Adoption of Digital Devices and e-Resources in University Libraries of Bangladesh: A Reflective Study

Abstract

This study intends to examine the trend of adoption of digital devices and
e-resources in university libraries of Bangladesh. The researcher used a
structured questionnaire for collecting data from 13 public and private
university libraries in Dhaka city. The study results revealed that the most
popular digital devices which have been adopted by university libraries in
Bangladesh are- desktop and laptop computers, servers, smart cards, storage
devices like portable hard disks and flash drives, input devices such as flatbed
and handheld scanners and digital cameras, output devices namely, printers,
speakers, headphones and multimedia projectors along with RFID technology.
The respondent university libraries have access to 29 e-books and 48
e-journals databases and installed open source software Koha-ILS, SLiMS,
DSpace and Green Stone for automation and digitization. The study suggested
that the university libraries should apply adequate digital devices in operations
and services, subscribe to ample e-resources, establish a national digital
information network and facilitate trouble-free access to digital facilities and
e-resources remotely without fee.