30 June, 2018
The National University and The Librarian Times Joint Seminar on “Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Enriching LIS Education, Research and Professions in Bangladesh” was held on June 27, 2018, at Govt. Teacher Training Colleges Auditorium, Dhaka
This seminar was jointly hosted by National University Bangladesh and The Librarian times. Two speakers from the Library and Information specialist backgrounds gave the presentation on their expertise.
The event was divided into two different sections. The first session presentation titled “Library and Information Science Education: The USA Perspective” conducted by Dr Hasan Zamir, Lecturer, School of Information Studies, Dominican University, USA. This session covered LIS education system, research, library services, professional affiliation, and library and information job perspective in the USA. It presentation particularly focused on the admission process in LIS schools, requirements and funding opportunities for the students who want to go to the USA for higher studies. The audiences were able to ask questions of the presenter on various topics about the LIS sectors.
The second session was conducted by Dr Anwarul Islam, Associate Professor, Department of Information Science & Library Management, University of Dhaka. His presentation titled “Potential South Asia (SA) Chapter in ASIS&T: Hope for LIS Communities in Bangladesh.” The presenter discussed on how ASIS&T is playing a significant role for career development, edits, publishes and disseminates publications concerning research and development, networking opportunities through prominent professors, helping to facilitate for possible collaboration and to find research supervisors. The audiences were able to ask questions of the presenter on various topics to know what is the benefit of being a member of ASIS&T, how to make network with the world famous researchers, recruiting process in university, Chapters role, Special Interest Group (SIG), how to get awards, possible funding for attending conferences and others.
One of the aims of the event was to have a meeting point of the LIS academics, professionals, researchers and students where everyone had the opportunity to get to know about Dr Zamir’s work in the USA and inspire some networking and socializing with other professionals from different organizations. The border aim was to share knowledge among the fellow library professionals in Bangladesh.
The session was chaired by Professor Dr Nasiruddin Mitul, Dean, National University Bangladesh. Professor Kaniz Sayeda Bente Sabah, Principal, Govt. Teachers Training College, Dhaka delivered her inaugural speech at the event while Mamtaj Sahanara, Vice-Principal Govt. Teachers Training College, Dhaka attended the event as the special guest. Dr Dilara Begum, Associate Professor and Chairperson Department of Information Studies and Library Management & Librarian (Acting) East West University attended in the session as an expert. Mr Prodip Roy, founder and editor of The Librarian Times, greeted the participants via online from Australia.
The Two- hours presentation including questions answers and expert opinions about the session made the event successful.
Evaluation
A post-seminar survey was circulated to the participants shortly after the conclusion of the event. The reactions and comments are very positive. We requested participants to leave their feedback on the event with a number of questions e.g., How likely are they to attend one of our events in the future? How likely are they to recommend events to a friend? Did the seminar meet its objectives?
And the result we have received is 100% positive.
Total number of registration: 149
Total number of attendees: 80
Overview: Attendance and Locations
The location of the event was convenient for all. Overall participants were happy with the choice of venues.
Overview: Content
Attendees were in general very happy with to presentation topic and the presenters’ expertise.
Further Recommendation:
Technology:
The organisers need to consider how they will meet technology needs (e.g., live video, live interactive tools, availability)
Invitation:
Information on Invitation to participate in the Seminar organised by The Librarian Times and NU was not disseminated properly. It could have been more organised to make the presence of the professionals many more in the seminar. Many interested participants missed the event.
Refreshments:
Attendees recommended improving the quality and quantity of the food at future events.
Topics to cover at the future seminar:
The participants recommended for future conferences are but not limited to, Open Access movement, Digital Library software for building Institutional Repository (IR), How to apply successfully in International Events like IFLA, OpenCon.
Media coverage:
The event news has got media coverage in 25 national dailies till 30 June 2018. Indeed this is a good sign for library professionals towards positive changes.
The media links are here
Overall, the seminar proved to be a very worthwhile experience, not just for the organisers, but also for the participants.