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World Digital Libraries: An International Journal (WDL)
Vol.4(1)  June 2011
Print ISSN : 0974-567X
Online ISSN : 0975-7597

Vision 2021 and public libraries: an action plan to allow Bangladesh to go digital

Md Nasiruddin, Associate Professor, Information Science and Library Management, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh; mitulnasiruddin@gmail.com
DOI: 10.3233/WDL-120073

Abstract
In Bangladesh, the present government has clearly outlined in its election manifesto the following four strategies to help the country go digital by 2021: (i) developing human resources that are ready for the 21st century; (ii) connecting citizens in ways that are most meaningful to them; (iii) taking services to citizens’ doorsteps; and (iv) making the private sector and the market more productive and competitive through digitization (Bangladesh Awami League 2009). To attain the objective, the government of the country has given the highest priority to science, technology, and management education. Public libraries play an important role in establishing a knowledge-based society by improving the quality of education. Unfortunately, the digitization process is spreading slowly in most public libraries, which still have a long way to go before they can be termed ‘digital’ in the real sense of the term. As of today, Bangladesh has 68 government and about 865 non-government public libraries (NBC 2008), which are unable to fulfill the functions that a public library should ideally perform.

So, the question arises, why public libraries in Bangladesh are not able to perform their noble roles? The main objective of the study is to conduct a survey to assess the digital initiatives of various public libraries in Bangladesh. It will also attempt to ascertain the cause of decreasing number of users of public libraries. The findings of the survey will encourage the government and other relevant policymakers in Bangladesh to formulate a strategic plan for digitization of public libraries in the country in a cohesive manner.

Introduction

In Bangladesh, the present government has already fixed its target of achieving ‘Digital Bangladesh’ by 2021. The idea sounds good, but the concept of ‘Digital Bangladesh’ is still not clear to the common man (Siddique 2009). The term ‘Digital Bangladesh’ implies that the government wants to transform the nation into a fully digitized one by 2021 through application of third-generation information and communication technology (ICT). In the education sector, ‘Digital Bangladesh’ visualizes that by 2021 all universities, colleges, high schools, and primary schools will be computerized.

ICT is intended to be used as teaching-learning aid. For instance, it is intended that after five years of schooling, all students should have regular access to computers with internet facilities. The overarching goal is to improve the quality of education. It is common knowledge that public libraries play an important role in establishing a knowledge-based society. Ensuring quality education in a country is impossible without modernization of libraries. After 39 years of independence, in Bangladesh, development has occurred in almost all fields, but unfortunately, public libraries have been given little importance. The use of ICT in public libraries is spreading very slowly, and hence, these libraries still have a long way to go before they can call themselves ‘digital’ in the true sense. In fact, the government public libraries of Bangladesh are not even able to act the way public libraries should. As of today, there are 68 government and about 865 non-government public libraries in the country. But none of them has reached the level of development required to effectively support education, research, and socio-economic development. This study will examine the present situation of public library digitization in Bangladesh, and ascertain the cause behind the fall in the number of public-library users. It also suggests some guidelines for strategies that need to be undertaken to ensure that public libraries—not only in Bangladesh but in other developing countries as well—can continue to meet the challenges posed by rise in use of information technology and the globalization phenomenon.

Sample

The survey covered 20 out of the 68 district public libraries. The choice of libraries was made based on the availability of data and their location. The following libraries participated in the survey by completing and returning the survey questionnaire: Dhaka Central Public Library, Gazipur Public Library, Manikganj Public Library, Narayonganj Public Library, Chittagong Divisional Public Library, Cox’s Bazar District Public Library, Comilla District Public Library, Brammanbaria District Public Library, Rajshahi Divisional Public Library, Sirajganj District Public Library, Natore District Public Library, Bogra District Public Library, Khulna Divisional Public Library, Jessore District Public Library, Jhenaidah District Public Library, Magura District Public Library, Barisal Divisional Public Library, Patuakhali District Public Library, Sylhet Divisional Public Library, and Maoluvi Bazar District Public Library.

