Implementing information and communication technology in public libraries of Bangladesh

ARTICLE IN PRESS The International Information & Library Review (2005) 37, 159–168

The International Information & Library Review www.elsevier.com/locate/iilr

Implementing information and communication technology in public libraries of Bangladesh$ Nafiz Zaman Shuvaa,b, a

Department of Information Science & Library Management, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1216, Bangladesh Information Science Today, House no. 1, Journalist Residential Area, Block: F, Sec: 11, Mirpur Kalsi, Dhaka-1216, Bangladesh

b

Summary Information and communication technology (ICT) plays a vital role in bringing about changes in our society. As technology is getting more sophisticated and more affordable everyday, the range of services that are provided also increases accordingly. In this age of ICT the role of the public library has changed radically in developed countries. They are providing more sophisticated and user friendly services to their users. But, public libraries in developing countries are using these facilities very slowly due to shortage of funds, skilled manpower and other logistical support. As a result the users of public libraries in developing countries are not fully satisfied. This paper deals with the development of public libraries in Bangladesh, their present situation, and some recommendations for improving their services and implementing ICT. & 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

History and background The library movement in Bangladesh started during the mid-19th century with the establishment of $ This article was submitted to the 2004 American Society for Information Science & Technology (ASIS&T) Special Interest Group on International Information Issues (SIG III) international paper contest. The theme of the competition was ‘‘Managing and Enhancing Information: Cultures and Conflicts—The Developing World Perspective.’’ Corresponding author at: Department of Information Science & Library Management, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1216, Bangladesh. Tel.: +880 2 9004356; mobile: 0171351470. E-mail addresses: [email protected], [email protected]. URL: http://www.infosciencetoday.org.

four public libraries in the district towns of Jessore, Bogura, Barisal and Rangpur. Subsequently public libraries were established in other district towns and municipalities. Some of these are Raja Rammohan Rai Library, Dhaka (1871), Sirajgonj Public Library (1882), Northbrook Hall Public Library, Dhaka (1882), Rajshahi Public Library (1884), Comilla Birchandra Public Library (1885), Pabna Annada Gobinda public Library (1890), Noakhali Public Library (1896), Khulna Umesh Chandra Public Library (1897), Natore Victoria Public Library (1901), etc. These libraries were run and maintained by private initiatives and without any assistance from government agencies (Ahmed, 1998, p. 39).

1057-2317/$ - see front matter & 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.iilr.2005.07.004

ARTICLE IN PRESS 160 Government initiatives in setting up a countrywide Public Library System started long before independence, but they were too slow. These initiatives were primarily in implementation of central government sponsored social uplift schemes in the education sector. Following a report from Mr. L.C. Key (Library Consultant of the government of Pakistan) in 1956, three government libraries were set up. These are the Central Public Library at Dhaka and two divisional public libraries at Khulna and Chitagong. The foundation stone of the Central Public Library was laid on 5 February 1954, at the present campus of the Dhaka University Library; its door was opened to the public on 22 March 1958, with a stock of 10 040 books. The library was intended to be the main centre of the public library system in the province of East Bengal in Pakistan. The Central Public library was one of the first libraries in this part of South Asia to use the scientific method in organizing library materials from the very beginning (including classification and cataloging of books). It was the first library to introduce the card catalogue in East Pakistan. The library was also the first in the region to allow readers free and open access to the shelves. The librarian was also associated with the re-organization of government-aided public libraries in the province. Suddenly in 1961, the post of librarian was kept in abeyance and the incumbent was transferred to the office of the Director of Public Instruction as an officer on special duty to give attention to public library development throughout the province. In the same year, it was decided to transfer the land and buildings of the library to the University of Dhaka and to rehabilitate the Central Public Library elsewhere. In 1962, the Central Public Library building was taken over by Dhaka University. During most of this period, the librarian of Dhaka University acted as librarian-in-charge of Central Public Library. Accordingly, the present site was selected; the foundation of the new Central Public Library building was laid on 11 June 1968; and a rehabilitation project was taken up under the 3rd Five Year Plan (1965–70) of then Pakistan. But, due to political unrest in the country the work could not be completed as per schedule. The independence of Bangladesh was declared on 26 March 1971 following the crackdown by the army on the night of 25 March 1971. Bangladesh emerged as an independent and sovereign country on 16 December 1971 following a 9-month War Of Liberation. After the emergence of Bangladesh the remaining work of the rehabilitation project was taken under the 1st Five Year Plan (1973–78) and on completion of the work the library was shifted to its

