TLT Panel Discussion: Bridging the Divide: Ascertaining the Place of Bangladeshi LIS Researchers and Practitioners in Global

After the Award function, there was a panel discussion with eminent library professionals, and academics comprised Kazi Mostak Gausul Hoq, PhD, Chairman, Department of Information Science and Library Management, University of Dhaka; Md. Anwarul Islam, PhD Librarian, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University and Secretary-General of Library Association of Bangladesh (LAB); Professor Dr Md. Nasiruddin Mitul, Dean, School of Undergraduate Studies, National University, Bangladesh; Dr Dilara Begum, Chairperson & Associate Professor, Department of Information Studies and Library Management, & Librarian (In-charge), East West University; Professor Dr Md. Nasiruddin Munshi, Department of Information Science and Library Management, University of Dhaka and Dr Md. Nazim Uddin Senior Manager and Head, icddr,b Library and Sasanka Kumar Singha, Joint Director, Bangladesh Bank.

Dr Md Anwarul Islam, Associate Professor, Department of Information Science and Library Management, University of Dhaka moderated the programme.

The discussion was framed by a series of questions put to the panellists.

Abstract: Since its inception in 1959, LIS education and LIS institutions has got a new height to go further. In the last few years, there has been increasing participation of the Bangladeshi LIS people in various LIS events globally. They have been recognized and awarded many times and has been highly praised by many LIS associations, institutions globally. They are exploring their position in different LIS events e.g., conference, seminars, training, professional associations; winning grants; doing LIS job with confidence in different countries and equally put emphasis in research. While many LIS researchers and practitioners are contributing to the overall development of this discipline, there isn’t much talking till date looking at how much they are doing.

Discussions included: (1) The role of LIS researchers and practitioners to develop this discipline, (2) research value to practitioners, and (3) solutions to bridge the divide (between home and abroad). This panel discussion will largely focus what is the place of LIS researchers and practitioners globally? What are the challenges they face to compete with global LIS people? What are the barriers they face from their institutions? How likely the LIS practitioners are interested in publishing in journals /conferences? How could they develop partnerships between researchers and practitioners?

Sixty-minute program with speakers given eight minutes each to speak. In the end, the moderator summarized panel talks.

The panel addressed the different events, grants, research and other areas of global LIS programs that will help others to get their position globally in future. The intention of the panel was to raise awareness about the visibility of LIS people globally.