Methodology

Two sets of questionnaires (both structured and non-structured) seeking data on use of ICTs and user satisfaction were developed and distributed among the librarians and users of the selected public libraries. It was found that out of six, only four divisional libraries used free Web-based email services such as Hotmail or Yahoo. Others had no opportunity to access email. This being the case, a decision was made to visit the sample libraries with the questionnaires to conduct personal interviews. The distribution and collection of questionnaires through a direct participatory approach proved to be very reliable and fast but not a cost-effective one as every district had to be visited frequently. A questionnaire consisting of 15 questions was designed to elicit the opinions from selected librarians and users. A questionnaire on user satisfaction was distributed among 90 users in six libraries, out of which 60 users responded. The relevant secondary sources of the study up to December 2009 have also been reviewed and analysed. Provision was made in the study to gather information on various variables like background information on the library, year in which the first computer was used, access to computer facilities, hardware and software specifications, satisfaction level of the user regarding automation services, and so on.

  Background information on the sample libraries

  • Begum Sufi a Kamal National Public Library, Dhaka: This library is situated at a central location, namely, 10, Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Shahabag, in the capital city of Dhaka on three acres of land. The library is housed within a 62,300 square feet, three-storied building. There is one general reading room, one science reading room, one reference reading room, book stacks, one separate reading room for children and adolescents, one seminar room, and an administrative room. There are eight residents (Not clear what is meant by ‘residents’ here) for its emergency staffs, two electric substations (500 KVA), and a big 500-seater auditorium in the campus. The total collection of the library is 162,440; of which the number of books and periodicals in Bengali is 77,856, 79,508 in English, and 5,076 under ‘others’. The library subscribes to 19 Bengali and eight English newspapers daily. Each month, it subscribes to 26 local and four foreign journals for its users. The total manpower of the library is 48, out of which 20 are professional, 16 are semi-professional, and 12 are support staff. On an average, 1,851 users visit the library every day. It provides round-the-clock services for general readers, 12 hours for reference and recreational services, and eight hours for children and adolescent readers.

