Not enough seats in DU library!
The picture in this daily's Friday issue is a reminder of how little we as a nation, have paid attention to the central library of our most prestigious university. The long line of students with their backpacks, waiting for the doors of Dhaka University's public library, just so they can grab the few seats before anyone else, speaks volumes about the dearth of space for students to study.
Reportedly, the library can accommodate around 1,100 students while the University now has over 37,000 students. To exacerbate the situation much of the library space is occupied by outsiders - non students or former students preparing for public service exams. In other countries university libraries are accessible to everyone but that is because they adequately meet the demand of their own students. In the case of DU's central library, priority must go to its current students
The overall lack of space must be addressed immediately. It is hard to comprehend why this acute crisis has not been addressed by the university authorities. The DU library must be given a very high priority and everything should be done so that maximum students get access to the library materials all the time. The plan for digitization may not be enough and a physical expansion is essential. If students are not provided proper library facilities how do we expect to get the best out of them in terms of great results? For both the fund and space constraints, that are the main problem, the education ministry must step in to solve those. A good spacious library is a sine qua non for any educational institution, more so for one as important as Dhaka University.
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