Dr. Md. Saiful Alam: Driving Digital Library Innovation in Bangladesh

Dr. mohammad saiful alam is a Professor in the Department of Information Science and Library Management at the University of Dhaka. With a rare combination of expertise in library and information science, computer applications and web technologies, he has become one of the prominent academic voices advancing digital libraries, Library 2.0 and ICT-based information services in Bangladesh.

From early work on automation in special libraries to recent writing on open access, intellectual property and information literacy, his career charts the digital transformation of libraries and information services in the country. For institutions seeking to modernize their services, his scholarship offers practical models, local evidence and future-focused strategies.

Academic Journey: From Library Science to Web Engineering

One of the defining strengths of Dr. Md. Saiful Alam’s profile is his solid academic foundation that blends traditional librarianship with advanced computing and systems thinking. His educational trajectory reflects a clear, long-term commitment to building technology-enabled information environments.

• Ph.D. (Dhaka University, 2008)– Focused on advanced issues within information science and library management in the context of Bangladesh. The doctoral degree anchors his research in rigorous, context-aware analysis.
• Masters in Computer Applications (University of Comilla, 2002)– Adds deep technical knowledge of software, programming and systems development, positioning him comfortably inside the worlds of web engineering and database applications.
• Masters in Library and Information Science (University of Dhaka, 1992)– Strengthens his grounding in library theory, information organization and user services.
• Bachelor in Library and Information Science (University of Dhaka, 1991)– Establishes his early professional orientation towards libraries and information services.

This unique combination of LIS and computing makes his work especially valuable for modern libraries that must design and manage digital information systems rather than only physical collections.

Leadership and Professional Experience

Beyond the classroom and research, Dr. Md. Saiful Alam has held a series of leadership and consultancy roles that connect academic theory with practical implementation. These roles have allowed him to test, refine and scale his ideas in real-world environments.

• Professor, Department of Information Science and Library Management, University of Dhaka– As a senior faculty member, he teaches and guides students in areas such as web engineering, networking, database systems and automated information services, helping new professionals develop the skills required for digital-era librarianship.
• Chairman, Department of Information Science and Library Management (1999–2002)– Led the department during an important phase when digital technologies were beginning to reshape library services. This leadership period coincides with his growing interest in automation and digital systems in libraries.
• Acting Provost, Surjasen Hall, University of Dhaka (March–August 2008)– Contributed to student welfare and residential life, demonstrating administrative versatility beyond his disciplinary specialization.
• Network Consultant, Faculty of Arts, University of Dhaka (2004–2005)– Helped the faculty plan and manage network infrastructure, strengthening connectivity and laying foundations for online information access within the arts disciplines.
• Part-time Faculty, Arts Computer Center, University of Dhaka (2003–2019)– For more than a decade, he supported computing education within the Faculty of Arts, bridging the gap between information science, digital tools and broader arts disciplines.
• Consultant Database Administrator, Human Development Research Center (HDRC), Bangladesh (1998–2003)– Worked on database administration for research data, highlighting his capacity to design and manage structured information systems for development-focused organizations.
• Consultant Programmer, University Research Corporation, Bangladesh (URC,B) (1993–1998)– Early career work in programming provided him with hands-on experience in software development, essential for later contributions to library automation and information system design.

These roles show a consistent pattern: bridging information science and ICT, and translating theoretical models into operational systems that support education, research and development.

Research Focus: Building ICT-Driven Information Services

Dr. Md. Saiful Alam’s research interests, as documented in his university profile and publications, revolve around designing, evaluating and improving technology-driven information services. His core focus areas include:

• Web engineering for information systems
• Networking and network-enabled library services
• Database design and applications for libraries and research organizations
• Database administration and maintenance of large information repositories
• Automated information systems in libraries and special information centers
• Analysis and design of ICT-based information systems and services, especially in education and development sectors

These themes reappear throughout his journal articles, book chapters and consultancy work, making his profile especially relevant for anyone interested in digital library initiatives in Bangladesh and the broader digital transformation of information services.

Digital Libraries and Digitization

Digital libraries are a central thread in Dr. Md. Saiful Alam’s scholarship. In his 2011 article on Digital Library Initiatives in Bangladesh: Current Status and Future Challenges, he examines how institutions in Bangladesh have begun to build digital collections and what obstacles they face in technology, policy and human resources. By mapping both achievements and gaps, this work provides a roadmap for libraries aiming to scale up their digital presence.