  • District Government Public Library, Gazipur: This library was established on 29 July, 1986 as a non-government public library. A year later, the Bangladesh government undertook a project to expand the public library systems at the district level. As a part of this project, the government acquired the land and provided fund for the library’s development. Finally, on 25 October 1989, the library was inaugurated as a district government public library by government. The library building is a two-storied one, and covers 2,744 square feet. It is located at Stadium Road, Rothkholo, Gazipur. The total collection is 16,716; of which the number of books and periodicals in Bengali is 14900; and 1,816 in English. It subscribes to 12 local journals and 11 newspapers daily. There are five staff members, who cater to an average of 315 users per day. Of the staff, one is professional, three are semi-professional, and one is support staff.
  • District Government Public Library, Manikganj: This library was established within a four-storied rented building near the stadium of Manikgonj in 1965. Its area was 1,275.37 square feet. It is located at Sadar Road, Manikgonj. The total collection is 14,316; of which the number of books and periodicals in Bengali is 13,276, and 1,040 in English. It subscribes to 18 local journals and three daily newspapers. There are four staff members, who provide services to an average of 180 users per day. Of the staff members, one is professional, two are semi-professional, and one is support staff.
  • District Government Public Library, Narayanganj: It was established in 1965 in a rented building at 312, New Chasara, Jamtola, Narayanganj. The total area was 1,934.78 square feet. The total collection is 13,666; of which the number of books and periodicals in Bengali is 12,269, and 1,394 in English. It subscribes to 11 daily newspapers and 17 local journals. There are five staff members, who provide services to an average of 185 users per day. Of the staff, one is professional, three are semi-professional, and one is support staff.
  • Divisional Government Public Library, Chittagong: This library was established in 1963 under the Second Five Year Plan (1960–65). After the liberation of Bangladesh, the Department of Public Libraries was formed in 1983 based on the recommendations of the Enam Committee for Educational Reform. The Divisional Government Public Library, Chittagong is located at K C Dey Road. In order to expand the premises, a separate four-storied building with 46,000 square feet area was constructed between 1983 and 1989. The total collection is 65,868. The library subscribes to 24 local journals and 11 daily newspapers. There are 26 staff members, who provide services to an average of 1,066 users per day. Of the staff, four are professional, 14 are semi-professional, and eight are support staff.
  • District Government Public Library, Cox’s Bazar: This library became functional on 2 September, 2000. It is located at the Circuit House Road of the central point in Cox’s Bazar district on 0.31 acres of land. It is a government building with a total space of 3,400 square feet. The total collection is 11,565, of which the number of books and periodicals in Bengali is 10,000, and 1, 565 in English. It subscribes to 11 national daily newspapers and 18 local periodicals. There are five staff members, who provide services to an average of 200 users per day. Of the staff, one is professional, three are semi-professional, and one is support staff.
  • District Government Public Library, Comilla: Housed within a rented building, covering 1,640 square feet area, the library is providing services since September 1982. It is located at Sadar Road, Comilla. The total collection is 36,602; of which the number of books and periodicals in Bengali is 25,000 and 11,102 in English. It subscribes to 10 local periodicals and 11 local newspapers. There are five staff members, who provide services to an average of 200 users per day. Of the staff, one is professional, three are semi-professional, and one is support staff.
  • District Government Public Library, Brahmanbaria: This library was established in 1964 in a rented three-storied, 1525 square feet building, at Sadar Road, Brahmanbaria. The total collection is 12,521; of which the number of books and periodicals in Bengali is 11,000 and 1,521 in English. It subscribes to 15 national daily newspapers and 10 local newspapers. There are five staff members, who provide services to an average of 200 users per day. Of the staff, one is professional, three are semi-professional, and one is support staff.
  • Divisional Government Public Library, Rajshahi: Even though this library has been providing services since 1983, but it was formally inaugurated only on 8 December, 1993. It is located within a government building, and covers an area of 3.8 acres across 16,720 square feet. It is located at Medical College Road, Rajshahi. The total collection is 48,148; of which the number of books and periodicals in Bengali is 38,000, and 10,148 is in English. It subscribes to 21 national daily newspapers and 18 periodicals. There are 20 staff members, who provide services to an average of 529 users per day. Of the staff, four are professional, eight are semiprofessional, and eight are support staff.
  • District Government Public Library, Sirajganj: The library was established in 1984, and as of today it is situated within a rented building at central Sirajganj at Sadar Road. The total collection is 10,977; of which the number of books and periodicals in Bengali is 8,000, and 2,977 in English. It subscribes to none national daily newspapers and 15 local newspapers. There are five staff members, who provide services to an average of 200 users per day. Of the staff, one is professional, three are semi-professional, and one is support staff.
