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Library associations in Bangladesh
Znt. Libr. Rev. (1981) 13, 323-327
Library
Associations in Bangladesh
S. HOSSAIN*
Bangladesh emerged as a country on the world map in 1971. The Library situation of Bangladesh is nevertheless full of promise. In every country a library association is the backbone of the library movement. It contributes to the spread and dissemination of knowledge by promoting the establishment of libraries and maintaining them through trained staff, proper finances and improved techniques. In Bangladesh, there are at present five national associations and three regional associations. The genesis of the library associations in the subcontinent of the then India is to be found in a Library Club organized by William A. Borden in Boroda state of the then India in 1912. Borden was the Curator of the libraries in Boroda state from 1910 to 1913. In 1924 the club was replaced by the Boroda Library Association. NATIONAL
ASSOCIATIONS
Library Association of Bangladesh (c/o Bangladesh Central Public Library, Shahabag, Dacca-2). The Library Association of Bangladesh, the first national association in the country, was founded in 1956 with headquarters at Dacca. It is a professional association of librarians, library personnel and those interested in libraries and librarianship in Bangladesh. The Association is affiliated to IFLA and COMLA. Promotion of library services, provision and promotion of training facilities and research in library science, improvement of status and condition of library personnel, and co-operation with library organizations and associations in and outside the country are the major objectives of the association. The Association conducts an undergraduate certificate course in librarianship since 1958. So far 26 courses were successfully conducted with a total output of 417 certificated staff. Consistent efforts of the * Assistant Bangladesh. OOZO-7837/8
Professor, l/O30323
Department + 05 $02.00/O
of
Library 0
Science, 1981 Academic
University Press Inc.
of
Dacca,
(London)
Dacca, Limited
324
S.
HOSSAIN
Association succeeded in persuading the Government to establish a Library Training Institute to meet the country’s needs for library personnel at junior level. The Institute has functioned since 1972. The Association co-operates with government and other authorities of the country with regard to over-all library development policies, organizational structure of libraries and service conditions of library personnel. The Association has organized many conferences, symposia, seminars. These conferences were presided over by the distinguished educationists and national leaders. The Association has published irhe Eustern Librarian since 1966. The periodical has been included for abstracting by The Library Association, London. The Association published Gruntha Biboruni-a classified bibliography of Bengali Books in print in 1967 in the then East Pakistan. Other publications are based on proceedings paper, resolutions, etc. of conferences and seminars. The Association submitted some important observations on the report of the Bangladesh Education Commission published in 1974, pointing out omissions, indicating priorities, adding emphasis where emphasis was needed, and proposing a more complete machinery for the administration and development of libraries. The Association gave priority to the National Library of Bangladesh, the creation of a Directorate of Libraries and a Library Training Institute. The Association also submitted a memorandum to the Pay and Service Commission proposing specially the classification of library personnel into eight grades with rank, status and pay of other services. The Association is also trying for the creation of a service cadre namely “Bangladesh Library Service”. Bangladesh Librury Council (c/o The Chairman, Dept. of Library Science, University of Dacca, Dacca, 2). The Council, formerly known as Pakistan Special Library Association, was established in 1968. It is a non-political corporate body with its headquarters at Dacca. The aims of the Council are: promotion of special library services to scientists, scholars, and technicians in particular and to others in general; advancement of the cause of special libraries in Bangladesh; improvement of the status and conditions of special librarians; extension of special training facilities; creation of an atmosphere for better special library services; organizing meetings, seminars, symposia, etc., of educative value; organizing co-operative movements with all special library institutions and associations within and without the country, serving as an information centre in all disciplines specially in the field of science and technology; promotion of research work;
LIBRARY
ASSOCIATIONS
IN
BANGLADESH
325
starting an integrated uniform library movement with close cooperation with sister organizations, etc. The Council has organized seminars and conferences on the library movement-its problems and solutions. It has conducted eleven short certificate courses of six months’ duration at the undergraduate level. Four hundred successful candidates have obtained certificates. The Council has taken up the project of publishing a quarterly library journal namely Bangladesh Granthagar Parishad Journal. Other notable projects are: (i) Publication of a Who’s Who in Librarianship in Bangladesh, (ii) Publication of a Directory of Teachers of the University of Dacca since 1921, and (iii) Publication of a Cataloguing Manual. The Council made many recommendations to the government for the advancement of the profession. Bangladesh Medical Library Association (c/o The Library, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Dhanmondi, Dacca) . This was established in 1975 with its headquarters at Dacca. The aims and objectives of the Association are: to promote medical library services to scholars, doctors and technicians in medical science in particular and scientists in general throughout Bangladesh; to render all possible help for the advancement of the cause of medical libraries and librarians in Bangladesh; to take steps to bring about a closer relationship among medical libraries; to act as information centre in the field of science and technology specially in the field of medical sciences; to render bibliographical services in the country to promote research work; to organize meetings, seminars and symposia on topics of educative value; and to extend specialized training facilities to the medical librarians of Bangladesh. Association for Librarians and Information Scientists, Bangladesh (ALIS, Bangladesh) ( c/ o I n f ormation Bureau International, Azimpur Road, Dacca). It was founded in 1976. The aims of the association are to strengthen the library movement in Bangladesh with special reference to the improvement of the position of the librarians and information scientists. It has also conducted five six-months’ certificate courses in library science and documentation. The total output was 35. All of them are now employed in different libraries. Rajshahi District Library Association (c/o British Council Library, Rajshahi). This is affiliated to the Bangladesh Library Association, Dacca. It was established in 1970. It has also been registered by the Social Welfare Department, Govt. of Bangladesh. Aims and objectives:
326
S.
