The primary purpose of this paper is to propose a detailed plan for academic libraries to promote interreligious dialogue among university students. The underlying aim is to leverage interreligious dialogue as a preventative measure against fanatical ideas and religious extremism among youth, moving beyond traditional user education to address broader societal issues.
This study uses a conceptual research design to develop a theoretical framework for promoting interreligious dialogue through academic libraries in Bangladesh, based on a systematic review of literature rather than empirical data. Key themes, models and best practices from diverse sources were synthesized with the authors’ professional expertise to create a structured and contextually grounded framework. The framework’s credibility and practical relevance were enhanced through informal consultation with library practitioners and Library and Information Science (LIS) faculty members, whose feedback helped refine and improve its applicability.
This study proposes a model plan for promoting interreligious dialogue through university libraries, which includes six major steps: defining the context, identification of knowledge gap, development of strategies for promoting interreligious dialogue, selecting or updating strategies and assessment. A set of challenges were also identified to implement this model, i.e. sensitivity, approval, sustainability, budget, skills and attitudes.
Several literatures in LIS explained libraries as civic engagement spaces. However, this conceptual study may be used to use interreligious dialogue more specifically in university libraries to prevent religious extremism and youth radicalization.
