Digitization of newspaper for space shaping and ensuring user facility in Dhaka University Library, Bangladesh

Abstract

Purpose: The digitization and automation functions of newspaper will have an enormous influence on library and information institutions. The purpose of the study is to explore the digitization process of printed newspaper preserved in Dhaka University library. Design/methodology/approach: The observational method based on reassessment of the related literature was used in the study. Authors’ experience as well as their managerial and observational involvement in digitization process of printed newspaper is reflected in the study. Findings: Digital scanners were employed to digitize the newspaper collection, making online accessible scanned editions of printed issues from 1900 to 2022. DocuDex software used to convert papers, and a sizable, sophisticated scanner is being used to scan newspapers into digital form in Dhaka University Library. Every month, on average, 100-200 scholars use the digitized newspapers. The scanner with a camera is used to scan the papers. The scanner operates at a speed of 700 pages per hour (Manually). Apart from scanning newspaper, currently, M.Phil theses, PhD theses, books, and articles are being scanned with this machine. Research limitations/implications: The premeditated approach used in this study can serve the library practitioners to develop a successful transition from traditional systems to a technology based one. Originality/value: The study is one of the first attempts to trace the implications of newspaper automation in any university libraries of Bangladesh.