  • District Government Public Library, Natore: This is also a rented building with 1139.47 square feet spaces, which became operational in 1998. It is located at Sadar Road, Natore. The total collection is 3,981, of which the number of books and periodicals in Bengali is 2,000, and the rest 1.981 in English. It subscribes to eight national daily newspapers and eight periodicals. There are five staff members, who provide services to an average of 200 users per day. Of the staff, one is professional, three are semi-professional, and one is support staff.
  • District Government Public Library, Bogra: Though the library was established in 1982 by local elites, the government acquired the land and renovated the library building in 2004. It is located at Thana Road, Bogra. The total collection is 24,596, of which the number of books and periodicals in Bengali is 20,400, and the rest 4,596 is in English. It subscribes to 11 periodicals and 12 national newspapers. There are five staff members, who provide services to an average of 200 users per day. Among the staff, one is professional, three are semi-professional, and one is support staff.
  • Divisional Government Public Library, Khulna: The Divisional Government Public Library, Khulna is located at Boyra, within a two-storied building across 30,660 square feet. It was established on 25 June, 1964. The total collection is 87,080, of which the number of books and periodicals in Bengali is 80,000, and 7,080 in English. It subscribes to 24 local periodicals and eight local newspapers. There are 13 staff members, who provide services to an average of 1,048 users per day. Of the staff, two are professional, five are semiprofessional, and six are support staff.
  • District Government Public Library, Jessore: The library was established on 1 September, 1982. Before 1971, it was known as ‘Information Centre’ under the Ministry of Information and Radio. In 1982, the government of Bangladesh renovated the building as a public library and brought it under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The library is located at Gorib Sha Road, Jessore across 3,500 square feet. The total collection is 17,389, of which the number of books and periodicals in Bengali is 14,000, and the remaining 3,389 in English. It subscribes to 11 national daily newspapers and nine periodicals. There are four staff members, who provide services to an average of 200 users per day. Among them, one is professional, two are semi-professional, and one is support staff.
  • District Government Public Library, Jhenaidah: The library was established in 1982 in a rented building with 3,411 square feet space. It is located at Thana Road, Jhenaidah. The total collection is 12,278, of which the number of books and periodicals in Bengali is 10,000 and 2,278 in English. It subscribes to seven national daily newspapers and six periodicals. There are four staff members, who provide services to an average of 200 users per day. Of the staff, one is professional, two are semi-professional, and one is support staff.
  • District Government Public Library, Magura: The library building was established in 1999 on 0.33 acres of land, and with a total are of 3,400 square feet. It is located at Sadar Road, Magura. The total collection is 16,439, of which the number of books and periodicals in Bengali is 13,000 and the remaining 3,439 in English. It subscribes to 11 national daily newspapers and 16 periodicals. There are four staff members, who provide services to an average of 200 users per day. Of the staff, one is professional, two are semi-professional, and one is support staff.
  • Divisional Government Public Library, Sylhet: On 15 April, 2002, the then Finance Minister of Bangladesh declared that the government intended to establish a divisional public library in Sylhet, and accordingly they had chosen the site near the stadium of the Sylhet city. In December 2005, on behalf of the government of Bangladesh, the Finance Minister inaugurated the four-storied building situated on 0.50 acres of land. The total collection is 41,124, of which the number of books and periodicals in Bengali is 31, 000, and 11,124 in English. It subscribes to seven national daily newspapers and 15 periodicals. There are nine staff members, who provide services to an average of 1,171 users per day. Of the staff, two are professional, four are semi-professional, and three are support staff.
  • District Government Public Library, Maoluvi Bazar: This library has been functioning since 1 September, 1982 in a building rented by the Maoluvi Bazar Municipality. The total collection is 11,827, of which the number of books and periodicals in Bengali is 9,000, and 2,827 in English. It subscribes to five national daily newspapers and nine periodicals. There are four staff members, who provide services to an average of 200 users per day. Of the staff, one is professional, two are semi-professional, and one is support staff.
  • Divisional Government Public Library, Barisal: The library was established in 1965. With the upgradation of Barisal as a Division in 2002, it was converted into the Divisional Government Public Library on 16 May, 2005, and is located at College Road, Barisal. The total collection is 40,994, of which the number of books and periodicals in Bengali is 35,000 and the rest 5,994 in English. It subscribes to 15 national daily newspapers and nine periodicals. There are 11 staff members, who provide services to an average of 690 users per day. Of the staff, two are professional, five are semi-professional, and four are support staff.
  • District Government Public Library, Patuakhali: The District Government Public Library, Patuakhali was established on 1 November, 1982. Subsequently, the government acquired 0.34 acres of land and renovated the building on 6 June, 2002 to ensure its proper functioning. The library is located at Circuit House Road, Patuakhali. The total collection is 22,967, of which the number of books and periodicals in Bengali is 18,000, and 4,967 in English. It subscribes to 11 periodicals and 14 newspapers. There are 5 staff members, who provide services to an average of 200 users per day. Of the staff, one is professional, three are semi-professional, and one is support staff.
    		•

