Obstacles of social recognition and professional worth in Information Science and Library Management (ISLM) education: Bangladesh perspective.

Abstract

The current study is an attempt to discuss social recognition and professional value problems of Information Science and Library Management (ISLM) education in Bangladesh. Its primary goal was to look for opportunities to enhance the academic, social and professional profile of ISLM students and professionals. The study adopted a mixed-method approach, which involved both quantitative and qualitative data. The study was conducted in18 public, private, and academic institutions in Bangladesh where Information Science and Library Management (ISLM) education is taught. A total of 200 respondents were included in the study, of which 100 were students, 50 were teachers and 50 were professionals from academic and professional institutions in the library. The results show that there are considerable challenges of academic recognition, lack of research opportunities, employment opportunities, social value and career progression. Academic recognition was rated as poor in terms of consensus, with 66 per cent saying that they agreed that it was poor and a mean score of 2.38. The lowest was social recognition with 70 per cent of students rating it unfavorable, and a mean score of 2.04. Students' ratings of employment opportunities were also unfavorable, 66 per cent, mean 2.38 and teachers' ratings of limited employment opportunities were 86% per cent, mean score was 4.32, respectively. 74 per cent of the teachers described limited research opportunities. Professionals were less satisfied with their job (mean = 2.30) than 66 per cent reported a lack of job opportunities. Despite these discouraging findings, 80 per cent of teachers and 72 per cent of students felt the need for greater professional status and career advancement, through which the untapped potential in this field can be effectively reflected.