APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHOLOGY IN

THE SPECIAL LIBRARIES OF BANGLADESH:

PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS

Thesis submitted
For the Degree of
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
IN
LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

By
Md. Anwarul Islam
Librarian
Prime Minister’s Office, Tejgaon
Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh
Regd. No. 12/2004/Lib. & Information Science (PhD)

Under the Supervision of

Dr. K. C. Panda MA. LLB. MLISc. PhD. LI (USA)
(Former Fulbright Fellow)

Reader & Coordinator

UGC-SAP-DRS PG Dept. of Lib. & Info. Sc.
Sambalpur University, Jyoti Vihar-768019
Burla (Sambalpur), Orissa, India

July 2007

SAMBALPUR UNIVERSITY
 Dedicated
To

Our Ancestors
Who made the earth inhabitable for us.

Page # ii
Dr. K C Panda MA, LLB, MLISc, PhD, LI (USA) Residence:
(Former US Fulbright Fellow) Univ. Qrs. # C-2
Reader & Coordinator Jyoti Vihar-768019
UGC-SAP-DRS PG Dept. of Lib. & Info. Science Sambalpur University
Sambalpur University, Jyoti Vihar-768019 Tel: +91-0663-2430873 (R)
Burla (Sambalpur), Orissa, India e-mail: krushna52@yahoo.co.in
Tel: +91-0663-2432014 (Off)
Fax:+91-0663-2432073 (Off)

CERTIFICATE

I have the pleasure to certify that, the thesis entitled, “Application of

Information Technology in the Special Libraries of Bangladesh: Problems and
Prospects” submitted by Mr. Md. Anwarul Islam for the degree of DOCTOR OF
PHILISOPHY in Library and Information Science (2007) of Sambalpur
University, is his original work carried out under my supervision and guidance
and is worthy of examination.

The thesis has reached the standard fulfilling the requirements of the
regulation relating to the degree. It is further certified that, to the best of my
knowledge and belief, Mr. Md. Anwarul Islam bears an excellent moral
character.

Jyoti Vihar, Burla (Dr. K C PANDA)

11/7/2007 RESEARCH GUIDE

Page # iii
 CONTENTS
Title Page #

I Preliminaries i-iii

II Contents iv

III Lists of Tables xv

IV List of Figures/Maps/Diagrams xviii

V List of Abbreviations/ Acronyms xxi

VI Acknowledgements xxix

VII Declaration Xxx

VIII Preface Xxxi

IX Statistical Compendium at a glance xxxvi

CHAPTER-1 INTRODUCTION TO THE SUBJECT 1-41

1.1 Library and Information Technology: A congruous Relation 1

1.2 Aims and Objectives 5

1.3 Scope and Limitations of the Study 7

1.3.1 Scopes of the Study 7

1.3.2 Limitation of the Study 8

1.4 Methodology of Selection and Size of the Sample 9

1.5 State of the Art 11

1.6 Literature Reviewed 18

1.7 Hypotheses 25

1.8 Methodology Followed 26

1.9 Significance of the Study 28

1.9.1 Originality of the Study 31

1.10 Scheme of the Work 31

1.11 Physiography of the Country Surveyed 32

1.12 Conclusion 37

Page # iv
 Title Page #

CHAPTER-2 GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF SPECIAL LIBRARIES: A BRIEF 42-80

SKETCH

2.1 Introduction 42

2.2 Beginning of Library 43

2.3 Library: The Taxonomy 44

2.3.1 Classification of Libraries by their Collections 45

2.3.2 Classification of Libraries by their Services 45

2.3.3 Classification of Libraries by their Nature and Objectives 46

2.3.3.1 Classification of Special Libraries under Broader 46

Groups

2.4 Special Library: The Origin 47

2.4.1 Naming a Library as Special 49

2.4.2 Special Library: The Concept 49

2.4.3 Special Library: The Key Elements 52

2.4.4 The Role of Special Library 52

2.5 Legitimating of Special Library 53

2.6 Special Library: Some Innovative Tasks 53

2.7 Construction of Special Library Building: Ten Key Commandments 55

2.8 Growth and Development of Special Libraries 56

2.8.1 Growth and Development of Special Libraries in Some Major 59

Countries of the World

2.8.2 Growth and Development of Special Libraries in Asia 62

2.8.2.1 Growth and Development of Special Libraries in 65

Bangladesh

2.8.2.2 Special Library Networking in Bangladesh 71

2.8.2.2.1 Inter-library Lending System 71

2.8.2.2.2 NHLDC and ICDDR,B 72

Page # v
 Title Page #

2.8.2.2.3 National Agricultural Information 72

System (NAIS)

2.8.2.2.4 The Social Science Research Council 72

(SSRC) Social Science Information
Network

2.8.2.2.5 HeLLIS 73

2.8.2.2.6 DEVINSA 73

2.8.2.2.7 INRD and WIN 73

2.8.2.2.8 BDSIC Network 73

2.8.2.2.9 Population Information Network 74

2.8.2.2.10 AMDISA Library Network 74

2.8.2.2.11 BANSLINK 74

2.8.3 Services offered by the Special Libraries in Bangladesh 76

2.9 Conclusion 77

CHAPTER-3 GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES 81-188

AND THEIR USAGE IN THE LIBRARIES WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO
THE SPECIAL LIBRARIES IN BANGLADESH: A HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