N. Zaman Shuva present location in 1977. It was made open to the public in 1978. In the meantime, another set of libraries has become government public libraries. They originated in the Bangladesh Parishad, successor to the erstwhile Pakistan council and Bureau of National Reconstruction. In 1982, the Bangladesh Parishad was disbanded and at the behest of the Administrative Reorganization Committee a Department of Public Libraries was established in 1983 by merging the already established government public libraries (including the Bangladesh Central Public library). The Department has administrative control over 68 libraries.

Present scenario In Bangladesh there are two types of public libraries from the administrative and management point of view: viz. government and non-government public libraries (Ahmad, 1994, p. 53). The non-government public library movement started with the establishment of four public libraries in the year 1854.The aided non-government public libraries were the fore-runner of the public library service in this country, and these made immense contributions to the spread of education and knowledge, to the movement for national awareness, and to the struggle for freedom from the colonial rule. It is well known that most non-government public libraries started their activities through public contribution and one-time big voluntary donation in cash or in kind from the philanthropist or Zamindars of those days. At present there is no Zamindary system. Now the government has taken the place of Zamindars. The majority of the non-government public libraries do not have any source of permanent funds. The membership fees collected and the government grant taken together are so nominal and meager that this cannot support even a part of the salary of the library staff. As a result most of them are rather sick and in a moribund status (Rahman, 1993, p. 172). The government public library started its journey with the opening of Bangladesh Central Public Library in 1958. Government public libraries are operated by public funds raised through regular budget appropriation of the government. These libraries are established by executive orders of the government and not by any clear mandate of law. These are wholly managed from public funds and access to these libraries is free to all people irrespective of caste, creed, sex, age, etc.

ARTICLE IN PRESS Implementing information and communication technology in public libraries of Bangladesh The number of Public Libraries are given below: Government public libraries: Under the Department of Public Library the following libraries are run 1 2 3 4

Bangladesh Central Public Library Divisional Central Public Libraries District Libraries Branch Libraries

01 03 60 04 Total ¼ 68

Non-government public libraries: 1603 (Library Directory, Bangladesh National Book Centre, 2003). In Bangladesh, the total number of government public libraries is 68, but all of these do not have the same facilities in terms of infrastructure and other factors. The situations for most non-government public libraries are unsatisfactory. Most of the nongovernment public libraries are open for only 3–5 h in the evening. Very few library personnel are trained, and most of them are part time. These libraries are partly financed by subscription, partly by government grants and not fully by the local authorities. Patrons are also partially responsible for the libraries’ funding. The collections of these libraries vary considerably from library to library. The librarians have no fixed scale, and they do not enjoy any government benefits as in the case of teachers of non-government educational institutions.

Information and communication technologies Technologies for collecting, storing, processing and communicating information are divided into two main categories: those that process information, such as computer systems, and those that disseminate information, such as telecommunication systems. The term Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is more commonly used. Whilst Information Technology (IT) has been the accepted term in the UK and USA, it is not the universal term: Telematics is widely used in France, and Information is also used elsewhere in this sense (International Encyclopedia of Information and Library Science, 2003, p. 310). In Bangladesh the terms IT and ICT are simultaneously used. ICT has been one of the major factors causing changes in the way people communicate, locate, retrieve, and use information. Libraries and information centres have embraced the ICT more profoundly than many other fields, and most of them are currently using electronic products and services. It is evident that ICT has created a division in the modern society: information poor and information

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rich. The countries that had the ability to utilize ICT for information resource development have generated information-rich societies while those countries which were weak in utilization of ICT have created information-poor societies. As information is directly related to knowledge and skills which influence socio-economic development, one could hypothesize the relationship between information and development. This has speculated the assumption that information-rich countries have developed economies and information while poor countries have less developed economies (Yapa, 2003). Because economy and information are closely related and information resource development leads to economic development, policy makers pay special attention to the development of information resources. It is recognized that ICT is a tool which could be manipulated effectively for information resource development. This explains why economists in the Developed World are interested in ICT. Library systems were re-structured to accommodate ICT in library operations, because of the belief that the success of a library can be measured by the extent of ICT use by the library (Yapa, 2003).

