University Libraries In Bangladesh Research Articles

Individual differences in service quality of university libraries in Bangladesh

This study measured the individual differences in the service quality of Bangladeshi university libraries by type of university, user and gender. A modified SERVQUAL (service quality) model was adopted for the academic library environment, which included 30 items under five dimensions with a 7-point Likert scale. The survey was conducted among 61 teachers, 50 researchers and 455 students from two public, two international and two private universities in Bangladesh. The individual differences in library service quality were calculated through an analysis of variance and independent sample t-test for the university, user and gender categories. The overall service quality was significantly different ( p < .001) among the users of the public ( M = 4.02), private ( M = 5.08) and international ( M = 5.10) university libraries, as well as between male ( M = 4.48) and female ( M = 5.01) users. Several statistical methods supported the sampling adequacy, reliability and validity of the adapted model, which could be used as a basis for further assessments of library service quality by different demographic groups, both locally and globally.

Library practitioners’ perceptions on the applications of IoT in university libraries of Bangladesh

PurposeThe major objectives of this study are to explore the perceptions of library practitioners towards IoT and to suggest directions for its proper application in university libraries of Bangladesh.Design/methodology/approachThe study conducted an online questionnaire-based survey of library practitioners working at university libraries in Bangladesh in addition to an email interview with ten librarians. A sample size of 310 library practitioners was obtained using the convenience sampling technique for the survey. Non-parametric tests were performed to examine the differences in demographics and perspectives on IoT, as well as the potential benefits and challenges of IoT deployment in libraries.FindingsA total of 178 valid surveys were completed, and the results indicate that 147 (82.6%) library practitioners have varied degrees of IoT understanding and positive attitudes about IoT applications in libraries. The study identified RFID, wireless technologies, cloud computing, mobile apps, artificial intelligence and semantic search as major IoT enablers. Tracking, book reservation, circulation, user identification, service marketing, selection of resources, information networking and resource sharing, etc. are the main areas of a library where IoT may be applied. The integration of IoT has the potential to transform conventional libraries into smart libraries. However, there are some challenges that Bangladeshi university libraries must overcome to take use of the prospects emerged from IoT.Research limitations/implicationsThe study would encourage Bangladeshi librarians adopting IoT-based library and information services and provide guidelines for its successful implementation.Originality/valueThe study is a pioneering effort from Bangladesh’s perspective which portrays the original opinions and perceptions of library practitioners regarding IoT applications in university libraries of Bangladesh.

Challenges to the implementation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in university libraries in Bangladesh

Purpose: The study discovers the present conditions of using ICT by the university libraries in Bangladesh. This study also finds the challenges for applying ICT in Bangladesh's public and private university libraries. Design/methodology/approach: The study is based on one structured questionnaire from ten selected university librarians. Findings: The study demonstrates how to improve these libraries’ entire condition and services by adopting modern technology. This investigation reveals the state of these libraries, including the problems they encountered in applying information technology, and puts forward necessary recommendations. Originality/value: This study focuses on the challenges of implementing ICT in university libraries in Bangladesh. It will prompt further research on ICT-based library services in academic libraries globally.

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

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.

A Study of Public University Libraries in Bangladesh in the Context of Collection Development through Open Access Resources

Libraries and librarians will benefit by acquiring a collection of open access information resources. The OA movement in Bangladesh is being developed to reduce the huge pressure on the library budget for subscriptions to journals. In most developed countries, university libraries view open-access materials as an important part of their collection development strategy. In this study, we examine the current state of OA resources in public university libraries in Bangladesh, collection development policies, the library authority's perspectives, the challenges libraries face in including OA resources in their collection development, and how to overcome those obstacles. Methodology: A survey and a stratified random sample technique were used in this study. A total of 276 students and 268 faculty members were surveyed. The first six public universities (in order of date of establishment) were selected. We sent out questionnaires directly to students, library personnel, librarians, and other library officials. Using library websites, journals, official records, and Google Scholar was another step. Findings: This study indicates that although open access materials may be quite useful in the growth of collections, most academic library authorities seem unconcerned about this. The utilization of open access materials in the overall collection is visible, but it is insignificant.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and their Impact on Academic Library Services: A Study of Some Selected Private University Libraries in Bangladesh

