1. Introduction and Mandate
The Library and Documentation Centre (LDC) of the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) serves as the primary repository of knowledge essential for supporting the Institute’s core mission of research, deliberation, and dissemination on international affairs, security, strategic issues, and development. This policy outlines the principles, procedures, and rules governing the operation, services, and use of the LDC and its resources.
2. User Access and Membership
The LDC prioritizes access for BIISS researchers and personnel. Limited, structured access is provided to external users to foster academic collaboration, in line with the Institute’s public service objectives.
User Category | Membership Status | Access Privileges | Circulation Privileges |
|---|---|---|---|
BIISS Research Faculty & Staff | Primary Member | Full access to physical and digital collections; dedicated workspace access. | Standard loan limits (Section 4). |
BIISS Interns & Trainees | Affiliated Member | Full access for on-site research; limited access to restricted digital collections. | Limited loan limits (Section 4). |
External Scholars/Researchers | Temporary/Guest Access (must apply) | On-site reference access only during specified hours. | No circulation (In-Library Use Only). |
Institutional Linkages | Reciprocal Access (per MoU) | Defined by Memorandum of Understanding (MoU); typically on-site reference access. | Defined by MoU. |
Application for External Access: External scholars must submit a formal application, letter of recommendation from their home institution, and a clear statement of research topic to the Director General/Deputy Director (LDC) for approval. Access is granted for a fixed period (e.g., one month).
3. Collection Development and Focus
The collection is meticulously curated to align with BIISS’s strategic research agenda.
3.1. Core Subject Areas:
International Relations and Geopolitics
National, Regional, and Global Security
Defence and Military Studies
Non-Traditional Security (e.g., climate change, health, cyber)
Foreign Policy and Diplomacy
Economics of Development and Strategy
3.2. Formats and Materials: The LDC collects books, monographs, research journals, periodicals, reports from international organizations (UN, World Bank, etc.), primary source documents, and digital databases. A special emphasis is placed on acquiring publications related to South Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
3.3. Donations and Disposal: All donated materials must be reviewed by the Collection Development Committee for relevance and condition. Materials deemed obsolete, redundant, or irrelevant will be considered for disposal (de-accessioning) following approved BIISS administrative procedures.
4. Circulation and Loan Rules
All users must present a valid BIISS ID or approved External User Pass for all transactions.
User Category | Loan Limit (Maximum Items) | Loan Period | Overdue Fine (Per Day/Item) |
|---|---|---|---|
Research Faculty/Staff | 10 | 30 Days | Taka 10.00 |
Interns/Trainees | 3 | 7 Days | Taka 5.00 |
4.1. Renewals: Items may be renewed up to two times, provided there are no reservations on the item. Renewals must be requested prior to the due date. 4.2. Non-Circulating Items: Reference books, periodicals, journals, rare documents, and internal BIISS publications (unless otherwise noted) are strictly for in-library use only. 4.3. Loss or Damage: Users are responsible for replacing any lost or damaged material. If the material cannot be replaced, the user will be charged the current market price plus a processing fee of 25%.
5. Code of Conduct and Ethical Use
5.1. Research Integrity: All users of the LDC are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity. Plagiarism, unauthorized reproduction, or misuse of copyrighted material is strictly prohibited. 5.2. Digital Resources: Access to subscribed databases and electronic journals is governed by licensing agreements. Users must not share login credentials, download content systematically (bulk downloading), or use resources for commercial purposes. Any breach will result in immediate suspension of access. 5.3. Conduct within the LDC:
Absolute silence must be maintained in designated research areas.
Personal bags and briefcases must be stored at the check-in counter/designated lockers.
The use of mobile phones is strictly prohibited inside reading and research halls.
Food and drinks are not allowed near the collection or in the research areas.
6. Digital Services and Technology
The LDC maintains a high-quality electronic environment to facilitate modern research.
6.1. Repository: The LDC manages the institutional digital repository of all BIISS publications, including the BIISS Journal, Monographs, and Papers. Access to certain policy papers may be restricted by the Director General. 6.2. Document Delivery: The LDC may facilitate document delivery services for BIISS researchers for materials not held in the collection, subject to budgetary approval. 6.3. Information Literacy: The LDC will provide training and workshops for BIISS researchers and staff on effective use of specialized databases, citation management software, and advanced research methodologies.
7. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed by the LDC Committee and the Director General every three (3) years or as required by significant changes in the Institute’s operational or research environment.