Need for ICT in libraries As the public library is a social institution committed to providing better library services, its users, irrespective of caste, creed, sex, age, etc., the application of ICT in public libraries is a must. Kanakachary (2002, pp. 425–426) stated the necessity of ICT in libraries, some of these are: 1. There are many advantages like speed, accuracy, and reliability in the process of information. 2. In the future there is also a danger of nonavailability of hard copies of documents, particularly the secondary sources that are available only on CD-ROM. Knowing this, continuing education about ICT for librarians is essential. 3. Due to the escalation in prices of periodicals and books, no library can afford to acquire all the publications, requiring active resource sharing through networking. To participate in the network, computerization of libraries is a prerequisite. 4. Many international databases like DIALOG, MEDLARS, INIS, AGRIS, etc. are delivering the information electronically. Unless the libraries are automated, there is no possibility for

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N. Zaman Shuva accessing the information from these global level databases. The literature in almost all the fields is increasing tremendously and in a multidimensional way. Because of this growth, manual bibliographic control is not feasible and ICT is needed. The information seeking behaviour of the users is also changing according to their varied needs. To meet these changing needs, storage capacities of information and retrieval techniques should be improved. The quality, user friendliness, effectiveness, reliability and regularity of library services can be improved through ICT. To be able to utilize the growing world of electronic information, application of ICT is a must. With the help of ICT it is possible to gain local, national, regional and international reputation. To be able to provide round the clock access and service to users

Advantages of ICT ICT helps in growth and development of libraries in different directions. Veena Saraf in her paper mentioned some of the advantages of ICT given by Cochrane (Saraf, 1998, p. 6) a. allows easy integration of various library activities b. facilitates cooperation and the formation of library networks c. helps to avoid duplication of efforts within a library and between libraries in a network d. eliminates some uninteresting and repetitive work of librarians, i.e. a database created with bibliographical information can be updated easily and unnecessary information can be deleted with much less labour than in manual operation e. helps to increase the range of services offered f. provides marketing opportunity to its services g. ultimately may save/generate money h. increases efficiency. Further, use of ICT in libraries enhances users’ satisfaction. It provides numerous benefits and advantages to library users. Veena Saraf also mentioned some of the other advantages given by Hendersson: (Saraf,1998, p. 6) a. provides speedy and easy access to information b. provides remote access to users

c. provides round the clock access to users d. provides access to unlimited information from different sources e. provides increased flexibility f. facilitates the reformatting and combining of data from different sources. It is difficult to be confident about exactly what will happen or when, but perhaps the greatest longterm impact of ICT on public information services is that information provision will no longer be as limited as it is at present by the physical constraint of distance. In the long term this may mean a reduction in the use of public information services by some groups, but past experience strongly suggests that many sections of society will continue to need libraries and will expect the public library service to provide a focus for information in ICT formats together with expertise on how it should be used. Meanwhile, public libraries, with their wide geographical spread and their remit for providing information to the public, are uniquely placed to provide public access to the information superhighways. The current availability of ICT systems and services enable libraries to (Library Association Information Services Group, 1999, pp. 28–29): 1. provide a network encompassing all service points that responds quickly to requests for information 2. provide users with access to a greater range of materials—locally, nationally, and internationally 3. improve access to catalogues and indexes 4. improve access to information for disadvantaged members of the community 5. improve services for local business which can benefit from access to more, and better quality, information than previously available.

Analysis It is evident that the advantages of ICT are numerous. It offers great opportunities for libraries to be able to get a wide range of information from different sources, as well as to be able to provide services that save time for users (e.g. Internet service, Online database search service). The libraries in developing countries like Bangladesh can benefit to a large extent with the help of ICT. Now in the age of ICT, vast ranges of information can be downloaded free of cost; this is usually beneficial for libraries which suffer from lack of adequate funds. Moreover, ICT offers opportunity to satisfy users’ needs to a large extent.