HOSSAIN
to encourage the use of libraries; to establish libraries; to establish co-operative spirits among the libraries; to improve the status and position of librarians and library personnel; and to organize seminars, of the prosymposia, meetings and conferences for the improvement fession. It plans to publish a professional journal and other publications. Bangladesh Society for Indexers and Bibliographers (c/o The Library, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies, Adamjee Court, Dacca). The Society was established in 1979 with the following aims and objectives: to prepare union catalogues of libraries in Dacca with the aim to develop inter-library co-operation; to compile indexes and bibliographies on topics of current interest in research and study; and to conduct a short term training course in indexing and bibliography compilation. The course is of six months’ duration. Each student is required to compile an index or a bibliography or a catalogue of at least 1000 entries as partial fulfilment of the requirements of the course. Library Association, Chittagong (c/o Chittagong Public Library, Post Box No. 771, Chittagong). The Association was established in 1979 with its headquarters at Chittagong. Its activities are limited within Chittagong Division. But if needed its activities may be extended to any place outside the Chittagong Administrative Division. The aims and objects of the Association are: to unify and consolidate librarians, library personnel and persons interested in library movement; to investigate the professional problems and find out their solutions; to improve the standard of library services and to create a favourable environment in libraries; to create facilities for library education, and training for library personnel; to co-operate with the government and other bodies in the extension of library activities; to co-operate in the library movement and to create a favourable environment for education; and to co-operate in the cultural movement of the nation and to book publication. S’lhet Library Association (c/o Central Muslim Literary Society, Dargah Gate, Sylhet). The Association was established in 1979. The aim of the Association is to strengthen the library movement in Bangladesh. It holds library seminars and book exhibitions. At present the Association has taken up a project of publishing a directory of libraries and librarians of the District of Sylhet. There is a district Library Association at Khulna, which is also running a certificate course in Librarianship at the undergraduate level.
LIBRARY
ASSOCIATIONS
IN
BANGLADESH
327
Future oj’ Library Associations. The library profession in Bangladesh is not dormant but dynamic and has been able to create library consciousness considerably both among the authorities and the public at large. The Associations at the regional and national levels have urged the government to enact library laws. There are, of course, a number of problems and the associations should tackle them tactfully. These include lack of proper co-ordination in professional activities at various levels, lack of a concerted library movement and of funds. Library associations should be able to play important roles in the country’s planned educational and cultural development. They should promote an inter-library loan systems at various levels, urge the library authorities and government to provide better conditions of services in libraries and for librarians. The standardization of certificate courses in library science should be taken up by the national organizations. They should endeavour to promote a concerted library movement effectively. The government of Bangladesh has a responsibility to support and encourage the library associations. With the support of government, autonomous bodies and corporations of Bangladesh and philanthropic organizations of affluent countries, the associations will be able to share in the massive nation-wide programmes of educational and cultural development. Last but not least, the library associations should work with unity, solidarity, steadfastness, and selfless striving. BIBLIOGRAPHY
A. Borden, S. J. Haider,
W.
XXIII
(1912), (1969).
Library Library
Situation association
in India, Library Miscellany I (August). in Pakistan UNESCO Bulletinfor Librqries
(3).
J. A. Hulbert (1962). Libraries in the Far East: East Pakistan, development after partition. Library Journal LXXXW (15 November). IASLIC. 5th IASLIC Conference, Poonu, 1963: Problems and Prospects of Library Associations of India. T. C. Jain (1963). Role and functions of library associations Herald of Library Science 2 (2) (April). H. de S. C. Maclean and D. M. Wylie (1971). Library associations and their responsibilities to librarians. UNESCO Bulletin for Libraries XXV (2).
