ICTs in National Libraries of Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines & Uganda: Comparative Study

Abstract

In this age of ICT it is imperative to introduce ICT-based services in libraries to exploit the wealth of information available on the internet and to satisfy the variant demands of clients from different socio-cultural background. National Library of any country represents that country’s culture, knowledge and development as well as reflects the current state of other libraries in that country. This paper presents the current status of ICTs in National Libraries of Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines and Uganda. A semi-structured questionnaire was prepared by the researchers to gather data on the four national libraries selected for this study. It is found that among the national libraries surveyed the National Library of Indonesia and the National Library of Philippines are exploiting ICT facilities more intensively than the National Libraries of Bangladesh and Uganda. Problems have been found that impede the gradual development of national libraries and some recommendations have been put forward.