ARTICLE IN PRESS Implementing information and communication technology in public libraries of Bangladesh

Information technology for library The ICTs that are relevant to libraries include (Murthy, 1999, p. 60): Computer technologies: its function and activities include database organization and management, library management and operation; Telecommunication technologies: its function and activities include library networks and information networks, etc.; Reprographic technologies: its function and activities include photocopy, microfilms, optical and digital reprographic technology, audiovisual, etc.; Library technologies: its function and activities include classification, cataloguing, indexing, abstracting, database creation, CAS/SDI, etc.; Technical communication: its function and activities include technical writings, editing, publishing, etc. On the other hand Veena Saraf in her paper mentioned the following as part of ICT given by Siddiqui (Saraf, 1998, p. 5): Automation; telecommunications (networks); electronic mail, electronic bulletin and electronic conferencing; online searching; compact disk (CDROMs); telefaxsimile (fax); and personal computer applications.

Analysis Murthy in his paper discusses ICT that are relevant to libraries whereas Siddiqui discusses general parts of ICT. But, in our context it would be better to discuss applications of ICT in different sections of library and information centres. No doubt the application of ICT covers almost all activities in library and information centers. It would be better to discuss it in the following ways: (1) Acquisition: Acquisition is the process of collecting information resources according to the information needs of the user. ICT can be utilized in the following ways: (i) Receiving users’ demand for information resources online (e.g. books, journals). (ii) Maintaining publishers, vendors and book distributors’ profiles in a computerized database. (iii) Online access to publishers’ catalogues, searching and retrieving information on documentary products. (iv) Matching users demand with available information products and select materials online and place purchase orders online. (v) Budget management and payment through electronic commerce. (vi) Creation and maintenance of accession register, etc.

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(2) Processing: Processing action involves the following that can be facilitated with the help of ICT: (i) Classifications of information resources. (ii) Cataloging of information resources: Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) can be prepared so that users can search the catalogue from anywhere. (iii) Indexing and abstracting: Indexes and abstracts of documents can be prepared with the help of computers. Indexing and abstracting software is currently available in the market. The library and information centres can also develop their own software. (iv) Preparation of bibliographies: It would be better if library and information centers prepared bibliographical information with the help of computers and made them available online. (3) Circulation: It refers to lending services. Usually ICT has the following role in circulation: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

creation and maintenance of user profiles maintenance of in-house databases maintenance of daily transactions calculation of fines, dues, etc.

(4) Information services: ICT has great influence on information service. It includes: (i) searching and retrieving of information from in-house databases (ii) searching remote and external databases or websites (iii) provide online SDI and CAS service (iv) electronic document delivery (v) electronic communication with user, etc. (5) Besides these ICT can be used in the following areas: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

staff management budget control official correspondence inventory taking, etc.

Information technology and public libraries of Bangladesh The tremendous growth of ICT has opened the door for the libraries to make use of technological facilities for the betterment of user services. But,

ARTICLE IN PRESS 164 even today both government and non-government public libraries are unable to establish a fullfledged division of IT. For this reason, users are not fully satisfied because they need more up-todate and instant information than can be obtained by using ICT components. Currently, the government public libraries have 23 computers, seven of which are available at Bangladesh Central Public Library and the rest of these are in different district libraries. In 2004, Bangladesh Central Public Library began a 3-year development project which seeks to introduce technological facilities. Non-government public libraries in Bangladesh have no technological facilities.

Need to introduce modern information services This is the time to introduce modern information services to libraries to satisfy the varying interests of users. Libraries in developed countries have introduced a lot of modern information services. In introducing modern information services we can follow the developed countries. Some of the modern services especially for libraries in developing countries are: Internet Service: The global network of networks called ‘Internet’ is an information superhighway that allows information to flow to unimaginable distances at an incredible speed. Internet services and tools to access information on the net are: E-mail: E-mails are a common and simple method of exchanging information. It is relatively cheap and can be used to provide social and other training to a large number of people in diverse locations. Public library of Bangladesh should provide e-mail services so that the user can exploit them effectively. Listservs/Mailing Lists: As well as sending e-mails to individuals it is possible to send them to groups using mailing lists, which are also called discussion lists. There are thousands of mail lists available on the Internet, and each is devoted to a particular topic and aimed at a specific audience. Mail lists can be used in a variety of ways. In general they provide a forum for requests for factual information; requests for advice and opinions or experiences; information about new websites, products and publications; information about job vacancies, etc. A mail server may be hosted by a public library to send up-to-date information to the user via e-mail regarding new arrivals, news release and so on. Newsgroups: Newsgroups or Usenets are similar to discussion lists in that they provide an opportunity to share with like-minded people, and libraries should introduce them to users.