Purpose: The objective of this study is to find out the impact of massive open online courses (MOOCs) on academic library services by identifying the opportunities of adopting MOOCs as a library service. It also proposes a model how to employ MOOCs as a library service. Methodology: This study follows a questionnaire method to collect data from the private university librarians in Bangladesh. Out of the 108 private universities in Bangladesh, 75 universities were selected as respondents for the questionnaire survey. In total, 38 university librarians have responded to the survey. The response rate was 50.66%. Descriptive analysis was carried out to analyse the collected data. Findings: The findings of this study have revealed the current status of MOOCs as a library service. The majority of the librarians are aware of MOOCs, but they do not have connection with any specific MOOC platforms. The study also identified many opportunities for MOOCs in academic libraries, such as clearing copyright content and licensing, preservation of MOOC contents for users, and assisting with fair use of reading materials. Additionally, MOOCs offer opportunities for developing information literacy skills, fostering collaboration among academic institutions in building courses, providing motivational or library-related courses to users and library professionals, etc. Originality/Value: This is the first attempt to explore the status of MOOCs as a library service in the context of private university libraries in Bangladesh.

Digital humanities practice in university libraries of Bangladesh

PurposeDigital humanities (DH) is a scholarly lens through which computing methods and technological tools are used for the research of humanistic disciplines. The purpose of this study is to identify the current practicing situation of DH in the university libraries of Bangladesh.Design/methodology/approachSurvey methods were used for gathering data using a well-structured questionnaire. The websites of different universities national and international organizations, and DH-related websites from different corners of the globe were also used for the gathering of data and information.FindingsThe findings revealed that there are some hindrances to practicing DH, such as lack of IT skills, funds and problems with intellectual property rights act practicing and provided some suitable suggestions for the advancement of DH in the university libraries of Bangladesh.Originality/valueThe outcome of this paper might be a valuable reference tool for researchers and professionals of the DH discipline. The insights and views of the respondents regarding computational tools and technologies obtained from this study are original and unique in nature.

University library responses to COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh

Purpose: The goal of this study is to evaluate how university libraries responded to the COVID-19 outbreak and explore the significant initiatives taken by libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: This research employed a content analysis approach using a descriptive quantitative study to obtain data from websites of 10 renowned public and private university libraries in Bangladesh based on purposive sampling. A checklist with 30 items in 5 categories was prepared to collect data and were organized in tabular form using Microsoft Excel for further analysis. Findings: Findings reveal that most of the university libraries offer additional online services, such as 75% of library websites provided information about library services during COVID-19, approximately 63% on an initiative for COVID-19, and 68% provided services considering the COVID-19 situation. The study found 84% of university libraries provided links, searches, and retrieval interfaces, and 90% of universities provided library resources during the pandemic. Most of the university libraries have significant digital library services. On the contrary, around 24% of library websites continue to lack certain services to implement basic accessibility standards. Research limitation: The limitation of the present study lies in relying on the contents available on the websites of a limited number of university libraries at a given point of time. Practical implications: This article aims to present a roadmap that libraries can use to make an informed decision while adding new services or enhancing existing ones. Keywords: Content analysis, COVID-19, coronavirus, library website, remote instruction, SARS-COV-2

A psychometric evaluation of the applicability of LibQUAL+® in a developing country perspective in Bangladesh

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the psychometric validity of the LibQUAL+® instrument in a developing country context in Bangladesh.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a paper-version of the original LibQUAL 22 core-items to survey library users' perceptions of minimum, desired and perceived levels of service quality of university libraries in Bangladesh. The survey accumulated a total of 544 valid responses over a period of two weeks. The means and standard deviations for each service item were computed for the three service levels. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test the original three-factorial structure and to assess the psychometric validity of the LibQUAL instrument. A one-factor CFA and separate CFAs by gender and user group on perceived services were conducted to determine the original three-factor structure of LibQUAL scale. Exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) were also performed on the perceived scores to examine the potential factor structure of the scale. The descriptive statistics including EFAs and the CFA models were performed through IBM® SPSS® Statistics and IBM® SPSS® Amos, respectively.FindingsThe findings of this paper showed that all perceived services fell below the minimum scores. The confirmatory factor analyses found poor model fits for the original three-factor solution of the LibQUAL scale. The EFA results also showed no factorial structure similar to the original LibQUAL dimensions. The findings exhibited a low psychometric quality of LibQUAL in academic library settings in Bangladesh.Originality/valueThis study is the first of its kind to empirically examine the psychometric validity of the LibQUAL scale in a developing country perspective in Bangladesh.