Another significant contribution is his article on Digitization and Developing Digital Library and Information Support in Bangladesh: Professional Challenges (2011). Here, he focuses on the human side of digitization initiatives: the skills, training and professional mindset required to move from traditional library work to sustained digital services. This perspective is especially valuable for managers planning professional development for library staff.

Going further back, his 1998 paper on Automation Trends in Special Libraries of Bangladesh: Some Observations and Future Trends documents early automation efforts, showing his long-term engagement with technology adoption in libraries. Taken together, these works trace the evolution from automation projects to full-fledged digital libraries.

Library 2.0 and User-Centered Library Services

The concept of Library 2.0— participatory, user-centered and interactive library services—features prominently in his article Library 2.0 in the Universities of Bangladesh (2013). In this work, Dr. Md. Saiful Alam explores how university libraries can move beyond static websites and OPACs to offer dynamic services that incorporate user feedback, social features and collaborative tools.

By focusing on the university context, he highlights practical pathways for academic libraries in Bangladesh to adopt Library 2.0 principles: encouraging user engagement, supporting online communities of learners and aligning services with digital learning behaviors. For libraries trying to remain relevant in the age of social media and online learning, his insights offer clear directions.

Electronic Journals and Access to Scholarly Content

Access to electronic journals is a crucial component of modern academic infrastructure. In his empirical study titled Access and Usage of Electronic Journals of Dhaka University Library (DUL): an Empirical Study (2011), Dr. Md. Saiful Alam investigates how users interact with e-journal services at a major public university library.

By analyzing usage patterns, user behavior and perceived barriers, this research helps librarians and administrators optimize:

• Subscription strategies and collection development for e-resources
• User training and information literacy programs targeted at e-journal platforms
• Interface design and access pathways to maximize discovery and use

This focus on evidence-based decision making is critical for cost-effective e-resource management, especially in resource-constrained environments.

Institutional Repositories and Knowledge Preservation

Institutional repositories are a key pillar of open scholarship and long-term knowledge preservation. In his 2010 article Design a Digital Institutional Repository for the Faculty of Arts: A Study, Dr. Md. Saiful Alam explores how a faculty-level repository can be conceptualized and designed.

This work addresses structural, technical and organizational questions such as:

• What types of academic output should be captured and preserved?
• How should metadata be organized to support discovery and reuse?
• What policies and workflows are required for sustainable repository management?

For faculties and universities planning to launch or strengthen institutional repositories, his analysis offers a concrete example grounded in the Bangladeshi higher education context.

Information Literacy, Open Access and Current Awareness Services

In more recent work, Dr. Md. Saiful Alam has engaged with the intersection of open access, intellectual property rights and information literacy. In the book chapter Open Access, Intellectual Property Right and Information Literacy in the Context of Information Science and Library Management (2022), he discusses how libraries and LIS educators can balance the drive for open access with respect for intellectual property, while empowering users to make informed, ethical use of information.

Earlier, his contribution Current Awareness Services: concepts, importance and techniques (2007) in a training manual for library management emphasizes how libraries can proactively deliver the right information at the right time to decision-makers, teachers, researchers and students. Together, these works underline his commitment to positioning information professionals as active enablers of a knowledge-based society.

ICT in Health, Nutrition and Population Information Systems

A distinctive aspect of Dr. Md. Saiful Alam’s portfolio is his sustained interest in information systems for the health, nutrition and population sectors in Bangladesh. His articles include:

• Designing Integrated Information System for Health, Nutrition and Population Sector Programs in Bangladesh: a Model Plan (2011)
• Situation Analysis of the Health and Population Sector Information Systems and Services in Bangladesh (2010)
• Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Toward ICT Among the Information Professionals in the Health and Population Sector in Bangladesh (2008)
• Information Needs and Information Seeking Behaviour in Population Information Systems: an Overview (1997)

These studies combine his expertise in database design and ICT-based information services with the practical demands of development programs. They highlight:

• The importance of integrated, well-designed information systems for planning and monitoring social sector initiatives
• The role of information professionals and their ICT competencies in making these systems effective
• The need for user-centered analysis of information needs, not just technology deployment

His consultancy work as a database administrator and programmer in development-focused organizations complements this research, grounding academic insights in real-world operational challenges.