    Findings of the study

    Librarians of the 20 sample libraries were asked to indicate the availability of hardware (servers, personal computers, laptops, and printers), software (operating systems and application software) and the year in which the first computer was used in the library. The analysis and interpretation of the same are presented below:

    Out of the 20 libraries covered, the earliest use of computer was in 1994 at the Central Public Library. As shown in Table 1, three libraries started using computers in 1998, two in 2002, and three in the 2006. The remaining 11 still do not have access to computers.



    Table 2 shows that majority of public libraries included in the survey have no access to computers, even personal computers. Only Dhaka Central Public Library has one server, but even that one is hardly functional because there is no LAN. The survey found that 25 computers were purchased under the Bangladesh National Scientifi c and Library Information Network (BANSLINK) project. BANSLINK was inaugurated on 29 June 1998, with the initial objective of having 15 nodes across the country in 2000 (Mannan 1990). However, due to various problems, both technical and lack of funds, the objective was not attained. Few other divisional public libraries do have a limited number of computers, but these are not capable of automating all the library services. One major observation regarding access to computer facilities is that certain public libraries have very few computers, while most of the district public libraries have no computer facility.


      Hardware specifications

    Table 3 (below) shows that the situation of maximum district public libraries is woeful, as they have not started the use of computers in this digital age. Only six divisional library services and three district libraries out of 20 public libraries use a combination of Intel Pentiumbased personal computers.These range from 486-based PCs to Pentium IV—in some cases with specifications of a 1.8 GHz processor, 128 MB RAM, 30 GB hard disk capacity, and a CDROM drive. Eleven libraries, namely, Gazipur Public Library, Manikganj Public Library, Narayanganj Public Library, Brahmanbaria Public Library, Sirajganj Public Library, Jessore Public Library, Jenaidah Public Library, Magura Public Library, Patuakhali Public Library, and Maoluvi Bazar Public Library indicated that they have none of these options available, as they do not have access to computers.



    The survey frevealedthat only divisional pubic libraries have access to personal computers, which were purchased for the purpose of digitization of library functions. But as there are no related infrastructural facilities available, full-fledged digitization services in the libraries could not be initiated. The availability of CD-ROM drives on most of the machines also implies that they could be used to provide access to various CD-ROM-based products, including educational resources such as multimedia encyclopaedias, databases, and full-text documents.

      Software: operating systems

    It should be noted from Table 4 that all the divisional public libraries indicated that they use Windows 2000. In early 2000, they used Windows 95. Microsoft Windows, especially Windows 95/98, is the most common operating system installed on PCs and laptops. Windows 95/98 was never really a network management system, and lacks the advanced functions found in systems like Windows 2000. However, given that purpose-built network software systems require skilled manpower to manage, and are also expensive in terms of user license fees, it is not surprising that these libraries have settled for Windows 2000. Most of the public library services cannot afford to employ skilled IT staff, and therefore, cannot even use free open-source UNIX systems like Linux or any integrated software (Khan 1993: 45) (Not mentioned under references). The popularity of Windows-based operating systems is mainly due to the fact that it is bundled with new Intel-based PCs, which was not the case in the past when it was necessary to purchase the operating system separately. Regarding the large number of machines with Windows 95/98, this can be attributed to the fact that most of these machines were purchased in 1998, when Windows 95/98 was the most commonly pre-installed operating system on PCs.

      Library automation scenario

    Among the libraries that have automated some of their functions, the earliest instance was Dhaka Central Public Library in 1997. The following table depicts the current scenario of partially automated libraries in Bangladesh.