How far are the public university libraries in Bangladesh meeting students' expectations? – An analysis of service quality through LibQUAL+ core items

PurposeThe main aim of this paper is to examine the extent to which the major public university libraries in Bangladesh are meeting students' service expectations through analyzing LibQUAL+ core items.Design/methodology/approachThe survey data were obtained from students using a paper version of the questionnaire consisting of LibQUAL+ core 22 service items at four top-ranked public universities in Bangladesh. Students rated the items on three service levels each using a nine-point scale: Minimum level, Desired level and Perceived Level. Descriptive statistics, i.e. mean and SD were obtained and service adequacy gap (SAG) scores between perceived and minimum levels were computed to see whether the libraries are meeting students' minimum expectation. Non-parametric Wilcoxon sign rank test was conducted to examine the differences between minimum and perceived scores. Finally, Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests were conducted to see the effect of students' demographic variables on their ratings on minimum and perceived scores.FindingsThe findings revealed that the service performances of major university libraries are lagging far behind from students' minimum expectation (minimum > perceived). There are significant differences between minimum and perceived scores. Significant differences are also found in students' gender, age and enrolment level concerning their ratings on minimum and perceived service levels.Practical implicationsThe result of this study analyzes the service quality of major university libraries in Bangladesh. These findings can be used to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the library services.Originality/valueLibQUAL+ has been used mostly in academic libraries in developed countries but this is for the first time a paper-version of the instrument was used in university libraries in Bangladesh.

Building a model for digital content management in agricultural university libraries in Bangladesh

The purpose of this study is to build a model for Digital Content Management (DCM) in agricultural university libraries in Bangladesh. The model focuses on identifying the necessary tools and techniques required for DCM and finding out the problems and prospects of DCM for enhancing resource sharing among the agricultural universities in Bangladesh. To investigate these issues, surveys were used to collect data from 245 participants, who were students and teachers from seven public agricultural universities in Bangladesh. The findings reveal some hindrances to the establishment of DCM, such as lack of constant power supply, limited bandwidth speed, some users have lacking fundamental IT knowledge and shortage of digital resources, in addition to some suggestions for improving DCM in these libraries. Based on the survey results and related literature, the DCM model for agricultural university libraries of Bangladesh has been proposed and discussed.

Library Management and Information Systems of Non Government University Libraries in Bangladesh

Library Management and Information Systems of Non Government University Libraries in Bangladesh

Review of digital record management needs for academic libraries

PurposeThe 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/approachSurvey 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.FindingsThe 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/valueThe insights and views of the respondents regarding DRM tools and technologies obtained from this study are original and unique.

Changing roles of university libraries of Bangladesh: an exploratory study

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.

Factors for adoption of OSILS in university libraries of Bangladesh

This study identified the influential factors for adoption of OSILS in university libraries in Bangladesh. The survey was carried out among 196 library professionals from 14 private and seven public university libraries by a structured questionnaire which was adapted cautiously as per local arrangements after conducting a pilot survey. Factors for adoption of OSILS were analyzed by multiple regressions where overall satisfaction was used as dependent variable, and 14 factors for adoption of OSILS were applied as the independent variables. The entire model of regression analysis was established to be significant and revealed that cost-effectiveness, open source code, supporting community, backup and restore systems, easy to integrate with other software, and freedom from licensing fee significantly influenced library professionals to adopt OSILS. Moreover, an effort has been made for the first time to evaluate significant factors for adoption of OSILS in university libraries of Bangladesh that will prompt future research on OSILS.