3.1 Evolution of Information Technology 81

3.2 Information Technology: The Concept 85

3.2.1 IT vs ICT: A Synonymous Concept 87

3.2.2 Scope of Information Technology 89

3.3 Growth and development of IT: A Chronologic Overview 90

3.4 IT Revolution: Some Emerging Issues 95

3.4.1 Globalization 95

3.4.2 Localization 95

3.4.3 Digitization 96

3.4.4 The Great Migration 96

Page # vi
 Title Page #

3.4.5 Preservation 97

3.4.6 Miniaturization of Information Systems 97

3.4.7 Instant Access and Diverse Navigational Strategies 97

3.5 Use of IT in Library: A Historical Perspective (1930 to 1982) 98

3.5.1 Library Automation 99

3.5.1.1 Punch Card in Library Automation 99

3.5.1.2 Emergence of Computerised Circulation Control 100

3.5.1.3 Introduction of Integrated System with Multi 101

Module

3.5.1.4 Co-operative Automation 101

3.5.1.5 Centralized Cataloguing System 101

3.5.2 Information Retrieval System 102

3.5.2.1 Key Word Search 103

3.5.2.2 Boolean Search Techniques 103

3.5.2.3 Full-text Searching 103

3.5.3 Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) 104

3.5.4 Local Computer Retrieval and SDI Services 104

3.5.5 Indexing 105

3.5.5.1 Subject indexing 105

3.5.6 Library Network/Consortium 106

3.5.6.1 Library Network/Consortium: USA 112

3.5.6.2 Library Network/Consortium: UK 113

3.5.6.3 Large Scale Network 114

3.5.6.4 Research Libraries Information Network 115

3.5.6.5 Library Retrieval Information System 115

3.5.6.6 Inter-lending and Document Delivery Network 116

Page # vii
Title Page #

3.5.7 Online Searching Services 116

3.5.7.1 Online Bibliographic Retrieval 116

3.5.7.2 Online Subject Citation Alert 117

3.5.7.3 Online Catalogue 117

3.5.7.4 Online Remote Access Catalogue and Circulation 118

System

3.5.8 Bibliographic Control 118

3.5.9 Computer-based Secondary information Services 118

3.5.10 Remote Library Access 119

3.5.11 Facsimile transmission 119

3.5.12 Bibliographic Co-operative Movement 119

3.5.13 Retrieval Information by Online Terminal 120

3.5.14 Document Storage in Video Tape 120

3.5.15 Telnet 121

3.5.16 Tele text 121

3.5.17 Satellite Launching 121

3.5.18 ISBN Adopted 125

3.5.19 Natural Language Searching and Truncation 126

3.5.20 Public Telecommunications Network and Use of Packet 127

Switching System

3.5.21 Machine-readable Serials Data 127

3.5.22 Legal Text Data Searching Facility 128

3.5.23 National Bibliographic Database 128

3.5.24 Launching of Communications Technology Satellite 129

3.5.25 The First Electronic Journal 129

3.5.26 MARC Appearance: A milestone 130

3.5.26.1 MARC Variants 130

Page # viii
 Title Page #

3.5.27 Emergence of Prototype of Video-disc Players 131

3.5.28 Electronic Computer Originated Mail 132

3.5.29 First Video Disk Serial 132

3.5.30 Photocopying on Commercial Periodical(s) 133

3.5.31 Automatic Classification 133

3.5.32 IT-82 134

3.6 Information Technology in Bangladesh 138

3.7 Application of Information Technology Libraries and Information 142

Centres

3.7.1 Integrated Library System (ILS) 143

3.7.1.1 Computerized Circulation 144

3.7.1.2 Computerized Acquisition 146

3.7.1.2.1 Ordering 146

3.7.1.2.2 Receiving 146

3.7.1.2.3 Paying 147

3.7.1.2.4 Input to Cataloguing 147

3.7.1.2.5 Administration 147

3.7.1.3 Computerized Serial Control 147

3.7.1.4 Library Automation System 149

3.7.1.4.1 Online Public Access Catalogue 150

(OPAC)

3.7.1.4.2 Web-OPAC 150

3.7.2 Information Storage and Dissemination 151

3.7.2.1 Digital Preservation 151

3.7.2.1.1 Refreshing 152

3.7.2.1.2 Migration 152

3.7.2.1.3 Replication 152

Page # ix
 Title Page #

3.7.2.1.4 Emulation 153

3.7.2.1.4 Trustworthy digital object 153

3.7.2.2 Digital Library or Electronic Library 153

3.7.2.2.1 No physical boundary 154

3.7.2.2.2 Round the clock availability 154

3.7.2.2.3 Multiple accesses 154

3.7.2.2.4 Structured approach 154

3.7.2.2.5 Information retrieval 154

3.7.2.2.6 Preservation and conservation 154

3.7.2.2.7 Space 154

3.7.2.2.8 Networking 154

3.7.2.2.9 Cost 154

3.7.2.3 Virtual Library 160

3.7.2.4 Institutional Repository 161

3.7.2.5 E-Resources 163

3.7.2.5.1 Electronic Journal 163

3.7.2.5.2 Electronic Book 164

3.7.2.6 IT in Microform Document 165

3.7.2.6.1 Computer-Output-Microfiche (COM) 165

3.7.2.6.2 Computer Input Microfilm (CIM) 165

3.7.2.7 Web-based Library Portal 166

3.7.2.8 Information Dissemination 167

3.7.3 Administration/Office Management Tasks 168

3.8 Use of Information Technology in the Special Libraries of Bangladesh: 169

A Brief Sketch

3.8.1 Electronic union catalogue as Union OPAC in Bangladesh 180

Page # x
 Title Page #

3.9 Conclusion 181

CHAPTER-4 ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA 189-319

4.1 Data Analysis: The Concept 189

4.2 Sample Population 190

4.2.1 Chi-Square Test 192

4.2.2 Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) 194

4.3 Data Analysis and Interpretation of Preliminary Survey 195

4.3.1 Year wise Growth of Special Libraries of Bangladesh 202

4.3.2 Location of the Special Libraries of Bangladesh 205

4.3.3 Collection of the Special Libraries 207

4.3.4 Users of the Special Libraries 209

4.3.5 Status of Manpower in the Special Libraries of Bangladesh 211

4.3.6 Use of Information Technology 213

4.3.6.1 State of Application Computer in Library Services 215

4.3.6.2 State of Internet Use in Special Libraries 216

4.3.6.3 State of OPAC Services in the Special Libraries 217

4.3.6.4 State of Automation (Bibliographic Record/ 218

Catalogue)