N. Zaman Shuva Telnet: Telnet enables the Internet users to log into other Internet computers to access on-line databases, electronic library catalogues and Internet information services File Transfer Protocol (FTP): FTP facilitates the transfer of files from one computer to another computer. It has become popular and widely used in all types libraries to send necessary documents from one computer to another. Wide Area Information System (WAIS): WAIS allows the users to search text, sound, or images from a single interface located anywhere on the network. WWW: The World Wide Web of information is an advanced browsing service on the Internet, using hypertext. This service is very useful. In a few minutes, one can examine documents on a myriad of topics located on a variety of computers at the Internet sites around the world. (Kaur, 2000, p. 25–26). Online database searching facilities: Public libraries in developing countries like Bangladesh should introduce online database services to their users. As online information is growing very fast, it is necessary to introduce online database services as soon as possible so that users of variant interests can fulfil their information needs quickly. CD-ROM Services: CD-ROM (Compact Disc–Read Only Memory), a remarkable breakthrough in IT, has been increasingly used since 1985, when it was commercially introduced in various fields, especially in libraries and information services (Siddiqui, 1991, p. 40). Some benefits of CD-ROM are (i) access through personal computer (ii) searching and retrieval of information rapidly (iii) multimedia information can easily be stored and searched in CD-ROM (iv) user friendly (v) permanent storage (vi) durability (vii) low cost and so on. CD-ROM services should be introduced in libraries of all types. It opens the door to search a huge volume of information rapidly. Most of the reputed organizations in the world are producing CD-ROM databases, encyclopedias, and books for the sake of the users. So, it is an important service that can meet the users’ needs to a large extent. Automated Current Awareness Service (CAS): In the age of ICT most of the services in developed countries have become automated including CAS. Electronic methods make CAS easier to access and to offer to users. However, many of them are still very expensive and therefore out of reach for some

ARTICLE IN PRESS Implementing information and communication technology in public libraries of Bangladesh libraries. The Internet, on the other hand, has not only reinforced the need to have access to information and to keep track of new developments, but has also introduced a number of interesting, affordable, easily accessible and user friendly CAS to keep track of developments. (Fourie, 2001). Some newer methods of CAS are (i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

book alerting services news alerts notification systems push services, etc.

Examples of these services include the Mining Company (http://www.minigco.com), Directory of Scholarly and professional E-Conferences (http:// www.n2h2.com/KOVACS.htm) and the International Federation of Library Assocations and Institution’s Internet Mailing Lists Guides and Resource (http://www.ifla.org/ifla/l/training/listserv/lists.htm). Selective Dissemination of Information Services (SDI): In the age of IT SDI services involve the automatic notification of users when new records are added to the database. The records are matched against a search strategy reflecting the user’s interest profile. In the case of SDI services, the search strategy is often referred to as the search profile (Fourie, 2001). These services are predominately used in special libraries, but public libraries can also offer these services to its community scholars. Virtual reference service: Virtual reference service does not mean 24 h a day, 7 days a week (24/7 service) availability by default. Rather it means real time, synchronous service for users, available remotely and/or within the library. The library sets the hours and service levels it is willing and able to support. What hours to offer the service may be based on staff availability, peak traffic times on the library website, or the times questions are posed via e-mail (Ronan, 2001). Once a library begins investigating and offering digital reference (either real time or e-mail), the door opens for collaborative 24/7 access. Examples of collaborative services include the joint OCLC/Library of Congress Collaborative Digital Reference Service (CDRS) and Alliance Library System ‘Ready for Reference System’. Advantages of virtual or digital reference service include the opportunities for the librarian to know what page a user is looking at, by viewing the browser remotely using the software to send a specific Webpage to the browser. Many programs allow one to walk through a process or search with the user via co-browsing or escorting, and most of the available packages provide the

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ability to e-mail the chat transcript and URLs visited to the user at the end of the session, either automatically or through a saved file that the librarian then passes along via e-mail. (Epps, 2002). Not all modern information services and technological tools are discussed here, but some of the most prominent and essential services and tools are discussed briefly. No doubt to keep pace of IT and to satisfy the users it is inevitable to introduce ICT facilities in public libraries in Bangladesh and other developing countries.

