Department of Information Science and Library Management

THE ROLE OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN BANGLADESH FOR ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDG)

2026-03-03T00:00:00Z

THE ROLE OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN BANGLADESH FOR ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDG) ., Mst. Jesmineara Background/Purpose: Public libraries are essential hubs for knowledge dissemination, education, and societal advancement. In Bangladesh, their role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is increasingly significant. This study investigates the contributions of public libraries to SDGs, assesses their challenges, and explores opportunities for improvement through a comprehensive analysis of library administrators' and users' perspectives. Methods & Materials: A mixed-methods research approach incorporating quantitative and qualitative data was utilized. Two structured questionnaires were designed: one for library administrators to evaluate services, automation, and alignment with SDGs, and another for library users to analyze usage patterns, satisfaction levels, and familiarity with SDGs. Qualitative data are gathered from existing literature. Statistical analyses included reliability testing (Cronbach's Alpha value exceeding 0.70 confirmed consistency), data normality checks (Shapiro-Wilk test), Mann–Whitney U-tests to identify differences between user groups, Pearson correlation to explore relationships between variables, and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to identify underlying dimensions. Findings: The findings reveal that public libraries significantly contribute to SDGs through educational programs, skill-building initiatives, and community engagement. Challenges such as financial constraints, technological gaps, and limited automation hinder their effectiveness. Reliability testing confirmed the internal consistency of the survey instruments. Data normality tests indicated non-normal distributions, validating the use of non-parametric tests like the Mann–Whitney U test. EFA identified key factors influencing library contributions to SDGs, such as quality education, community engagement, and capacity-building efforts. Furthermore, a strong positive correlation was observed between library services and societal development outcomes, emphasizing the importance of policy support, resource allocation, and sustainable practices. Practical Implications/Originality: The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, administrators, and stakeholders by proposing a strategic PL-SDG xix model to enhance the role of public libraries in achieving SDGs. It highlights the need for increased funding, technological integration, and green library initiatives. Conclusion: Public libraries in Bangladesh are crucial part to achieving SDGs, especially in education, skills, and community engagement. This study combines robust statistical analysis with practical recommendations, underscoring the transformative potential of libraries in fostering sustainable development. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy.

Managing Intellectual Properties of Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) of University Libraries in Bangladesh: Challenges and Opportunities

2025-11-05T00:00:00Z

Managing Intellectual Properties of Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) of University Libraries in Bangladesh: Challenges and Opportunities Shah, Md. Abdul Hakim Researchers often face difficulties accessing printed theses and dissertations, but electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) have broken the access barriers. ETDs have increased the visibility, accessibility, and reliability of scholarly work at university libraries. The research problem in managing ETDs at university libraries in Bangladesh remains underexplored. There is a significant absence of comprehensive surveys to identify the challenges (i.e. technological, legal, and administrative challenges), and to propose targeted recommendations, and also explore the opportunities for managing ETDs in these libraries. The research objectives were to assess the existing status, identify technological, legal, and administrative challenges, highlight opportunities, and propose recommendations for the adaptation of ETDs management at university libraries in Bangladesh. This is a descriptive research; the research designed using a mixed-method approach combining qualitative and quantitative techniques. The research data were collected from 20 out of 55 public university libraries using a semi-structured questionnaire. Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha has been employed for the reliability and validity tests of the questionnaire, and descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis. The study assessed the challenges and opportunities of ETDs management at university libraries in Bangladesh. The findings revealed that the ETDs preservation efforts commenced in public university libraries in Bangladesh as early as 2012. Currently, 55% of libraries utilize ETDs management systems, while 45% remain without such systems, for which universities are providing MPhil and PhD degrees. Notably, Engineering University Libraries exhibit a high adoption rate of ETDs management systems at 45.5%, surpassing other university libraries. The repository offers both open (91%) and restricted (9%) access, primarily employing the user friendly open-source software DSpace (91%). ETDs are preserved in PDF format, encompassing both born-digital and digitized materials (100%). A significant majority of ETDs repositories (81.8%) facilitate downloads, allowing users to easily access and save desired search results on personal devices. Examining the sources of ETDs, the study found that 72.7% originate from the Controller of P a ge | xi Examinations section of the university, while 27.3% are voluntarily submitted by students. English remains the preferred language for ETDs (81.8%), with 18.2% preserving multi-language documents. Insights into ETDs program management reveal that 72.7% of university libraries handle resources internally, while the remaining 27.3% are managed by the university IT cell. Agriculture university libraries hold the largest ETDs collections (40.3%), followed by engineering (26.6%), medical (19.3%), and general university libraries (13.7%). In terms of professional manpower of individual universities, Engineering University libraries lead with 51.5%, followed closely by Agricultural University libraries at 45.68%. General university libraries show a distribution of 44% professional manpower, while the Medical University Library has the lowest percentage at 17.24%. The study assessed the challenges and opportunities associated with the adaptation of ETDs in university libraries in Bangladesh. It found that Technological Challenges, with a mean score of (M= 3.89, SD=0.40) and t(19)=9.89, p<0.01, Legal Challenges, with a mean score of (M=4.21, SD=0.36), and t(19)=15.23, p<0.01, Administrative Challenges, with a mean score of (M=4.22, SD=0.36) and t(19)=14.90, p<0.01 were all significantly higher than the neutral point of M=3, indicating that these challenges are experienced to a considerable extent. In contrast, the Opportunities for ETDs adaptation had an even higher mean score of (M=4.252, SD=0.22), and t(19)= 30.65, p<0.01 also significantly above M=3, suggesting a strong perception of positive opportunities. This study will provide a baseline for future research and policymaking, offering insights into improving ETDs management and facilitating a successful repository in Bangladeshi university libraries. The study has some limitations, such as a narrow participant scope and resource constraints. This is the first time attempt in Bangladesh that will trigger future study. Future research could explore ETDs adoption factors, preservation technologies, and ethical concerns in digitization. The study concluded with some recommendations based on the findings. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy.

