The emergence of ‘Open Science' to promote research using Open Access Repositories: Experience of University Libraries of Bangladesh

Abstract : Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the movement of 'Open Science' to foster research using Open Access Repositories: Perspectives of University Libraries of Bangladesh. OS movement has largely adopted in European countries recently but in low middle income countries like Bangladesh OS activities are moving slowly. Realizing its importance for university and research potentiality, university libraries of Bangladesh permitting OA to their content for internal and external members. This research attempts to explore the extent of OS activities through OA repositories and provides necessary recommendation for future development in Bangladesh. Design/methodology/approach – This paper begins with an overview of intellectual capital management strategies currently being employed by universities. It moves into a discussion of the impact of open science instruments in research to establish more vibration in open methodology. It closes with a set of recommendation in implementing Open Science in university repositories and plans to ensure that the research output of the university remains accessible over the long term. Data have been collected through survey questionnaire in preparing PhD dissertation in Dhaka University during the year of 2013. Informal interview with the senior professionals in the filed were also conducted and other part of this article has been adapted through intensive literature review and observation. Findings – The result reveals the fact that most of the public/government and private university libraries have failed to meet the requirement of open science concept. Due to insignificant research and field based educational activities there are huge lacking in generation of sufficient number of electronic content. Existing intellectual capitals are managed with some kind of open sourced library software without maintaining minimum standard and policies country wide. In maximum cases content has been preserved for the internal use rather than ensuring open access to the external users. Research limitations/implications – Academic libraries in tertiary level of education fall into many categories in Bangladesh. These are degree awarding public/government and private universities and colleges under National Universities and Intuitions and Open University. This research concentrates on public/government and private university libraries leaving all other categories. Strategic sampling has been made from 130 universities though a larger numbers of sample could have been produced better result. Practical implications – Draws a clear indication for adaptation of open science as an instruments of research development national wide and provides necessary suggestion for