Web Engineering, Networking and Database Design for Libraries

Drawing on his Masters in Computer Applications and long experience with network consultancy and programming, Dr. Md. Saiful Alam has a strong interest in the technical foundation of modern information services. According to his stated research interests, he focuses on:

• Web engineering– Designing and maintaining web-based information systems that are scalable, reliable and user-friendly for library and information services.
• Networking– Ensuring connectivity and access pathways that allow users to reach digital resources efficiently, whether on campus or beyond.
• Database design and applications– Structuring information in ways that support robust search, reporting and analysis, critical for both libraries and research organizations.
• Database administration– Maintaining performance, security and integrity of large data collections over time.
• Automated information systems– Moving routine library operations (cataloguing, circulation, acquisitions) into integrated, automated platforms.

His 2009 article Software Requirement Specification for University Library: a Case Study illustrates how structured software engineering approaches can be applied to library system development. This kind of work is vital for institutions that want to invest in library automation or integrated library systems with clear technical and functional specifications.

Selected Publications at a Glance

The breadth of Dr. Md. Saiful Alam’s work can be seen across his journal articles and book chapters. The table below highlights some representative publications and their main focus areas.

These selected works sit alongside many other publications on information globalization, alternative forms of librarianship, primary school library provision and broader issues in education and research, painting a comprehensive picture of his scholarly contributions.

Impact on the Digital Transformation of Libraries in Bangladesh

Across his roles as professor, department chair, consultant and researcher, Dr. Md. Saiful Alam has consistently advocated for technology-enabled, user-focused library services. His impact can be seen in several key areas:

• Strategic vision for digital libraries– By documenting the evolution of digital library initiatives in Bangladesh, he provides libraries with a big-picture view of where they stand and what steps are needed to progress.
• Practical models and case studies– From software requirement specifications to institutional repository designs, his case-focused research gives institutions templates they can adapt and implement.
• Evidence-based policy and planning– Empirical studies on e-journal usage and sectoral information systems support more informed decisions by librarians, administrators and policymakers.
• Human capacity development– His emphasis on professional challenges, ICT competencies and information literacy programs helps organizations invest effectively in people, not just technology.
• Cross-sector relevance– By working on health, nutrition and population information systems, he demonstrates how library and information science skills can strengthen broader development efforts.

For universities, research organizations, development agencies and government bodies, engaging with his work means accessing a rich body of locally grounded insight into how to build sustainable, ICT-based information services.

Mentoring the Next Generation of Information Professionals

As a long-serving professor in the Department of Information Science and Library Management at the University of Dhaka, Dr. Md. Saiful Alam plays an important role in shaping future generations of information professionals. His teaching in areas such as web engineering, networking, database design and automated information systems ensures that graduates are equipped for the realities of modern, digital-first information environments.

Students benefit from his ability to connect theory with practice: real examples from digital library projects, automation efforts and information system designs make classroom learning directly relevant to workplace scenarios. This blend of academic rigor and practical orientation prepares graduates to lead digital initiatives in libraries, archives, research centers and knowledge-intensive organizations across Bangladesh and beyond.

Why Dr. Md. Saiful Alam’s Work Matters for the Future of Digital Libraries

In a world where information is increasingly digital, networked and data-driven, the need for thoughtful, context-aware leadership in library and information science has never been greater. Dr. Md. Saiful Alam’s work stands out because it consistently brings together three vital elements:

• Strong disciplinary grounding in information science and librarianship
• Technical fluency in web engineering, networking and database design
• Deep understanding of local realities in Bangladeshi education, research and development sectors

For institutions seeking to strengthen their digital library initiatives in Bangladesh, implement Library 2.0 services, build institutional repositories or enhance information literacy among users, his publications and professional experience offer a rich resource.

By focusing on both systems and people, technology and pedagogy, he helps chart a path toward library and information services that are:

• More inclusive and user-centered
• Better integrated with institutional goals and national development priorities
• Technically robust, yet sensitive to local constraints and capacities

In sum, the career of Dr. Md. Saiful Alam illustrates how a determined focus on ICT-based information services, combined with sustained engagement in teaching, research and consultancy, can accelerate the digital transformation of libraries and information systems—delivering lasting benefits to students, researchers, professionals and the wider society.