4.3.6.5 State of Automated Circulation Service in Special 219

Libraries

4.3.7 Annual Budget Allocation of the Special Libraries of 220

Bangladesh

4.3.8 Key Findings of the Preliminary Survey to Find out Major 221
Special Libraries of Bangladesh

4.3.9 Testing of Hypotheses Formulated in the Preliminary Survey 233

4.4 Analysis and Interpretation of Data of Final Survey 239

4.4.1 Analysis and Interpretation of Data of Final Survey 239

Page # xi
Title Page #

4.4.2 Major Special Libraries of Bangladesh: A Contour 239

4.4.3 Manpower of the Major Special Libraries of Bangladesh 243

4.4.3.1 Library-wise Manpower 246

4.4.3.2 Category of Library Management 247

4.4.3.3 Adequacy of Manpower in Special Libraries 248

4.4.3.4 Deputation of Staff for Professional Training 249

4.4.4 Collections of the Major Special Libraries of Bangladesh 250

4.4.5 Users Community of Special Libraries of Bangladesh 253

4.4.6 Annual Budget of Major Special Libraries of Bangladesh 254

4.4.7 IT Status of the Major Special Libraries of Bangladesh 256

4.4.7.1 Use of Computers

4.4.7.2 Internet Connectivity 261

4.4.7.3 State of Networking: LAN, MAN, WAN & WAN & 263
Web Portals

4.4.7.4 Automation and OPAC 265

4.4.7.4.1 Automation of Bibliographical Services 266

4.4.7.4.2 Automation of Circulation Control 267

4.4.7.4.3 State of OPAC Service Available in 268

Special Libraries

4.4.7.4.4 Library Automation Software 269

4.4.7.4.5 State of Digital Library Service

4.4.8 Services Provided by Major Special Libraries of Bangladesh 271

4.4.8.1 General Reference Services 273

4.4.8.2 IT based Services 277

4.4.8.2.1 Internet Service Conditions 277

4.4.8.2.2 IT based other Services 279

4.4.8.2.3 Reprographic Facilities 283

Page # xii
 Title Page #

4.5 Problems of the Application of Information Technology 284

4.5.1 Financial Problem 286

4.5.2 Attitudinal Problems 288

4.5.3 Uncongenial Environment in Application of IT 290

4.5.4 Problems of Software in IT Application 292

4.5.5 Machinery Problems in IT Application 294

4.5.6 Manpower Problems in IT Application 296

4.5.7 Problems of IPR in Digitizing Materials 297

4.6 Prospects of the Application of Information Technology 299

4.7 Testing Hypotheses Formulated in the Final Survey 304

4.8 Key Differences of Preliminary and Final Survey 311

4.9 Supplementary Survey 315

CHAPTER-5 FINDINGS AND SUGGESTIONS 320-359

5.1 Introduction 320

5.2 Constraints of the Study 321

5.3 Findings 322

5.3.1 Findings of Preliminary Survey 323

5.3.2 Findings of Final Survey 327

5.3.3 The Core Ten Causes 339

5.4 Testing of Hypotheses and Inferences 340

5.5 Suggestions 342

5.6 Scope of the Further Study 357

Appendices Appendices (Questionnaires, Addresses of the Samples, 360-426

Bibliography/Wenbliography, Author Index, Key Word Index)

Questionnaire for Preliminary Survey 361

Questionnaire for Final Survey 364

Page # xiii
Title Page #

Questionnaire for Supplementary Survey 373

Addresses of Special Libraries where preliminary questionnaires were 375

sent

List of the Respondent Special Libraries of Bangladesh in Preliminary 385

Survey

List of the Respondent Special Libraries of Bangladesh in Final Survey 390

List of the Respondents of Supplementary Survey 391

Bibliography/Webliography 392

Author Index 402

Key Word Index 409

Page # xiv
 List of Tables
Table No Title Chapter No. Page No.
Table-1.1 Subscribers of Fixed and Mobile Phone 2001- 1 15
2006 (April)
Table-1.2 Statistics of different types of licenses issued 1 16
by BTRC
Table 1.3 Growth of Telecommunications in Bangladesh 1 17
(1995-2003)

Table- 1.4 Socio-Economic Indicators of Bangladesh 1 35

(Concise)
Table-2.1 Classification of the libraries and the Special 2 47
libraries
Table-2.2 Special Library Networks of Bangladesh at a 2 75
Glance
Table-3.1 A Chronological growth of IT 3 92
Table-3.2 Some of the ICOLS’s Member Consortia 3 107
(worldwide)
Table-3.3 Currently operational Satellites’ list on country 3 122
bases (updated up to 27-12-2006)
Table-3.4 Functioning Satellites arranged by 3 124
Users/Purposes of use
Table-3.5 History of Information Technology: A Year- 3 135
wise Chronological Growth in Some Key
Systems (1945-1996)
Table-3.6 Microcomputers and Minicomputers Uses in 3 139
Bangladesh (1960-1980)
Table-3.7 Functions & Salient Features of Computerised 3 145
Circulation Control System
Table-3.8 Functions and Salient Features of 3 148
Computerized Serial Control
Table-3.9 Some of the Registered OAI-PMH Service 3 156
Providers
Table-3.10 Some of the Open Source Software for 3 162
Institutional Repository
Table-3.11 Use of IT in Libraries and Information Centres 3 170
of Bangladesh (1980-1995)
Table-3.12 Use of IT in the Special Libraries of 3 173
Bangladesh
Table-4.1 Background Information of the Special 4 196
Libraries of Bangladesh (Preliminary Survey)
Table-4.2 Year-wise Growth of the Special Libraries of 4 203
Bangladesh
Table-4.3 Location of the Special Libraries of Bangladesh 4 205
Table-4.4 Collection of the Special Libraries of 4 207
Bangladesh
Table-4.5 Users of the Special Libraries of Bangladesh 4 209
Table-4.6 Workforce in the Special Libraries of 4 211
Bangladesh
Table-4.7 Use of IT in the Special Libraries of 4 213
Bangladesh

