icddr,b library is a modern and vibrant library and information centre equipped with the most advanced tools and information technology for collecting, processing, and storing information.
Publication in peer-reviewed scientific literature is a key indicator of quality, and an important step in the dissemination of new scientific information. A Research4Life case study recently featured how icddr,b library is helping researchers to access a collection of over 45,500 volumes of bound journals and books and over 176 journals through the Hinari programme.
A study carried out by Dr Nazim Uddin, the senior manager at the Library and information services section of icddr,b, found that since 2003 “Hinari has been very well-received by scientific researchers at icddr,b. Moreover, the output of research publications has steadily increased since the introduction of Hinari.”
Around 60 percent of scientists questioned in a survey rated Hinari as an “excellent” way to access scientific publications. Hinari is also enabling vital research activities, including grant proposal writing, gaining knowledge of new scientific research, publishing their own work and downloading full-text articles for teaching/research activities”. Prior to the introduction of Hinari in 2003, icddr,b published about a 100 articles a year from 1994 to 2003. After the introduction of Hinari the institution has seen a steady increase in publication output”.
As a Hinari focal point, Dr Uddin also trains librarians in Dhaka. He actively participates in Hinari workshops by providing his expertise and knowledge in order to keep promoting the programme across the country. He was instrumental in leading the transformation of icddr,b library into a modern and vibrant library and information centre. It is equipped with the most advanced tools and information technology for collecting, processing, and storing information.
Elsevier chair visits icddr,b library
Recently in May 2018, the world famous publisher Elsevier’s chairman Dr Youngsuk “YS” Chi along with two team members visited icddr,b library to explore opportunities for research collaboration.
Dr YS Chi also visited icddr,b Library and met Library team members. Dr Uddin demonstrated icddr,b research publications and pointed out that 28 percent publications of icddr,b were published by Elsevier during 2015-2017.
Dr YS Chi met with Prof John D Clemens, executive director of icddr,b, and Ms Catherine Spencer, director, communications and change management. Dr Clemens highlighted how icddr,b saves hundreds of thousands of lives every year in Bangladesh and across the world as the leading experts in diahorreal disease.
Dr YS Chi gave an informal presentation on Elsevier’s SciVal, which is an intelligence portfolio and provides competitive research landscape. SciVal helps decision makers in comparing different disciplines of research, national and international collaborations, and trends of research and grants requiring international collaboration. It was a productive meeting exchanging perspectives on how Elsevier might partner more closely together to achieve icddr,b research and training goals.