Use of E-resources for Improving Scholarly Output and Academic Progress: Perceptions of Faculty Members and Researchers in Bangladesh

2025-11-05T00:00:00Z

Use of E-resources for Improving Scholarly Output and Academic Progress: Perceptions of Faculty Members and Researchers in Bangladesh Aktar, Sabrina Purpose: This study aims to explore the percep�ons of faculty members and researchers in public universi�es of Bangladesh about e-resource usage for scholarly output and academic progress. The specific objec�ves are to assess the current state of e-resource access and usage, percep�ons, and evalua�on of the Impact of e-resources on scholarly output and iden�fy the challenges. Methodology: The study used a quantitative research approach to analyze the perceptions and practices regarding e-resource usage of faculty members and research students in public universities in Bangladesh. Data were collected through two different semi-structured questionnaires for two distinct groups that were developed and refined with a pilot survey to ensure clarity and reliability. Clusters for faculty members and research students were selected using purposive sampling techniques to ensure representation across various disciplines and demographic groups from ten universities. The analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics, such as frequency, percentage, ANOVA, MANOVA, and correlation, to examine patterns, relationships, and perceptions of e-resource utilization. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and data confidentiality, were strictly followed to uphold the integrity of the research process. Findings: The study reveals that faculty members and research students at public universities in Bangladesh actively use e-resources for various academic and research purposes, with notable differences across disciplines and age groups. Faculty members frequently utilize ERs to write research articles, conduct project work, and prepare teaching materials, while research students rely on these resources primarily for thesis work and coursework. Science and Engineering disciplines demonstrate higher ER usage compared to Arts. Despite intermediate to advanced digital literacy among users, limited access to full-text documents, slow internet, and inadequate training hinders optimal usage. The respondent perceived the urgent need for improved infrastructure, targeted training, and increased access to vital databases as critical measures to enhance ER utilization and support academic progress. Conclusions: This research highlights the significant impact of ERs on the respondents of public universities in Bangladesh. Faculty members utilize these resources effectively, xxi enhancing their research output and productivity. However, research students show lower engagement, indicating a need for better access and support. The study also reveals disparities in ER usage across disciplines and demographic groups, emphasizing the importance of addressing these inequities. To maximize the benefits of ERs, universities should improve technological infrastructure, provide comprehensive training, and develop user-friendly support services. By focusing on these initiatives, institutions can strengthen the research capabilities of both faculty and students, fostering a dynamic academic culture for the entire university community. Originality/ Value: The perceptions in scholarly output and academic progress i.e. the insights and views of faculty members and researchers in Bangladesh regarding ERs is original in nature. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

A Study of Digital Preservation Practices in Selected University Libraries in Bangladesh

2025-11-05T00:00:00Z

A Study of Digital Preservation Practices in Selected University Libraries in Bangladesh Bhuiyan, Mohammad Shakaought Hossain Preserving the library materials and making them accessible to the scholars and general users is very important for the university libraries. Therefore, the researcher decided to study on digital preservation practices in selected university libraries in Bangladesh. The purpose of the study was to investigate the existing condition of digital preservation practices in selected university libraries in Bangladesh.The study used a quantitative research approach based on the research objectives, and questionnaires were made for the users for 15 selected universities in Bangladesh. Data were collected through two sets of structured questionnaires for two distinct groups that were developed and refined with a pilot survey to ensure clarity and reliability. The population and sample were covered by librarians/library administrators, and library users from the 15 selected university libraries. In this study, the researcher has taken a non-provability sampling approach and chosen the purposive sampling method. The researcher distributed a total of 700 structured questionnaires among the teachers, students, and researchers of the selected university libraries. Out of 700 questionnaires, a total of 433 filled questionnaires were received with a response rate of 61.85%. For this study, collected data were analyzed using the IBM® SPSS® Statistics Version software. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and data confidently, were strictly followed to uphold the integrity of the research process.The findings from this study revealed that university libraries in Bangladesh were significantly affected by the changes to the digital environment. Most university libraries face many challenges that hinder the effective implementation of digital preservation. The challenges include absence of established standards and policies, inadequate funding, copyright and intellectual property rights issues, lack of skilled manpower, staff training and development, technology problems, lack of collaboration efforts, machine dependency, metadata, lack of equipment, insufficient staff, poor technology infrastructure, technological obsolescence, congested workspace, etc. The study also provides several recommendations, including infrastructure and access, skilled manpower and training, allocating sufficient budget and resources, addressing legal issues, providing software for digital preservation, developing policies for digital preservation, providing sufficient training for staff, adopting international standards, enhancing facilities and tools, taking administrative actions, providing legal deposit of e-content, etc. The result of the study contributes to the field by providing a detailed analysis of digital preservation practices in the context of Bangladeshi university libraries. The findings offer valuable insights vi into the current state of digital preservation, the challenges faced by institutions, and user satisfaction with digital resources. The study's recommendations have practical implications for improving digital preservation strategies and can serve as a guide for other institutions facing similar challenges. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.