Page # xv
Table No Title Chapter No. Page No.
Table-4.8 Annual Budget Allocation in the Special 4 220
Libraries of Bangladesh
Table-4.9 Special Libraries of Bangladesh using 4 222
Computer(s)
Table-4.10 Ranking Table of the Special Libraries of 4 228
Bangladesh
Table-4.11 Year of Establishment, Mode of Management, 4 240
Nature and Location the Special Libraries of
Bangladesh
Table-4.12 Mode of Governance of the Major Special 4 241
Libraries of Bangladesh
Table-4.13 Manpower of the Major Special Libraries of 4 244
Bangladesh (Classified)
Table-4.14 Manpower of the Major Special Libraries of 4 245
Bangladesh (Arranged)
Table-4.15 Collection, Users, Budgets of the Special 4 250
Libraries of Bangladesh
Table-4.16 Collections of the Major Special Libraries of 4 251
Bangladesh by Subject Domains
Table-4.17 Users of the Major Special Libraries of 4 253
Bangladesh
Table-4.18 The Annual Budget of the Major Special 4 254
Libraries of Bangladesh (FY 2006-2007)
Table-4.19 IT Status of the Major Special Libraries of 4 256
Bangladesh
Table-4.20 Use of Computers by Major Special Libraries of 4 259
Bangladesh (Quantity)
Table-4.21 State of Internet Connectivity 4 262
Table-4.22 LAN, MAN, WAN and Web Portals of Major 4 264
Special Libraries of Bangladesh
Table-4.23 Automation and OPAC Facilities of the Major 4 266
Special Libraries of Bangladesh
Table-4.24 Library Automation Software used by Major 4 270
Special Libraries of Bangladesh
Table-4.25 Tabulated Data of Background Information of 4 272
the Special Libraries of Bangladesh (Final
Survey)
Table-4.26 General Reference Service Providers 4 274
Table-4.27 Internet Service Conditions 4 278
Table-4.28 IT-based Special Services 4 280
Table-4.29 Reprographic Services 4 283
Table-4.30 Problems of IT Applications in Special Libraries 4 284
in Bangladesh

Page # xvi
Table No Title Chapter No. Page No.
Table-4.31 Financial Problem in Application of IT in 4 287
Special Libraries in Bangladesh
Table-4.32 Attitudinal Problem in Application of IT 4 289
Table-4.33 Uncongenial Environment in Application of IT 4 291
Table-4.34 Problem of Software (SW) in IT Application 4 292
Table-4.35 Machinery Problems in IT Application 4 294
Table-4.36 Manpower Problems in IT Application 4 296
Table-4.37 Problems for Intellectual Property Rights 4 298
Table-4.38 Prospects of IT Application 4 300
Table-4.39 (A) Prospects of Using IT in Libraries 4 301
Table-4.39 (B) Prospects of Using IT in Libraries 4 303
Table-4.40 Findings of Preliminary and Final Survey: The 4 312
Differences
Table-4.41 Analysis of the Answers of the Professional 4 317
Respondents
Table-4.42 Twelve Core Causes/Grounds of the Problems 4 318
of the Application of IT in the Special
Libraries of Bangladesh
Table-5.1 Proposed list of Special Library Consortiums 5 354

Page # xvii
 List of Figures/Maps/Diagrams
Illustration’s Title/Caption Chapter Page
Name and No.
Figure-1.1 Participation of Tele/Cell Phone Operator in 1 15
Bangladesh
Figure-1.2 Map of Bangladesh 1 36
Diagram-2.1 Classification of Libraries by their Collection 2 45
Diagram-2.2 Classification of Libraries by their services 2 45
Diagram-2.3 Classification of Libraries by their Nature and 2 46
Objectives
Diagram-2.4 Classification of Special Libraries under Broad 2 46
Groups
Figure-3.1 Ownership of Functional Satellites 3 124
Figure-3.2 Users/purposes of using satellites 3 125
Figure-3.3 Growth of IT in Institutes of Bangladesh 3 142
(1960-80)
Figure-3.4 Use of IT in Libraries and Information Canters 3 172
of Bangladesh (1980-1995)
Figure-3.5 State of Computer installation in special libraries 3 179
of Bangladesh
Figure-4.1 Year-wise Growth of Special Libraries of 4 204
Bangladesh (1930-2006)
Figure-4.2 Growth of Special Libraries on Year Base (%) 4 204
Figure-4.3 Trends of Growth of Special Libraries of 4 205
Bangladesh
Figure-4.4 Location of Special Libraries of Bangladesh 4 205
Figure-4.5 Location of Special Libraries of Bangladesh (%) 4 206
Figure-4.6 Collection of Special Libraries of Bangladesh 4 208
Figure-4.7 Collection of Special Libraries of Bangladesh 4 209
(%)
Figure-4.8 Users of Special Libraries of Bangladesh (%) 4 210
Figure-4.9 Users of Special Libraries of Bangladesh 4 210
Figure-4.10 Workforce of the Special Libraries of Bangladesh 4 212
Figure-4.11 Workforce of the Special Libraries of Bangladesh 4 212
(%)
Figure-4.12 Computer in Special Libraries of Bangladesh 4 214
(%)
Figure-4.13 Computer Use in Special Libraries of Bangladesh 4 215
Figure-4.14 Internet in Special Libraries of Bangladesh (%) 4 215
Figure-4.15 Internet in Special Libraries of Bangladesh 4 216
Figure-4.16 OPAC in Special Libraries of Bangladesh (%) 4 217
Figure-4.17 OPAC in Special Libraries of Bangladesh 4 217
Figure-4.18 Automation (Bibliographic Record only) in 4 218
Special Libraries of Bangladesh (%)

