Dr. Shamim Aktar Munshi
@accollege.in
Librarian
Dr. Shamim Aktar Munshi is currently working as a Librarian at Ananda Chandra College, Jalpaiguri-West Bengal-India. He completed his Ph.D. in Library and Information Science from the Department of Library and Information Science, Aligarh Muslim University, in 2019. Dr. Munshi has published more than 15 research papers in various National and International (Emerald, SAGE, Taylor and Francis, Walter De Gruyter GmbH, etc.) Peer-reviewed journals, one book, 5 papers in edited books, and 13 research papers in several National and International conference proceedings. His areas of interest include the Public library system, Information literacy, Social media, etc. Dr. Munshi has also received the “P. V. Verghese Best Paper Award” from the Indian Library Association, 2018 for an excellent research paper in ‘Public Libraries of West Bengal’. He has presented a number of papers in various National and International conferences/seminars in India and abroad namely in Malaysia, Bangladesh, Sri L
EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Library and Information Science
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Library and Information Sciences, Library and Information Sciences
Scopus Publications
Scholar Citations
Scholar h-index
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Sayantoni Barsha and Shamim Aktar Munshi
Emerald
Purpose Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of today’s rising technologies. AI is a commonly used technology in library services that have the potential to revolutionise the best offerings in the information age. With AI in libraries, users can explore the world of knowledge like never before with smart recommendations tailored to their needs. Overall, AI can enhance the library experience of both the users and library professionals with innovation and smart decisions. Hence, there is no doubt that AI and libraries have a close relationship; nonetheless, the usage and understanding of AI in library services continue to raise concerns, especially in the developing countries which this paper addresses. The purpose of this research paper is to review the current prospects and challenges of implementing AI in library services in developing countries. The primary objective of the study is to discern the pivotal predicaments and obstacles these nations face while implementing AI-based solutions and to propose pragmatic solutions. Design/methodology/approach The present study adopts a qualitative approach, using content analysis techniques to glean meaningful insights. An extensive review of the extant literature on the subject was conducted, which was meticulously analysed to furnish the findings of this study. The review is limited to English language sources, and searches were conducted using various online academic databases. Findings The review reveals that the prospects of implementing AI in library services in developing countries are significant, with potential benefits including improved access to information, increased efficiency and productivity and enhanced user experience. However, the review also identifies several challenges, including the lack of infrastructure and resources, the shortage of skilled personnel, the absence of data privacy regulations, digital divide and the high cost of implementing AI-based solutions. Practical implications The review suggests several practical solutions to overcome the challenges faced by developing countries in implementing AI in library services. These include partnerships between libraries and technology firms, investment in infrastructure and resources, training and capacity building for library staff and the development of regulatory frameworks to protect user data. Originality/value This research paper provides a comprehensive review of the prospects and challenges of implementing AI in library services in developing countries. The study is original in its focus on the perspectives of developing countries, their problems and obstacles. The study also provides practical recommendations that can be used by library managers, policymakers and technology firms to support the implementation of AI-based solutions in developing countries.
Shamim Aktar Munshi and Sayantoni Barsha
SAGE Publications
Due to the rapid spread of the COVID-19, educational institutes around the world, including India, were forced to close their doors and transition to an online mode of education. The purpose of this study was to analyse the perception and preference towards online learning among students of Aligarh Muslim University in India during this pandemic. Additionally, this study examines the level of awareness regarding various online learning platforms introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC). A quantitative survey method was applied to achieve the goal of this study. An online questionnaire (Google form) was circulated among students via WhatsApp groups. A total of 234 students responded from different departments, analysis of the data was done with the help of SPSS. The findings of the study revealed that more than 90 percent of respondents preferred online learning to manage their course curriculum during the pandemic, as there were no other alternatives available. The study found that most of the respondents were familiar with various online learning platforms introduced by the UGC. However, a significant number of respondents reported issues with online learning, such as technological constraints, an inappropriate learning environment, various health issues, one-way communication, etc. These findings may be useful in constructing education policies and plans for online learning to make it more effective for students.
