal role to play in nation building, and future of libraries is in our own hands. It further emphasizes the need for change in libraries in the context of emerging knowledge economy. It makes reference to the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals, UNESCO's Education for All Programme (EPAP), and Information for All Programme (IFAP), as well as the mandate of the National Knowledge Commission (NKC). It also highlights the impact of ICT on the life and work of people, and paradigm shift in libraries. It emphasizes that library consortia, institutional repositories, and open access archives are strategic response to the paradoxical situation of growing digital documents and declining library budgets. It further explains that more important than the name of a library (traditional or digital) is the mandate and the context of the library. It also enlists the challenges and opportunities facing libraries, and concludes that the future of libraries is though uncertain, yet in our own hands. Bangladesh Journal of Library and Information Science Vol.2(1) July 2012 pp.48-56DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjlis.v2i1.12921

Knowledge Management in Universities: Role of Knowledge Workers

Knowledge management has been hailed as one of the most important developments in the fields of information studies and management science in the recent decades. By capturing, organizing, documenting and sharing organisational knowledge, Knowledge management helps today’s complex organisations to make better decisions and solve their problems effectively. As highest centers of learning, universities need to build information infrastructure and create a favourable atmosphere where teaching and non-teaching staff, students, researchers, patrons and other stakeholders can take part in various knowledge management activities. The role of knowledge workers in this regard is quite important. By advocating knowledge discovery and use, knowledge workers can bring about changes in the university’s organisational cultures and individual behaviors relative to knowledge. Universities can play a significant role in the building and unhindered development of a knowledge-based society by recruiting skilled and competent knowledge workers and empowering them to manage the knowledge assets effectively. Bangladesh Journal of Library and Information Science Vol.2(1) July 2012 pp.92-102DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjlis.v2i1.12925

VUNA: A Prototype for Organisation and Retrieval of Newspaper Items

This is the age of information explosion. A massive quantity of information is being generated, a large portion of which is found in newspapers. It is posing a unique challenge for information managers for processing information and providing required information to information seekers. This article discusses a newspaper information retrieval system named Vidyasagar University News Archive (VUNA), which has been developed by information specialists for effective management and retrieval of information from newspapers. This article highlights the salient technical issues related to the development of a prototype online digital newspaper information retrieval system suitable for India. The basic architecture, operational features, etc. have been discussed and a comparative picture of respective performance and failures of existing online newspaper archives in India and VUNA also has been drawn. Bangladesh Journal of Library and Information Science Vol.2(1) July 2012 pp.22-38DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjlis.v2i1.12916

Organising Traditional Knowledge for Inclusive Development: Role of Libraries

In this paper we discuss traditional knowledge, its importance especially in inclusive development and knowledge management activities taken up in West Bengal. We also focus on the role of libraries especially public libraries in preserving and propagating this cultural heritage and traditional knowledge. Bangladesh Journal of Library and Information Science Vol.2(1) July 2012 pp.5-11DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjlis.v2i1.12914

Editor's Note

Bangladesh Journal of Library and Information Science Vol.2(1) July 2012 p.4DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjlis.v2i1.12912

Role of IASLIC in Developing Computer Skills Among LIS Professionals in India

Indian Association of Special Libraries & Information Centres (IASLIC) is a pioneer association in India that has been working for the development of library and information services since its inception in 1955. IASLIC has adopted various multifaceted activities for the healthy growth of library services and to safeguard the interest of library professionals as well as library users. IASLIC has been working to resolve various discrepancies particularly in selection of hardware and library software packages, interchange formats, training for digitization and to set a standard that ideally suits the most of the libraries in our country. After introduction of computer applications in LIS in the later part of 1980s, libraries urgently required adequate computer trained workforce to perform library services. Understanding the scenario and anticipating the future needs, IASLIC has been giving prime importance to manpower development programme. A brief overview of IASLIC activities like Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, Study Circles, Special Interest Groups, publications, lectures by experts, etc. related to computer training organized by IASLIC and its role as a advisory organization to Government for making policies related to LIS has also described in this article. Bangladesh Journal of Library and Information Science Vol.2(1) July 2012 pp.39-47DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjlis.v2i1.12917