CIRDAP in collaboration with BALID has organized two-days long training on “Institutional Repository Software DSpace” from 26th – 27th July 2019 at CIRDAP headquarters in Dhaka. The DSpace is an open source repository software package used for creating open access repositories for scholarly and/or published digital content.  It is free and easy to maintain since it can be customized to fit the requirements of any organizations. DSpace preserves and enables easy and open access to all types of digital content including text, images, moving images, mpegs and data sets. The objective of the program was to train the librarian and information professional in using modern application and software’s in libraries across Bangladesh. The librarians of different govt. institutions, students of Information Science & Library Management and IT personnel were trained through the programme. The training was amazing and I believe the learning from the programme will help us in managing digital libraries Dr. S. M. Mohammad Ali Librarian, Rural Development Academy, Bogra Bangladesh The course is uniquely designed by technical experts in collaboration with Bangladesh Association of Librarians, Information Scientists and Documentalists (BALID) to ensure the meaningful skill development which enables the Participants to gain insight on application of D-Space. The training was conducted in the state-of-the-art IT Laboratory of CIRDAP situated at CIRDAP headquarter. At the end of the training, the participants were awarded with certificates.  “The training was excellent and within a short time we gathered much more knowledge about DSpace and digital information management.” Ms. Sharmin Shahria, Assistant Director, Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development

Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) has extended partnership with Bangladesh Association of Librarians, Information Scientists and Documentalist (BALID)to undertake collaborative programmes for strengthening of libraries and information management, knowledge dissemination initiatives. Recognizing the importance of collaborative endeavors in enhancing the well-being of rural people of Bangladesh and CIRDAP Member Countries (CMCs) through use of Information and communication technology (ICT), CIRDAP and BALID signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 25th November 2018 at CIRDAP Headquarter in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Mr. Tevita G. Boseiwaqa Taginavulau,Director General of CIRDAP and Dr. Mirza Md.Rezaul Islam,Chairman of BALID signed the MoU on behalf of the Organizations. Under this agreement, the two organizations will jointly undertake activities related to library and information management, and Knowledge dissemination to promote inclusive integrated rural development. DG CIRDAP, in his speech, mentioned that “This partnership will reinforce CIRDAP initiative to contribute to knowledge base societies and Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and thus support CMCs in knowledge and Information dissemination required for equitable, holistic development and evidence-based policy making”. The Chairman of BALID hoped that this agreement will open new windows for more collaborative efforts to strengthen libraries and enhance capacity of Liberians, Information Scientists and Documentalists across Bangladesh particularly in rural areas. Dr.Usharani Boruah, Librarian, CIRDAP, Mr.Tomasi Raiyawa, Principal Executive officer, CIRDAP and Mr.Zakirul Haq, Administrative Officer, CIRDAP and six Governing Body members were present in the MoU signing ceremony.