Shamim Aktar Munshi, Mehtab Alam Ansari, and Sayantoni Barsha
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Abstract The purpose of this study is to examine the services and facilities provided by rural public libraries in West Bengal, India. In addition, the study aims to evaluate the perceptions of librarians regarding the implementation of Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications in these libraries. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods to gather data. The primary method of data collection was a survey using a structured questionnaire, which was administered to a total of 102 rural libraries. Furthermore, interviews were conducted with the respective librarians to bring more objectivity to the results. The findings revealed that rural libraries possess a moderate collection of printed books, newspapers, and magazines. The results indicate that these rural libraries offer a diverse range of services and facilities that benefit their respective communities. However, findings of the study indicated an acute shortage of staff in almost all the surveyed libraries, with this factor, consequently, affecting services. One significant challenge faced by these libraries is the lack of ICT applications. Nevertheless, most librarians expressed positive attitudes towards the implementation of ICT in rural libraries, recognizing their potential to enhance library services and reach out to a wider audience. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that the government should provide the necessary ICT tools in order to provide ICT-based library services. The results of this study can contribute to the upgrading and restructuring of rural library collections, infrastructure, services, and facilities in developing countries.
Mohammad Nazim, Shamim Aktar Munshi, and Mohammad Ashar
SAGE Publications
This study aimed to determine the level of ICT self-efficacy among librarians working in the Libraries of Aligarh Muslim University Library System (AMULS). A structured questionnaire was used to conduct a quantitative survey. One of the researchers visited the Maulana Azad Library, Faculty and College Libraries, Departmental and Seminar Libraries, and School Libraries and distributed the questionnaire to librarians. On the other hand, librarians of the AMU regional centers’ libraries were contacted through email to complete the survey form. Of the 123 questionnaires distributed to the librarians, 102 questionnaires were received with an 82.9% response rate. Librarians mostly view ICT as having a positive impact on library operations and services. The majority of librarians are skilled in using basic ICT applications. However, they lack the necessary skills to manage ICT-based library operations and services. Inadequate ICT application training and a lack of ICT infrastructure were cited as significant barriers to librarians obtaining ICT skills. This is the first study to examine ICT self-efficacy among librarians in an Indian university. Its findings could aid in the development of strategies for integrating new technologies into libraries.
Shamim Aktar Munshi, Alamgir Biswas, and Sayantoni Barsha
Informa UK Limited
Abu Elnasr E. Sobaih, Abdul Baquee, Ishfaq Ahmad Palla, and Shamim Aktar Munshi
SAGE Publications
Introduction The use of social networking sites (SNSs) is growing among higher education students, including healthcare students. Nonetheless, limited research has examined the perceived use behavior among healthcare students in developing countries such as India. Objective This study attempts to assess the use behavior of SNSs by undergraduate students in the fields of nursing and pharmacy in India through the lens of Connectivism and New Social Learning theories. Method The study used a Google form to collect data through an online questionnaire. A sample of 483 participants included 258 Bachelor of Science in Nursing students, 161 General Nursing and Midwifery students, and 64 Bachelor of Pharmacy students from various Indian nursing and pharmacy schools. Results The majority of the respondents prefer to use SNSs for several purposes such as watching academic videos on YouTube, sharing their ideas, thoughts, and current development in their respective fields through WhatsApp, getting job-related information from different Facebook pages, etc. A substantial number of nursing students believed that these SNSs help them build relationships with professionals across the country. At the same time, many students also indicated that extensive use of SNSs might cause sleep difficulties, data privacy concerns, and a lack of focus while studying. Conclusion To have an impact on how SNSs are used in healthcare education, more attention should be paid to build connectivism between educators and their students on social learning environment, which the findings of this study's suggestions could be put into practice.
M. Faizan, Sayantoni Barsha, Naseem Eqbal and Shamim Aktar Munshi
The study aims to determine students' perceptions regarding the blended mode of learning in the post-Covid era of Aligarh Muslim University. An online questionnaire was designed (Google form) with the help of previous studies and forwarded the web link through text messaging, email, WhatsApp, and Facebook. In total, 291 participants (undergraduate, postgraduate, and research scholars) filled out the online questionnaire. The result shows that the blended mode of learning is well accepted by the students, but when it comes to practical classes, this mode surely does not suffice. When it comes to the attitude of the students towards the blended mode of learning, the results suggest that most of the students are comfortable. Further, the blended mode comes with the complexities of e-learning and technical issues like poor internet connectivity, technical problems, limited internet pack, unorganised reading materials, etc., causing many difficulties in the overall learning process. This is the first study that assesses the students’ perceptions towards the blended mode of learning in Aligarh Muslim University. Its findings may be useful in developing new strategies for improving the learning environment in any academic institution.