Library
Associations in Bangladesh
S. HOSSAIN*
Bangladesh emerged as a country on the world map in 1971. The Library situation of Bangladesh is nevertheless full of promise. In every country a library association is the backbone of the library movement. It contributes to the spread and dissemination of knowledge by promoting the establishment of libraries and maintaining them through trained staff, proper finances and improved techniques. In Bangladesh, there are at present five national associations and three regional associations. The genesis of the library associations in the subcontinent of the then India is to be found in a Library Club organized by William A. Borden in Boroda state of the then India in 1912. Borden was the Curator of the libraries in Boroda state from 1910 to 1913. In 1924 the club was replaced by the Boroda Library Association. NATIONAL
ASSOCIATIONS
Library Association of Bangladesh (c/o Bangladesh Central Public Library, Shahabag, Dacca-2). The Library Association of Bangladesh, the first national association in the country, was founded in 1956 with headquarters at Dacca. It is a professional association of librarians, library personnel and those interested in libraries and librarianship in Bangladesh. The Association is affiliated to IFLA and COMLA. Promotion of library services, provision and promotion of training facilities and research in library science, improvement of status and condition of library personnel, and co-operation with library organizations and associations in and outside the country are the major objectives of the association. The Association conducts an undergraduate certificate course in librarianship since 1958. So far 26 courses were successfully conducted with a total output of 417 certificated staff. Consistent efforts of the * Assistant Bangladesh. OOZO-7837/8
Professor, l/O30323
Department + 05 $02.00/O
of
Library 0
Science, 1981 Academic
University Press Inc.
of
Dacca,
(London)
Dacca, Limited
324
S.
HOSSAIN
Association succeeded in persuading the Government to establish a Library Training Institute to meet the country’s needs for library personnel at junior level. The Institute has functioned since 1972. The Association co-operates with government and other authorities of the country with regard to over-all library development policies, organizational structure of libraries and service conditions of library personnel. The Association has organized many conferences, symposia, seminars. These conferences were presided over by the distinguished educationists and national leaders. The Association has published irhe Eustern Librarian since 1966. The periodical has been included for abstracting by The Library Association, London. The Association published Gruntha Biboruni-a classified bibliography of Bengali Books in print in 1967 in the then East Pakistan. Other publications are based on proceedings paper, resolutions, etc. of conferences and seminars. The Association submitted some important observations on the report of the Bangladesh Education Commission published in 1974, pointing out omissions, indicating priorities, adding emphasis where emphasis was needed, and proposing a more complete machinery for the administration and development of libraries. The Association gave priority to the National Library of Bangladesh, the creation of a Directorate of Libraries and a Library Training Institute. The Association also submitted a memorandum to the Pay and Service Commission proposing specially the classification of library personnel into eight grades with rank, status and pay of other services. The Association is also trying for the creation of a service cadre namely “Bangladesh Library Service”. Bangladesh Librury Council (c/o The Chairman, Dept. of Library Science, University of Dacca, Dacca, 2). The Council, formerly known as Pakistan Special Library Association, was established in 1968. It is a non-political corporate body with its headquarters at Dacca. The aims of the Council are: promotion of special library services to scientists, scholars, and technicians in particular and to others in general; advancement of the cause of special libraries in Bangladesh; improvement of the status and conditions of special librarians; extension of special training facilities; creation of an atmosphere for better special library services; organizing meetings, seminars, symposia, etc., of educative value; organizing co-operative movements with all special library institutions and associations within and without the country, serving as an information centre in all disciplines specially in the field of science and technology; promotion of research work;
LIBRARY
ASSOCIATIONS
IN
BANGLADESH
325
starting an integrated uniform library movement with close cooperation with sister organizations, etc. The Council has organized seminars and conferences on the library movement-its problems and solutions. It has conducted eleven short certificate courses of six months’ duration at the undergraduate level. Four hundred successful candidates have obtained certificates. The Council has taken up the project of publishing a quarterly library journal namely Bangladesh Granthagar Parishad Journal. Other notable projects are: (i) Publication of a Who’s Who in Librarianship in Bangladesh, (ii) Publication of a Directory of Teachers of the University of Dacca since 1921, and (iii) Publication of a Cataloguing Manual. The Council made many recommendations to the government for the advancement of the profession. Bangladesh Medical Library Association (c/o The Library, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Dhanmondi, Dacca) . This was established in 1975 with its headquarters at Dacca. The aims and objectives of the Association are: to promote medical library services to scholars, doctors and technicians in medical science in particular and scientists in general throughout Bangladesh; to render all possible help for the advancement of the cause of medical libraries and librarians in Bangladesh; to take steps to bring about a closer relationship among medical libraries; to act as information centre in the field of science and technology specially in the field of medical sciences; to render bibliographical services in the country to promote research work; to organize meetings, seminars and symposia on topics of educative value; and to extend specialized training facilities to the medical librarians of Bangladesh. Association for Librarians and Information Scientists, Bangladesh (ALIS, Bangladesh) ( c/ o I n f ormation Bureau International, Azimpur Road, Dacca). It was founded in 1976. The aims of the association are to strengthen the library movement in Bangladesh with special reference to the improvement of the position of the librarians and information scientists. It has also conducted five six-months’ certificate courses in library science and documentation. The total output was 35. All of them are now employed in different libraries. Rajshahi District Library Association (c/o British Council Library, Rajshahi). This is affiliated to the Bangladesh Library Association, Dacca. It was established in 1970. It has also been registered by the Social Welfare Department, Govt. of Bangladesh. Aims and objectives:
326
S.
