Legal Challenges of ETDs Management at Engineering and Technology University Libraries in Bangladesh

Purpose of the Study: Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) are very significant for research because they increase the accessibility, visibility, and dissemination of scholarly knowledge. But Engineering and Technology University Libraries in Bangladesh have faced some Legal Challenges in managing ETDs. The main purpose of this study is to explore these Legal Challenges and propose actionable strategies for effective ETDs management. Methodology: This study used a Descriptive Research design and a Quantitative Technique. Data were collected from five (05) Engineering and Technology University Libraries in Bangladesh using a Structured Questionnaire. SPSS version 26.0 was employed for data analysis. The Descriptive Statistics used to summarize and interpret the findings. Findings: The study found that DSpace software is widely used in making ETDs repository but several Legal Challenges impede effective ETDs management. The main challenges include the absence of robust ETDs policies, the need for consent from both supervisor and students for publication, unclear ETDs selection criteria, insufficient copyright legislation, Electronic access simplifying plagiarism detection, and the essential need to safeguard copyright laws to build student trust. Originality/Value: This study represents the first initiative to explore the Legal Challenges of ETDs management in Engineering and Technology University Libraries in Bangladesh. It provides a valuable baseline for future research and policymaking, contributing implicitly to the global research community.