Problems for implementing ICT in public libraries in Bangladesh Different types of critical problems have weakened the gradual development of public libraries in Bangladesh. These problems also impede the implementation of ICT in public libraries of Bangladesh. The following are the most common problems that affect public libraries total activities: 1. lack of trained library personnel and training facilities 2. lack of recognition of the necessity of libraries and library services in a social environment 3. poor status of librarians 4. technological backwardness 5. unskilled and shy librarians 6. lack of funds 7. lack of proper planning 8. shortage of space and equipment 9. lack of cooperation among the libraries and lack of cooperative spirit among the librarians 10. lack of standards for public libraries 11. lack of uniformity in pay scales, poor gradation and irrational structure 12. lack of international cooperation 13. administrative problems 14. lack of assessing community needs 15. lack of government support, both politically and monetarily 16. lack of infrastructure support 17. lack of standards for library and information services.

Suggestions for implementing ICT and improving the overall development of public libraries in Bangladesh Public library development is essential for any civilized nation. The public library can be one of the most powerful social institutions to develop

ARTICLE IN PRESS 166 nationwide educational and cultural activities. Thus it is necessary to introduce ICT facilities in public libraries of Bangladesh. The following suggestions can be taken into consideration for implementing ICT and improving the overall development of public libraries in Bangladesh: 1. The Government of Bangladesh should allocate sufficient funds to support the government public libraries as well as non-government public libraries. It may be noted that in the year 2000–01 only 0.15% was allocated from the total budget of education for government and non-government public libraries. The allocation in this sector must be at least 5% to effect serious change. 2. Library and information science teaching and training institutions should introduce different types of training programs for unskilled library professionals. The training programs should include basic things such as cataloging (both manual and electronic), classification, bibliography, indexing and abstracting, electronic information delivery, public relations, e-mail, Internet, so that the unskilled library professional can handle information efficiently. 3. The library associations of Bangladesh should organize seminars, workshops, etc. to create awareness among librarians about current developments in technology. 4. The government should encourage and commission new library and information science departments in different government and private colleges and universities to train more efficient library professionals. It may be noted that only two government universities offer a library and information science course (both Honors and Master degree). 5. Proper rules and regulations should be formulated as soon as possible. These standards should be maintained to ensure smooth management of libraries. 6. International cooperation is a must in the library field. The government and library authorities should coordinate with international bodies for the development of the libraries. 7. The rank and status of librarians and information professionals should be elevated and for this purpose government should take proper initiatives as soon as possible. The government could elevate the rank and status through enactment of Library Legislation, opening a separate Ministry that would deal with library and information centers activities all over the country and award advanced professional

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training and scholarships for information professionals in home and abroad. At the same time, the government could offer higher pay to the information professionals. Bangladesh Central Public Library should introduce a full-fledged ICT division which will act as a national focal point for implementing ICT in public libraries of Bangladesh. Government and concerned authorities should cooperate with each other for the development of the library sector. Library authorities should be aware of the changes in ICT throughout the world. The Government can recruit new ICT professionals in public libraries to promote ICT implementation and train the existing library professionals so that they can be able to provide ICT related services. It is hoped that the Department of Public Libraries will recruit some ICT consultants to implement ICT in public libraries of Bangladesh. In recruiting ICT professionals they should give priority to those who have a degree in Library and Information Science as well as in ICT, and preferably a Master degree in Computer Science. The government can introduce a pilot project to implement ICT in most of the public libraries in Bangladesh The concerned library authority and other ICT institutions should provide comprehensive training to the library staff on implementing ICT in Libraries of Bangladesh Proper planning is a must in implementing ICT in public libraries of Bangladesh.

Conclusion Today is an information age and a tremendous flow of information is emerging in all fields throughout the world. As such, it has become very difficult to manage the information manually due to the exponential growth of literature and publication pollution. The problem of providing timely information is not due to lack of information, but the way in which it is handled to enable the user to fulfill his needs. The traditional way of information handling methods have become almost ineffective in providing the specific information of an individual’s interest. To overcome this problem, the Libraries, Information and Documentation Centers (LIBIDOC) ought to change their attitude towards information handling. The user community is also expected to change their methodology, attitude and approach to information searching. IT-based