Page # xviii
Figure-4.19 Automation (Catalogue) in Special Libraries of 4 218
Bangladesh
Figure-4.20 Automation (Circulation) in Special Libraries of 4 219
Bangladesh (%)
Figure-4.21 Automation (Circulation) in Special Libraries of 4 219
Bangladesh
Figure-4.22 Budget Allocation of Special Libraries of 4 221
Bangladesh (2006-07) (%)
Figure-4.23 Special Libraries of Bangladesh Classified on 4 241
Nature
Figure-4.24 Participation of Special Libraries as on Mode of 4 242
Management in Final Survey (%)
Figure-4.25 Bibliographic Automation of Major Special 4 245
Libraries of Bangladesh (%)
Figure-4.26 Manpower of the Major Special Libraries of 4 246
Bangladesh (%)
Figure-4.27 Proportional Workforces as 100% 4 248
Figure-4.28 Opinion of Existing Manpower of Special 4 249
Libraries of Bangladesh (%)
Figure-4.29 Deputation of Staffs for Professional Training 4 250
(%)
Figure-4.30 Collection of the Major Special Libraries of 4 252
Bangladesh (%)
Figure-4.31 Users of the Major Special Libraries of 4 253
Bangladesh (%)
Figure-4.32 Graphical Presentation of Annual Budget of 4 256
Special Libraries of Bangladesh (%)
Figure-4.33 Use of Computers of the Major Special Libraries 4 259
of Bangladesh (quantity)
Figure-4.34 Quantity of Computers of Special Libraries of 4 260
Bangladesh (%)
Figure-4.35 Internet Connectivity of the Major Special 4 261
Libraries of Bangladesh (%)
Figure-4.36 State of Internet Connectivity 4 262
Figure-4.37 State of Internet Connectivity (%) 4 263
Figure-4.38 LAN Connectivity of Major Special Libraries of 4 264
Bangladesh (%)
Figure-4.39 MAN Connectivity of Major Special Libraries of 4 264
Bangladesh (%)
Figure-4.40 WAN Connectivity of Major Special Libraries of 4 265
Bangladesh (%)
Figure-4.41 Web Portals of Major Special Libraries of 4 265
Bangladesh (%)
Figure-4.42 Bibliographic Automation of Major Special 4 267
Libraries of Bangladesh (%)
Figure-4.43 Circulation Automation of Major Special Libraries 4 268
of Bangladesh (%)
Figure-4.44 OPAC Facilities of the Major Special Libraries of 4 269
Bangladesh (%)
Figure-4.45 Use of Library Automation Software by Major 4 270
Special Libraries of Bangladesh (%)
Figure-4.46 Digital Library Service Providers (%) 4 271

Page # xix
Figure-4.47 Indexing Service Providers (%) 4 275
Figure-4.48 Abstracting Service Providers (%) 4 275
Figure-4.49 Bibliographic Service Providers (%) 4 275
Figure-4.50 CAS Service Providers (%) 4 276
Figure-4.51 SDI Service Providers (%) 4 276
Figure-4.52 Research Report Service Providers (%) 4 276
Figure-4.53 News Paper Clipping Service Providers (%) 4 277
Figure-4.54 Internet Services to the Users (Timing) (%) 4 279
Figure-4.55 Internet Services to the Users (Financial Aspect) 4 279
(%)
Figure-4.56 On-line Database Services (%) 4 281
Figure-4.57 On-line E-journal Services (%) 4 281
Figure-4.58 CD-ROM Database Service (%) 4 281
Figure-4.59 E-mail Based CAS/SDI Service (%) 4 282
Figure-4.60 E-mail Based Bulletin Service (%) 4 282
Figure-4.61 Printing Facility (%) 4 282
Figure-4.62 Financial Problem in IT Application 4 288
Figure-4.63 Attitudinal Problem in IT Application 4 289
Figure-4.64 Uncongenial Environment in IT Application 4 291
Figure-4.65 SW Problems in IT Application 4 293
Figure-4.66 Machinery Problem in IT Application 4 295
Figure-4.67 Manpower Problem in IT Application 4 297
Figure-4.68 IPR Problem in Digitization (%) 4 298
Figure-4.69 Prospect of IT Application in Special Libraries 4 302
(A)
Figure-4.70 Prospect of IT Application in Special Libraries 4 303
(B)
Diagram-5.1 Schema of the Proposed Bangladesh National 5 353
Special Library Consortia (BANSCL)

Page # xx
 List of Abbreviations/Acronyms

A.D. : Anno Domini

ACARDA : Advisory Council for Applied Research and Development (UK)
Admn : Administrative
ADONIS : Article Delivery Over Network Information System
AECL : Atomic Energy Commission Library
AERE : Atomic Energy Research Establishment
AFMC : Armed Forces Medial College
Agri : Agricultural
AIC : Agricultural Information Centre
AIC Lib. : Agricultural Information Centre Library
AIM-TWX : Abridge Index Medicus by Teletype Writer Exchange
ALA : American Library Association
AMIDSA : Association of Management Development Institute in South Asia
ANON : Author not indicated
APINESS : Asia-Pacific International Network in Social Sciences
APOLLO : Apache Point Observatory Lunar Laser-ranging Operation (NASA)
ARPA : Advanced Research Projects Agency
ASCA : Automatic Subject Citation Alert
AT&T : American Telephone & Telegraph
AUSMARC : Australian Machine Readable Cataloguing
AWRE : Atomic Weapons Research Establishment
B. Bank Lib. : Bangladesh Bank Library
B.C. : Before Christ
B.Sec.L. : Bangladesh Secretariat Library
BAdmnLC : Bangladesh Administrative Library Consortium
BALC : Bangladesh Agricultural Library Consortium
: Bibliographic Automation of Large Library Operations Using a Time-
BALLOTS
Sharing System
BANBEIS : Bangladesh Bureau of Educational Information and Statistics
: Bangladesh Bureau of Educational Information and Statistics Library and
BANBEIS L&DC
Documentation Centre
BANSDOC : Bangladesh National Scientific and Technical Documentation Centre
: Bangladesh National Scientific and Technical Documentation Centre
BANSDOC Lib.
Library

Page # xxi
BANSLC : Bangladesh National Special Library Consortia
BANSLINK : Bangladesh National Scientific and Library Information Network
BARC : Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council
BAU : Bangladesh Agricultural University
BAUL : Bangladesh Agricultural University Library
BBALC : Bangladesh Business Administration Library Consortium
BBC : British Broadcasting Corporation
BCDLC : Bangladesh Community Development Library Consortium
BCPS : Bangladesh College Physician & Surgeon
BCPSL : Bangladesh College of Physician and Surgeon Library
BCS : Bangladesh Civil Service
BCSAA Lib. : Bangladesh Civil Service Administration Academy Library
BD : Bangladesh
BDSIC : Bangladesh Development Support Information and Communication
BE&TLC : Bangladesh Engineering and Technology Library Consortium
BHLC : Bangladesh Health Library Consortium
BIBSYS-MARC : Bibliographic System-Machine Readable Cataloguing
BIDS : Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies
BIDSL : Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies Library
: Bangladesh Institute of International Strategic Studies Library and
BIIS L & D C
Documentation Centre
BIISS : Bangladesh Institute of International Strategic Studies
BINA : Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture
BIRDEM : Bangladesh Institute if Diabetic, Endocrinology and Metabolic
: Bangladesh Institute if Diabetic, Endocrinology and Metabolic Disorder
BIRDEML
Library
BL : British Library
BLAISE : British Library Automated Information Service
BLCMP : Birmingham Libraries Cooperative Mechanisation Project
BLEND : Birmingham and Loughborough Electronic Network Development
BPATCL : Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre Library
BR&DLC : Bangladesh Research & Development Library Consortium
BRRIL : Bangladesh Rice Research Institute Library
BS&TLC : Bangladesh Science & Technology Library Consortium
BSCIC : Bangladesh Small Cottage Industries Corporation
BSMMU : Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University