HOSSAIN
to encourage the use of libraries; to establish libraries; to establish co-operative spirits among the libraries; to improve the status and position of librarians and library personnel; and to organize seminars, of the prosymposia, meetings and conferences for the improvement fession. It plans to publish a professional journal and other publications. Bangladesh Society for Indexers and Bibliographers (c/o The Library, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies, Adamjee Court, Dacca). The Society was established in 1979 with the following aims and objectives: to prepare union catalogues of libraries in Dacca with the aim to develop inter-library co-operation; to compile indexes and bibliographies on topics of current interest in research and study; and to conduct a short term training course in indexing and bibliography compilation. The course is of six months’ duration. Each student is required to compile an index or a bibliography or a catalogue of at least 1000 entries as partial fulfilment of the requirements of the course. Library Association, Chittagong (c/o Chittagong Public Library, Post Box No. 771, Chittagong). The Association was established in 1979 with its headquarters at Chittagong. Its activities are limited within Chittagong Division. But if needed its activities may be extended to any place outside the Chittagong Administrative Division. The aims and objects of the Association are: to unify and consolidate librarians, library personnel and persons interested in library movement; to investigate the professional problems and find out their solutions; to improve the standard of library services and to create a favourable environment in libraries; to create facilities for library education, and training for library personnel; to co-operate with the government and other bodies in the extension of library activities; to co-operate in the library movement and to create a favourable environment for education; and to co-operate in the cultural movement of the nation and to book publication. S’lhet Library Association (c/o Central Muslim Literary Society, Dargah Gate, Sylhet). The Association was established in 1979. The aim of the Association is to strengthen the library movement in Bangladesh. It holds library seminars and book exhibitions. At present the Association has taken up a project of publishing a directory of libraries and librarians of the District of Sylhet. There is a district Library Association at Khulna, which is also running a certificate course in Librarianship at the undergraduate level.
LIBRARY
ASSOCIATIONS
IN
BANGLADESH
327
Future oj’ Library Associations. The library profession in Bangladesh is not dormant but dynamic and has been able to create library consciousness considerably both among the authorities and the public at large. The Associations at the regional and national levels have urged the government to enact library laws. There are, of course, a number of problems and the associations should tackle them tactfully. These include lack of proper co-ordination in professional activities at various levels, lack of a concerted library movement and of funds. Library associations should be able to play important roles in the country’s planned educational and cultural development. They should promote an inter-library loan systems at various levels, urge the library authorities and government to provide better conditions of services in libraries and for librarians. The standardization of certificate courses in library science should be taken up by the national organizations. They should endeavour to promote a concerted library movement effectively. The government of Bangladesh has a responsibility to support and encourage the library associations. With the support of government, autonomous bodies and corporations of Bangladesh and philanthropic organizations of affluent countries, the associations will be able to share in the massive nation-wide programmes of educational and cultural development. Last but not least, the library associations should work with unity, solidarity, steadfastness, and selfless striving. BIBLIOGRAPHY
A. Borden, S. J. Haider,
W.
XXIII
(1912), (1969).
Library Library
Situation association
in India, Library Miscellany I (August). in Pakistan UNESCO Bulletinfor Librqries
(3).
J. A. Hulbert (1962). Libraries in the Far East: East Pakistan, development after partition. Library Journal LXXXW (15 November). IASLIC. 5th IASLIC Conference, Poonu, 1963: Problems and Prospects of Library Associations of India. T. C. Jain (1963). Role and functions of library associations Herald of Library Science 2 (2) (April). H. de S. C. Maclean and D. M. Wylie (1971). Library associations and their responsibilities to librarians. UNESCO Bulletin for Libraries XXV (2).