Implementation of RFID in university libraries of Bangladesh

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the present status of implementing innovative radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in university libraries of Bangladesh. The main obstacles of implementing this technology among university libraries and ways to overcome the obstacles are also described.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses both qualitative and quantitative approaches along with review of related literature. The present scenario of RFID implementation status of Bangladesh is shown by a survey with a structured questionnaire and reviewing related literature.FindingsThe findings show that RFID is being used in the university libraries to reduce staff stress, increase efficiency, track and locate items quickly, book drop support at any time, easier circulation, promote self-check-in check-out activities, etc. This study identifies the challenges in libraries of Bangladesh which are lack of adequate funding, unavailability of RFID accessories, lack of skilled manpower, unwillingness, erratic power supply, etc. Also, it suggests some suitable ways such as creating positive impression and attitudes, arrangement of proper training, appointment of skilled manpower and allocation of sufficient budget to overcome the existing challenges of RFID.Originality/valueThe study describes the benefits of RFID technology for libraries, and some recommendations are proposed for extensive use of this technology.

An Impact of using e-Journals in the Academics in the University Libraries of Bangladesh

An Impact of using e-Journals in the Academics in the University Libraries of Bangladesh

Determining the Key Dimensions for Evaluating Service Quality and Satisfaction in Academic Libraries

ABSTRACTOffering quality services and evaluating the rate of success in providing users with target services is the pervasive importance of academic libraries. The central purpose of this study is to determine key dimensions of service quality and satisfaction through developing a new item-scale for evaluating service quality and satisfaction in academic libraries. For primary data collection the study used a 28-item instrument based on five dimensional modified version of SERVQUAL. Respondents were asked to indicate their degree of opinions in the three-columns format: desired service expectation, minimum service expectation, and perception of service performance on a 7-point Likert-type scale. The researcher initially conducted a pilot survey to clarify the overall structure of the questionnaire items to be accepted and used. The reliability of the analysis of data with distinct service attributes were taken from ten public and private university libraries in Bangladesh. Subjecting data obtained to exploratory factor analysis shows that academic library service quality and satisfaction is related to four basic dimensions: caring, competence, resources, and library as a place. Twenty-six service items were identified after extraction through exploratory factor analysis, where nine items were shown before “caring,” five items for “competence,” seven items for “resources,” and five items for “library as a place.” The result in fact provides a generic and robust instrument and recognizes a new item-scale, namely “real service expectation” for the librarians and information science practitioners in the assessment of service quality and satisfaction in academic libraries and in the related fields.

A Study of the Causes of User Dissatisfaction in Academic Libraries: A Case of University Students in a Developing Country

ABSTRACTThis article investigates students’ perceptions and expectations of service quality to understand the causes of dissatisfaction with the services delivered by the university libraries in Bangladesh. A total of 623 usable responses were collected from ten public and private university libraries in the country. The survey data were collected using a modified five dimensional SERVQUAL-based questionnaire, consisting of 26 service items. To determine the level of user satisfaction/dissatisfaction with the service items, the study used the disconfirmation theory with slight modification. It was found that users’ unrealistically high expectation for quality services is one of the key sources of their dissatisfaction. The other causes of dissatisfaction include lack of user-employee relationships, lack of attention to users’ needs, an external communication gap between library and users, lack of attention to enhance staffs’ performance, etc. Based on the service deficiencies identified, the study offers some measures that could be used as a way to improve service quality, and thereby user satisfaction.

Library material acquisition based on association rule mining

Allocation of budget is important to maintain the quality of a library and is related to the materials used in a library. However, to allocate appropriate budget for an academic library we need to derive the usage of the materials. This paper offers a model for automated budget allocation that is based on the knowledge discovery using association rules. Processing the circulation data of library to extract the statistics and association utilisation of the materials for departments is a great achievement which makes the analysis easier for calculating material utilisation for the budget allocation. This paper is based on database of the North South University Library, which is one of the first fully automated private university libraries in Bangladesh. The findings and results of this work can be used to accomplish more efficient management and budget allocation of the North South University Library.