Changing roles of university libraries of Bangladesh: an exploratory study

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the roles that should be practiced in university libraries of Bangladesh; the more specific objectives are to identify the present practicing roles of university libraries of Bangladesh, the tools and technologies which are needed for serving libraries in changing environment, the qualities of library professionals that are necessary for providing better service in changing roles of library and the problems of implementing changing roles in university libraries of Bangladesh 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 different divisions of Bangladesh including Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet and Barisal. The respondents consisted of library and information professionals and IT professionals who are working in libraries. Descriptive analysis techniques of SPSS were used to analyze the quantitative data. Qualitative data has been analyzed using thematic analysis process. Findings The findings revealed that there are some hindrances to provide modern library service, lack of IT skills, funds and problems of intellectual property right act and provide some suitable suggestions for the advancement of modern university libraries of Bangladesh. Originality/value The insights and views of the respondents regarding tools and technologies obtained from this study are original and unique in nature.