Shamim Aktar Munshi, Mehtab Alam Ansari, and Sayantoni Barsha
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Abstract The purpose of this study is to investigate the contributions of public libraries to the satisfaction of the intellectual needs of rural inhabitants in West Bengal, India. The study applied a quantitative survey method with the help of a well-structured questionnaire. Questionnaires were distributed among to the users (students, officers/professionals, self-employed individuals, businessmen, jobseekers, retired persons, and housewives) of 45 rural public libraries in five selected districts of West Bengal. The study found that the largest group of respondents belonged to the students and jobseekers categories, who visit the rural public libraries for seeking academic and job-related information. Many students from humble backgrounds were solely dependent on public libraries because they have procured some textbooks from middle school up to graduation level. Jobseekers were mostly consulting the Career Guidance Section of the library to prepare for various competitive exams. The study also revealed that public libraries have been trying to satisfy the intellectual and informational needs of the rural inhabitants by providing various services and facilities. Respondents have further reported that public libraries should adopt modern technologies and provide ICT-based library services as well. The outcome of this study would help to develop and upgrade the public library collection, services, and facilities in developing countries in a way that reflects patrons’ stated needs.
Shamim Aktar Munshi and Mehtab Alam Ansari
Informa UK Limited
Abstract This study traces the genesis of public libraries during the British period; the birth of National Library in India; the growth of public libraries in different districts of West Bengal; contributions of different movements in the evolution of West Bengal Public Library System and the role of Left Front government in the enactment of the West Bengal Public Library Act. The purpose of this paper is to review the significant contributions of the Britishers, European missionaries, social reformers and political parties particularly parties having left ideology in the development of public libraries in the West Bengal province of India. The paper investigates the evolution of public libraries for which authors have consulted literature published in different sources. Some of the important documents collected for this study are Annual Reports being published from the Department of Mass Education Extension and Library Services, Government of West Bengal; Census of India, etc. Apart from these sources, some other primary sources have also been used for this paper. This study contributes to have an insight knowledge in order to understand the gradual development of Public Library System in West Bengal.
Shamim Aktar Munshi and Mehtab Alam Ansari
SAGE Publications
The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of district-level public libraries in West Bengal, India. The study focused on staff as well as services against the backdrop of collection development policy. It also investigated the problems faced by librarians and suggested measures to overcome these difficulties. The researchers used a mixed-methods approach – quantitative and qualitative methods – to obtain the data. However, the primary means of data collection was a survey method using a structured questionnaire. Additionally, interviews were carried out with librarians in order to bring more subjectivity to the results. The findings suggest that no selection committees have taken place to recruit new staff in different public libraries; hence, libraries have been suffering from a shortage of staff. Due to severe shortage of library staff, book database has not been completed in Libsys library management software in any surveyed library. Public libraries are established to provide a variety of services to their users. Thus, services are the main product of the public library system. The findings reveal that different kinds of services – such as children’s, career guidance and community information services – are provided by the surveyed libraries to benefit their user communities.
Shamim Aktar Munshi and Mohd Faizan
IGI Global
This chapter examines users' opinion regarding various aspects of ICT-based services and facilities provided by the Maulana Azad Library, Aligarh Muslim University, India. The authors used a quantitative study based on the survey method along with the questionnaire as a tool for data collection. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for analysis and interpretation of 278 selected questionnaires. Findings of the study reveal a majority of respondents are satisfied with ICT-based services and facilities offered by the library. However, most of the respondents have reported that it is essential to improve the quality of ICT facilities like the speed of Internet connection, scanner facility, and photocopy facility. They also cited a need to increase the number of printing machines. The findings also show that users have a positive attitude towards ICT tools which are used by the library such as various Social Networking Sites (SNSs), e-mail, blogs, etc. for spreading quick information.
Shamim Aktar Munshi, Md. Golam Mostafa, and Md. Mahbubul Alam
Defence Scientific Information and Documentation Centre
<p class="Default">This study aims to find out the use of social networking sites (SNSs) for educational purposes among the postgraduate students at the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh. The study selects descriptive survey method and questionnaire tools for gathering the data. Findings of the study shows that students have a positive attitude towards the role of social networking sites for their academic purposes. Notably, the respondents mostly prefer Facebook which is the most preferable SNS among the others. Finding also demonstrates that majority of the respondents strongly agreed that SNSs help their educational field and it builds up a good relationship between their friends, family, educators, etc. This study reveals that respondents are strongly agreed that they get up-to-date information through SNSs and share their thoughts, information to the others. It is interesting to note that almost 90 per cent respondents strongly agreed that SNSs is an effective media which helps to make a platform where they can study collaboratively. </p>