    As can be seen from the table above, out of 20 libraries, only nine have access to computers, while the remaining 11 plan to have access to computers in future. Apart from Dhaka Central Public Library, no divisional or district public library has automated its major functions. The six divisional libraries are in the process of implementing digitization as per commitment of the present government to make Bangladesh go digital. Very soon, five divisional libraries, namely, Chittagong Divisional Public Library, Rajshahi Divisional Public Library, Khulna Divisional Public Library, Sylhet Divisional Public Library, and Barisal Divisional Public Library will receive funds from the government to automate some of their basic functions. While the aforementioned five libraries will be integrated with a central public library, other district public libraries like Gazipur Public Library, Manikganj Public Library, Narayanganj Public Library, Brahmanbaria Public Library, Sirajganj Public Library, Jessore Public Library, Jenaidah Public Library, Magura Public Library, Patuakhali Public Library, Maoluvi Bazar Public Library, and Cox’s Bazar Public Library will be covered in the next phase.

    In addition to digitization of basic library functions—such as acquisitions, cataloguing, circulation, and access to OPAC—some library services are also using computers for related activities. For instance, at the Natore Public Library computers are being used for stock control and stock-taking; for accounting, community information, and book selection at the Comilla Library; and book reservations and access to MS Access database at Bogra District Public Library. The application of computers to library-related activities in some of these institutions is very limited, and often on a very small scale. For example, Bogra Public Library has two small catalogues (one is for collections from 2007–09 and the other is on older collection of books) compiled on computers using WordPerfect 5.1. Chittagong Divisional Public Library has developed three databases of part of the reference section of the main library. Rajshahi Divisional Public Library is developing a database on periodicals. Khulna Divisional Public Library is using computers for cataloguing and management information. Barisal Public Library Service is using computers for the maintenance of accounts, library statistics, and bibliographic control; while Sylhet Library is using computers for cataloguing.

    Those libraries, which have not yet automated any of their functions, and those using computers on only a small scale, have plans to automate in future, with the exception of district public libraries at Barisal, which does not have an immediate plan to do so. The reasons are: their existing manual systems are adequate and digitization would affect no significant service improvement to users; they suffer from unreliable power supply that could cripple the library’s operations; and that no funds are available to meet the high cost of initial software installation and future updates. The major reason given for automating functions only at the main or central library was a lack of funds to extend digitization to all the libraries within the system. Other reasons provided were lack of ICT experts and inadequate supporting infrastructure. For example, absence of continuous electricity and telephone facilities where district libraries or service points are located.

      Satisfaction level of the user on the digitization services

    It is apparent from Table 6 that out of 50 respondents, majority of the users (90%) are not satisfied with acquisition and budget control services; while 86% are unhappy with cataloguing services, as most of these are manual services. Circulation, serial control, OPAC, management information systems, and even inter-library loan services of these libraries are not automated to a minimum satisfactory level. Some of the divisional public libraries use tailormade database through MS-Access or Excel for conducting routine jobs such as inter-library loan service, budget control, inventory control, staff information, and so on.

      Suggestions by users for improvement in public library digitization

    Success of any library depends a lot on its users, particularly scholars who are involved in research. This is because they have the better grasp of the knowledge and information related to their respective fields. Their wisdom can play a vital role in the improvement of library services, including its digitization. With this objective in mind, the users of public libraries included in the study were asked to offer suggestions. Out of 60 respondents, 10 did not offer any suggestions.

    From Table 7, it can be inferred that altogether 20 popular suggestions have emerged. Out of 52 respondents, eight (15.38%) have suggested ‘increase in trained manpower’. So, it is evident that to improve library digitization, first and foremost, trained manpower is needed. The next suggestion is ‘full digitization’, which was made by seven respondents (14.00%) out of 50, who want their libraries to be fully automated. It is a healthy sign, which acts as a motivating factor for libraries to take up computerization for better and effective use of library resources. In order to get the libraries computerized, a considerable amount of fund is required at the primary stage; otherwise the project cannot succeed. The suggestion ‘provision of more funds’ for library computerization came as third choice, with six suggestions (12%) out of 50. It is followed by suggestions like (a) introduction of LAN, (b) provision of online journals, (c) provision of more computer facilities in the library, (d) use of good software, and (e) increase in internet facility.

