A shortage of academic and reference books, inadequate seating, slow internet and a lack of modern technological facilities are hampering study and research at the central library of Gopalganj Science and Technology University (GSTU).
The library, established in 2014, has 36,152 books, including academic publications, Liberation War-related books, fiction and novels. It also has around 1,500 printed journals and 500 magazines.
Despite the collection, students say the library lacks many course-specific and specialised books needed for their studies. It also does not have adequate access to international journals, e-books or modern digital facilities. An anti-plagiarism software system for teachers has yet to be introduced, while students do not have computers for academic use.
As a result, students say the library is yet to become an effective centre for higher education, research and knowledge practice.
A visit to the library found several air conditioners and fans out of order. There are also not enough desks for students, while chairs are placed so close together that users have to move them to get in and out. The movement creates noise that can be heard across the reading room, disrupting study.
Students have demanded high-speed internet, books according to their academic needs, a job corner and modernisation of the library.
Alamgir Hossain, a student of the 2018-19 academic session in the Department of Bangla, said around 9,320 students are currently studying at the university, while the library has seating capacity for only about 200.
“The student-to-seat ratio is around 1:50. There are not enough seats. Besides, the internet is slow and there is a shortage of necessary books. Noise from the surrounding areas also disrupts our studies,” he said.
Tamin Iqbal, a student of the 2019-20 academic session, said the library should serve as a centre for higher education, research and knowledge practice, but the existing facilities prevent it from playing that role.
“The number of students has increased, but the number of seats has not. The seating capacity must be increased. We also need high-speed internet. We hope the authorities will resolve these problems quickly,” he said.
Yaminur Rahman Arik, a student of the 2021-22 academic session, said the library lacked adequate subject-specific and reference books.
“Students come here to find books that are unavailable in the hall libraries, but often we cannot find them. There are also not enough reference books. The library does not provide enough scope for developing our knowledge and intellect through study,” he said.
“As a result, many students are frustrated and have become reluctant to use the library. We hope it will be turned into a proper centre for higher education, research and knowledge practice,” he added.
Acting Librarian Nasirul Islam said the library building has two floors, although it was originally planned as a four-storey facility.
“We are facing problems because of space and staff shortages. There is no automation system either, so we have to perform our work manually,” he said.
The library remains open from 9am to 10pm every day, he said, adding that staff members have to work in 13 shifts a week, putting additional pressure on them.
“Despite this, we are trying to provide the best possible services to students. The new vice-chancellor has discussed modernising and expanding the library with us and has assured us that he will work to resolve its problems,” Nasirul said.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Sohel Hasan, who was appointed on August 25, said he was aware of the problems facing the library.
“I have heard about the problems of the library. We will take initiatives to make it more up-to-date by adding reference books on various subjects, international research journals and reliable sources of information beyond textbooks,” he said.
“We want to create a library that will help teachers and students contribute more effectively to education and research. It will also be developed in a way that helps students prepare for competitive examinations, including the BCS,” the vice-chancellor added.