ARTICLE IN PRESS Implementing information and communication technology in public libraries of Bangladesh information handling is a viable solution in this direction (Kasirao & Babu, 1998, pp. 3–4). The library field has been facing negligence from the very beginning of the library movement in Bangladesh. The librarian and the concerned personnel do not get their legal status and facilities. For this reason, they are reluctant to take any initiative to make development in their field. Moreover, some of the vital posts in libraries of Bangladesh are filled by non-professionals or semi-professionals, as a result they are unable to realize the real condition and take up proper measures to improve the library as well as this profession. This problem impedes the gradual development of libraries in Bangladesh. In this age of ICT the public library services should be redesigned to meet the users’ needs and to provide modern information services facilitated by ICT. Libraries in developed countries have introduced ICT facilities to their users. Now is the time for the developing countries libraries to follow the developed countries and adopt new technological facilities. Though the implementation of ICT in public libraries in Bangladesh is not satisfactory at all, planning to implement ICT facilities in government public libraries has recently been undertaken by the proper authorities. Non-Government public libraries have been neglected from the very beginning because of lack of funds, inadequate infrastructural facilities and other reasons. Perhaps it will take several years to implement ICT in non-government public libraries in Bangladesh.

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(Eds.), Information technology: Issues and trends, (1st ed.) (pp. 3–13). New Delhi: Cosmo Publications. Kaur, A. (2000). Internet and libraries. Library Herald, 38(1), 24–31. Library Associations Information Services Group. (1999). Guidelines for reference and information services in public libraries. London: Libraru Associations Publishing. Murthy, S. S. (1999). Library and information services in the electronic era. Journal of Library and Information Science, 24(1), 61. Rahman, A. F. M. B. (1993). Public libraries in Bangladesh by the year 2000 A.D. In Proceedings of the national seminar on preparing the libraries and librarians of Bangladesh for 21st century (pp. 170–179). Dhaka: Library Association of Bangladesh. Ronan, J. (2001). Chat reference: an exciting new facet of digital. Retrieved June 19, 2004 from http://www.arl.org/ newsltr/219/chat.html. Saraf, V. (1998). Dynamics of the information technology and its implications for library and information education in the millennium. Bangladesh Journal of Library and Information Science, 1(1), 5–14. Siddiqui, M. A. (1991). Can CD-ROM replace online? INICAE, 10(1), 40–47. Yapa, N. U. (2003). Utilization of ICT for LIS with special reference to Sri Lanka. Papers presented at the First international CALIBER—2003, Ahmedabad, India, 13–15 February 2003.

Further reading Alam, S. (1998). Automation trends in special libraries of Bangladesh: Some observations and future directions. Bangladesh Journal of Library and Information Science, 1(1), 47–63. Batt, C. (1998). Information technology in public libraries. London: Library Association Publishing. Chandal, A. S., & Begum, S. (1998). Strategical planning for information technology application with special reference to Bangladesh. Bangladesh Journal of Library and Information Science, 1(1), 15–24. Chowdhury, G. G. (2002). Introduction to modern information retrieval. London: Facet Publishing. Mahmud, M. (2002). History about establishment of public libraries in Bangladesh. Boi (Vol. 5, pp. 26–27). Dhaka: Bangladesh National Book Center (in Bangla). Majed, K. A. (2002). Picture of public libraries in Bangladesh. Boi (Vol. 5, pp. 28–30). Dhaka: Bangladesh National Book Center (in Bangla). Mannan, S. M. (1998). The availability of automation facilities for networking and resource sharing in Bangladesh: A study on some selected libraries. Bangladesh Journal of Library and Information Science, 1(1), 102–118. Munshi, M. N. (1998). Assessing the use of information technology and its impact on libraries and information centers in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Journal of Library and Information Science, 1(1), 78–88. Murthy, T. A. V., & Cholin, V. S. (2003). Library automation. Papers presented at the First international CALIBER—2003, Ahmedabad, India, 13–15 February 2003. Pandey, S. K. (2000). Encyclopaedia of library automation systems and networks series: Electronic media and library information technology. New Delhi: Anmol Publications Pvt. Ltd.

ARTICLE IN PRESS 168 Pantry, S., & Griffiths, P. (2002). Creating a successful einformation service. London: Facet Publishing. Rao, S. S. (1997). Information retrieval services: Role of optical technologies. New Library World, 98(1132), 16–24.

N. Zaman Shuva Uddin, H. (1998). Library automation: A study of the AIC, BANSDOC, and national libraries of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Journal of Library and Information Science, 1(1), 65–75. Usherwood, B. (1989). The public library as public knowledge. London: Library Association.