    Major findings

    Use of commercially available integrated library management systems is absent in public libraries of Bangladesh. Some public libraries in the country use free CDS/ISIS bibliographic database management software available from UNESCO. The deployment of automation services in fa couple of divisional public libraries is being done on an ad hoc basis, since these libraries do not have the requisite automation strategies in place. Lack of budget is the major barrier towards digitization of public libraries. In most cases, funding for the acquisition of digitization services is not provided by the government, unless the library in question is a central public library. Public libraries plan to establish internet connectivity. Some divisional public libraries are providing computers for internet access by library staffs, while others have been trying to develop their respective library websites. However, the provision of library and information services via the Web has not yet taken place. Central public libraries also plan to set up a cyber café as a way of providing access to digitization facilities to their communities, and also as means to raise funds to sustain internet connectivity.

    Suggestions

    The study has also revealed that due to lack of adequate financial support, physical facilities and skilled manpower, public libraries of the country are not functioning properly. This reflects the absence of an organized public library and information system in the country, and the slow progress of resource-sharing activities. There is unanimous agreement on the importance and priorities of public library digitization. However, there exist various constraints in implementing any library digitization plan in the country.

    These include lack of clear conception, sufficient budget, willingness of the authorities concerned, qualified and trained staff, commitment of the library professionals, modem technological facilities, adequate information resources, physical and infrastructural facilities of the libraries and library standardization. In spite of these unfavourable conditions, a start has to be made to establish real and active online public library and information network in the country. It needs concerted as well as integrated efforts of administrators, politicians, academicians, researchers, and information professionals to ensure that information resources of one organization is accessible and made available to others who need them. After all, the ultimate aim of public library digitization is to provide relevant and authentic information expeditiously to the user as and when required.

    Conclusion

    The tremendous growth of information and communication technology has opened the door for libraries to make use of technological facilities for the betterment of user services. But, even today both government and nongovernment public libraries are unable to utilize information technology to its full extent. For this reason, users are not satisfied because they need up-to-the-second and instant information. The public library system in Bangladesh still present a sorry picture. As the profession of a librarian is now attracting people from different social backgrounds , it is expected that over the years, this predominantly young group of professionals will be able to organize and digitize the entire public library systems of Bangladesh.

    Public library digitization in Bangladesh is essential because the process can avoid duplication in collection building. It will also allow sharing of available resources effectively, and will ensure maximum utilization of information resources while fostering information exchanges, and in developing nationwide centralized database on different fields. It also saves labour, time, and money on the part of the information user and ultimately contributes to national development. Sustainability is more important than starting. If we fail to manage sustainable digital public libraries with our own resources, the dream of making Bangladesh go digital by 2021 will be harmful rather than beneficial for the country.

    References

    Bangladesh Awami League. 2009. National Election Manifesto of Bangladesh Awami League. Segunbagicha, Dhaka, Bangladesh: Bangabandhu Press.

    Directorate of Public Library. 2009. Existing situation of District-wise Government Public Libraries in Bangladesh. Available at www. publiclibrary.org.bd. (Last accessed on 18 March 2011).

    Hafi z G and Siddiqi A. 2009. Digital Bangladesh within 2011. A key note speaker in the conference on Government Vision 2011, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 12–13 May, 2009.

    Mannan S M. 1990. Development of Libraries in Bangladesh. Journal Department of Library and Information Science 1(1).

    NBC (National Book Centre of Bangladesh). 2008. Library Directory in Bangla version, Vol.3. Dhaka: National Book Centre of Bangladesh.