Page # xxii
BSMMUL : Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Medical University Library
BSRTI : Bangladesh Sericulture Research and Training Institute
BTL : Bangladesh Telecom Private Limited
BTRC : Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission
BTTB : Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board
BUET : Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology
BUETL : Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology
Busi : Business
C.I.S. : Current Information Service
CAN/MARC : Canadian Machine Readable Cataloguing
Caritas Lib : Caritas Library
: Current Awareness Service
CAS
Chemical Abstract Service (Division of American Chemical Society)
CD : Compact Disk
CDL : Community Development Library
CDL : Community Development Library
CD-ROM : Compact Disk-Read Only Memory
: Computerized Documentation Services/Integrated Set of Information
CDS/ISIS
System
CIM : Computer Input Microfilm
CIP : Catalogue in Process
CIRDAP : Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and Pacific
CIRDAP Lib. : Centre of Integrated Rural Development of Asia and Pacific
CIS : Central Index System
CMARC : China Machine Readable Cataloguing
COC : Consortium of Consortia
COLEX : Column Exchange
COM : Computer-Output-Microfiche
COMICON : Comic Book Convention
CONSOR : Conservation of Serials Resources
CSCD : Centre for Sustainable Community Development
CSUC : California State University and Colleges
CTS : Communications Technology Satellite
CUETL : Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology Library
D. Star Lib : The Daily Star Library
D. Star. Lib. : The Daily Star Library

Page # xxiii
D.O.D. : Development for the Development of Defence
DanMARC : Danish Machine Readable Cataloguing
DCCI : Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industries
DCCI Lib. : Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industries Library
DDN : Digital Data Network
DEVINSA : The Development Information Network for South Asia
DIALOGUE : A database service provider
DIANE : Direct Information Access Network for Europe
DISC : Dissemination of Information Service Centre
DL : Digital Library
DT : Data Transmission
E&T : Engineering & Technology
e.g. : exampli gratia
EDUCOM : Educational Communication
EEC : European Economic Community
EIES : Electronic Information Exchange Scheme
E-mail : Electronic Mail
ENIAC : Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer
EUROLEX : European Lexemes
EURONET : European Network
FACTS : Facilities Assets Catalogue and Tracking System
FIND : Facsimile Information Network Development
FRILDOC : Fisheries Research Institute Library and Documentation Centre
GDP : Gross Domestic Product
HeLLIS : Health Literature, Library and Information Services
HERMES : High-Energy Radiation Megavolt Electron Source
HINARI : Health Inter Network Access to Research Initiative
http : Hyper Text Transfer Protocol
: Intelligent Bandwidth Allocation (PCSI)
IBA
Institute of Business Administration
IBAL : Institute of Business Administration Library
IBM : International Business Machine
ICDDR,B : International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
ICOLC : International Coalition of Library Consortia
ICT : Information Communication Technology
IDP : Integrated Data Processing

Page # xxiv
IERL : Institute of Educational Research Library
IIUC : International Islamic University of Chittagong
IJSG : International Jute Study Group
ILL : Inter Library Loan/ Inter Library Lending
ILS : Integrated Library Systems
: International Nuclear Information System (International Atomic Energy
INIS
Agency)
INRD : Information Network on Rural Development
INSPEC : Information Service for Physics, Electronics, and Computing
INTERMARC : International Machine Readable Cataloguing
Intl : International
INTREX : Information Transfer Experiments
IP : Internet Protocol
IPLC : International Private Leased Line Circuits
IR : Information Retrieval
ISBN : International Standard Book Number
ISDN : Integrated Services Digital Network
ISDS : International Serial Data System
ISP : Internet Service Provider
ISRT : Institute of Statistical Research and Training
IT : Information Technology
ITU : International Tele Communication Union
KORMARC : Korean Machine Readable Cataloguing
L&IC : Library and Information Centre
L&RC, IJSG : Library and Resource Centre, International Jute Study Group
LAB : Library Association of Bangladesh
LC : Library of Congress
LEO : Lyons Electronic Office
LEXIS : Legal Electronic Research System
Lib. : Library
LIBRIS : Library Retrieval Information System
LIC, N. Par. : Legislative Information Centre, National Parliament
: Library and Information Science
LIS
Librarian and Information Scientists
LISU : Library and Information Service Unit
LITE : Legal Information Through Electronics

Page # xxv
LOCAS : Local Cataloguing Service
Ltd. : Limited
3
M : Money, Manpower and Material
MAB : Maschinelles Austauschformat für Bibliotheken
MARC : Machine Readable Cataloguing
MATS : Medical Assistant Training School
Mb : Mega Byte
MCH : The Maternal and Child Health
MICR : Magnetic Ink Character Reader
MIDAS : Micro Industries Development Assistance
MIT : Massachusetts Institute of Technology
N.Y. : New York
NAIS : National Agricultural Information System
NASA : National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NGO : Non-governmental Organisation
NHLD : National Health Library and Documentation Centre
NHLDoc : National Health Documentation Centre
NICVD : National Institute of Cardio Vascular Disease
NIPORT : National Institute of Population Research and Training
NIPORTL : National Institute of Population Research Library
NLM : The National Library of Medicine
NORMARC : Norwegian Machine Readable Cataloguing
NOTOR : National Institute of Traumatology & Orthopaedic Rehabilitation
NSC : Network Service Centre
NSF : National Scientific Foundation
OAI-PMH : Open Archives Initiative-Protocol for Metadata Harvesting
OCLC : Online Computer Library Centre
OPAC : Online Public Access Catalogue
ORACLE : Optional Reception of Announcements by Coded Line Electronics
ORBIT : Online Retrieval of Bibliographic Information Time-Sharing
OSTI : Office for Scientific and Technical Information
OTS : Orbital Test Satellite
PL : Paper Library
PMOL : Prime Minister’s Office Library
PSTN : Public Switched Telephone Network
Pvt. : Private

Page # xxvi
R&D : Research and Development
R&D : Research & Development
RECON : Remote Console
RETD : Red Especial de Transmisión de Datos
RFID : Radio Frequency Identification
RIOT : Retrieval of Information by On-line Terminal
RLG : Research Library Group
RLIN : Research Library Information Network
ROM : Read Only Memory
S&T : Science & Technology
SAARC : South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation
SAIC : SAARC Agricultural Information Centre
SAICL : SAARC Agricultural Information Centre Library
SCOLCAP : Scottish Libraries Cooperative Automation Project
SDC : System Development Corporation
SDI : Selective Dissemination of Information
SDNBD : Sustainable Development Network for Bangladesh
SDNP : Sustainable Development Network
SEARO : South-East Asia Regional Office
SL : Special Library
SLA : Special Library Association
SMART : Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology
SPARSO : Bangladesh Space Research & Remote Sensing
SSRC : Social Science Research Council
STAIRS : Storage and Information Retrieval System
STATUS : Specialized Technical and Technology User Services
SWALCAP : South West-Area Library Cataloguing Project
TIP : Technical Information Project
TODs : Trustworthy Digital Objects
UDC : Universal Decimal Classification
UK : United Kingdom
UKAEA : United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
UNDP : United Nation Development Programme
UNESCO : United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNIC : United Nation Information Centre
UNICL : United Nations Information Centre Library

Page # xxvii
UNIMARC : Universal Machine Readable Cataloguing
UNISIST : United Nations International Scientific Information System
UNIVERSE : Universities Extended Ring and Satellite Experiment
US : United States
USA : United States of America
USAID : United States Agency for International Development
USMARC : United States Machine Readable Cataloguing
USTL : University of Science and Technology Library
UUCP : Unix-to-Unix Copy Protocol
VSAT : Very Small Aperture Terminal
WHO : World Health Organization
WIN : Women Information Network
WWW : World Wide Web

Page # xxviii
Md. Anwarul Islam Librarian
PhD Research Scholar (Fulltime) Prime Minister’s Office
(Chief Advisers’ Office)
PG Dept. of Lib. & Info. Science
Tejgaon, Dhaka-1215
Sambalpur University
Bangladesh
Jyoti Vihar-768019, Burla
Phone: 0088-02-8152117 (Off.)
Sambalpur, Orissa, India
Cell: 0088-0152338369
E-mail: anwarpulak@gmail.com

Acknowledgements

After a long interval of my regular studentship, I became a regular

research student (a fulltime research scholar) in the P.G. Department of
Library and Information Science, Sambalpur University, which is thousands of
kilometres away from my native country. Without family members, I spent my
time in one of the most progressive country with a multi cultural, multi lingual,
and multi spiritual environment. To adapt with the new place, new language,
new custom, a man of academic and professional excellence and above all, a
good human came forward to guide me, he is none except Dr. K. C. Panda. He
was my research guide and the true mentor. Research is an intellectual
exercise, which a researcher cannot succeed without the assistance of an
effective Guide. The initial stage of my research was extremely hard as I was
not fully acquainted with the methodical jargons and well established canons
of social research, which after a short period my work, my Guide and mentor
Dr. K. C. Panda showed me the way as a vanguard. I learnt from him, how to
write, how to edit, how to read, how to stick to the time schedule. It is
remarkable that, he is the most sincere in his work and time keeping and
extremely fast in achieving the target. His virtues influence me very much.
More thanks are not suffice for his kind and valuable guidance. So, I am
showing him the heartiest gratefulness and respect. His intellectual and
fatherly guidance helped me to shape my future research plans to a great
deal. Mention may be made that, Mrs. Panda a simple and pious lady always
encourages the researchers with excellent hospitality. I would be failed in my

Page # xxix
duty, if I do not pay my heartiest regard to her. Without the sincere and
valuable guidance and meticulous editing of the scripts by my mentor Dr.
Panda, the present work would have remained incomplete.

I am also thankful to the faculty members, office staffs, and students of

this department for their kind cooperation and brotherly hood. As a fulltime
research scholar, all of them love me very much. I oblige all faculty members
and office staffs and the students of P.G. Department of Library and
Information Science of Sambalpur University who have shown me their
affection and love during the period of my research. I spent a lot of time with
them. I convey my special thanks to the Head and Coordinator of the
Department allowing me to use their IT Lab during the period of my research.

I am grateful to LAB-M S Khan Foundation for their fellowship

(Academic Expenditure) and equally grateful to the executive body of LAB-M S
Kahn Foundation and wish its success. I also pray to Allah for the eternal
peace for Late M S Khan (The father of the Library and Information Science in
Bangladesh) whose contributions to the profession inspired me to come to the
present stage.

I owe to the Prime Minister’s Office (Presently Chief Adviser’s Office) on

behalf of the Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh for giving the
opportunity to me to carry out my doctoral research as fulltime research
scholar on deputation. I am grateful to my controlling officers and my
colleagues at Prime Minister’s Office and all those who helped me a lot in
various aspects. It was hard for me to carry out the doctoral research with the
token fellowship, as a result, my authority arranged monetary grants from the
fund of the Honourable Prime Minister of the Government of the Peoples
Republic of Bangladesh, for which, I am grateful to the Honourable Prime
Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, for his/her kind grant.

Page # xxx
 I am also grateful to my friends, colleagues and LIS professionals those
who had helped me directly and indirectly during the period of my research.
All of them became my well wisher and path-finder and contributed
substantially in my career. I am highly grateful to all LIS professionals of
Bangladesh for their kind and timely response to my questionnaire without
which this thesis would have remained incomplete.

I am equally grateful to my wife Mrs. Farhana Anwar (Zhinuk), my

family members and relatives who inspired me to complete my research work
well in time. Their dedication inspired me to achieve my goal.

11/7/2007
(Md. Anwarul Islam)
Research Scholar

Page # xxxi
Md. Anwarul Islam Librarian
PhD Research Scholar (Fulltime) Prime Minister’s Office
Tejgaon, Dhaka-1215
PG Dept. of Lib. & Info. Science
Bangladesh
Sambalpur University
Phone: 0088-02-8152117 (Off.)
Jyoti Vihar-768019, Burla
Cell: 0088-0152338369
Sambalpur, Orissa, India
E-mail: anwarpulak@gmail.com

Declaration

I do here by declare that, the doctoral thesis entitled, “Application of

Information and Technology in the Special Libraries of Bangladesh: Problems

and Prospects” is my original research work carried out under the direct

supervision and guidance of Dr. K. C. Panda, Reader & Coordinator, P.G.

Department of Library and Information Science, Sambalpur University, Orissa,

India.

I further declare that, the above-mentioned thesis has not been

submitted to any university or Institute for any other degree earlier. I also

declare that, I have dully and respectfully acknowledged all those, whose

intellectual thought contents and academic contributions, ideas, thoughts, and

opinions found relevant have been borrowed and used in this thesis, as a

token of respect.

Jyoti Vihar, Burla (Md. Anwarul Islam)

Date:11/07/2007 Research Scholar

Page # xxxii
 Preface

Information Technology is the most powerful catalyst of changing the

society into ‘technology-based society’. Information technology (IT) has been
influencing the day-to-day activities including the thinking process of mankind.
Globalization is a blessing and a brainchild of information technology. Actually,
we are at the mid of information revolution and information overload.
Developments in computers, electronic equipments and telecommunications
have brought information technology to all aspects of work and leisure. These
developments are focusing our attention on the storage, retrieval and use of
information, the way we communicate with others, with ourselves, and with
the world at large. As each new technological development is applied, it has
an enormous impact on libraries and information units too. The developments
of information technology have considerably influenced the conduct of our
lives, our education, employment, industrialization, and leisure. Major social,
political and economic issues are being more widely discussed as are areas of
central interest to librarians for decades such as; intellectual ownership, the
security of personal data, freedom of information and of educational
opportunity. Linked information flows from the developed to less developed
nations as well as the socio economic role of information provisions.

Due to the impact of information and communication technology, library

practices and procedures are, therefore, changing at a much faster pace, but
the nature of information itself is being transformed through the shift from
linear text-based information environments to the networked hyperlinked non-
linear environment of the internet. All have begun to recognize the crucial role
played by information technology in the 21st century. New technologies and
tools are changing the services that libraries provide, e.g. online references,

Page # xxxiii
instructions, document delivery, user-initiated library loan, direct borrowing
and self-checkout, etc. Perhaps, information technology was first used in
libraries in 1936 on a limited scale. In 1936, Ralph Parker installed Hollerith
Punched Card for Circulation Control in the University of Texas Library, but
information technology was first introduced in library practices in the 1950s’ in
library automation activities. After that, a lot of developments in information
technology have taken place and IT is being used in almost all the fields of
library activities.

However, computer made a lateral entry in the libraries of Bangladesh

with as extremely slow pace. Since 1980, computers have been used in
libraries of Bangladesh; most of them are special libraries. This study
unmasked that 55% of special libraries of Bangladesh are using computers.
But, multiple using of computer in libraries is not satisfactory at all. Only 17 %
of special libraries are having automated catalogue; followed by 3% of special
libraries are having automated circulation control system, and 28% of them
are connected with Internet. This study tried to find out the problems and
prospects of IT application in the special libraries of Bangladesh. To achieve
the objectives of this investigation, the above survey was conducted in two
stages – the preliminary survey and the final survey. Considering data analysis
and interpretation, this study has made some useful
recommendations/suggestions to improve the existing special libraries of
Bangladesh.

The whole gamut of this investigation/study has been dealt under five
broad chapters. In this study, chapter-1 is an introductory one that gives a
detailed outline of research design including a brief introduction on the
subject; Aims and Objectives; Scope and Limitations; Size of Sample; State of
Art; Literature Reviewed; Hypotheses formulated; Methodology followed;
Chapter –2 contains a detailed description of special libraries that includes the

Page # xxxiv
Genesis, Growth, and Development along with the current scenario of special
libraries covering global, regional, and local perspectives; Chapter–3 bears an
overall description of IT that includes the Genesis, History, Development, and
the present status of trend and its application in the special libraries with
special reference to Bangladesh; Chapter-4 reflects a detailed analysis of data
and makes necessary interpretations including findings and provides the
results of the present investigation conducted at two different stages –
preliminary and final survey so as to achieve the preordained objectives of this
investigation; Chapter-5 is the last chapter, which vividly presents a precise
summary of findings, conclusion, and suggestions of the investigator along
with the areas for the further study, followed with a bibliography, an index, a
list of libraries studied, and the questionnaire administered for the purpose at
the end.

Md. Anwarul Islam

Research Scholar

Page # xxxv
 Statistical Compendium at a Glance

This doctoral thesis entitled, “Application of Information Technology in

the Special Libraries of Bangladesh: Problems and Prospects” has split its
outline/contents under five broad chapters adopted in 36 preliminaries and
426 textual pages (inclusive of tables, maps, figures and appendices) in total.
The data were collected through two pre-ordained structured questionnaires,
one for the preliminary and the other for final survey. In preliminary survey,
the questionnaires were sent to 268 special libraries of Bangladesh out of
which 122 special libraries were responded with a response rate of 45.52%.
From the findings of the analysis, 40 (33%) special libraries were selected as
major special libraries. In final survey, questionnaires were sent to 40 special
libraries, out of which only 33 special libraries were responded with the
response rate of 82.5%. Further, the entire study is garlanded with a total of
154 bibliographical and 33 webliographical references, 88 footnotes, 62 tables,
77 figures (graphs), 5 diagrams and 1 map and has applied ‘Ranking
Techniques’, ‘χ2‘and ‘ANOVA’ statistical techniques for the purpose of analysis
and interpretation of research data, not only to achieve the survey objectives,
but also to make the findings more scientific and statistically sound.

11/7/2007
(Md. Anwarul Islam)
Research Scholar

Page # xxxvi