Browsing by Author "Wanigasooriya, Priyanwada"

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Automated Text Classification of Library Books into the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)
(Department of Marketing Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2021) Wanigasooriya, Priyanwada; Silva, Wajira Prasad De
Classifying books effectively is vitally essential in any library. Therefore, librarians provide bottom priority to the classification of sources available in their libraries or at the information centers. Classification refers conscious and calculated approach to arrange books in a most desired manner having a permanent sequence with easy access and retrieval. Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) is a commonly used classification system in libraries, devised by Melvil Dewey in 1876. Currently, the 23rd edition of the full DDC is available through Web Dewey. From the beginning number assigning has been done by librarians. It is not an easy task since classification requires qualified librarians to determine the subject, the disciplinary focus, and the approach or form of the book. Although they have learned classification systems to assign exact no, human-generated classification numbers reported errors such as assigning wrong or complicated numbers and taking pretty much time to generate. Related literature confirmed that misclassification has led to minimizing the easy retrieval from the huge collection of a library. Therefore, this study seeks the possibility to apply Artificial Intelligence to support librarians to apply high accurate fully automate book classification numbers to save their time and effort. The study used text classification using Deep Learning for the purpose. Normally, human reads details of the book before assign an appropriate number for a book and cluster them into main and subcategories. A machine-readable method was used to perform the same task. Firstly, in this proposed system, the machine has scanned the title page of the book and then extract text from the image. The extracted text has been categorized according to DDC subdivisions by the implemented system. The Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Deep Learning method was employed to develop the system mentioned above using a book depository public dataset. More than, 10,000 book details were train and test through the model. The implemented model reported that this method could perform high-precision (98%) and faster numbering than humans. Additionally, the system developed by this study can be recommended for the easy DDC number generating in any library and it can be improved for the better subject content analysis in any Online Public Access Catalogues (OPACs) for full-text searching as well.
Design and development of a desired Graduate Profile (GP) for the BA (Honors) Degree program in Library and Information Science (BLISC) conducted by the Department of Library and Information Science (DELIS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Weerasooriya, W.A.; Weerasinghe, M.K.; Wanigasooriya, Priyanwada; Piyarathana Thero, Lagumdeniye; Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.; Chamara, K.A.T.
The principal objective of this paper is to explore the design and development a Graduate Profile for the BLISC honors degree, at the DELIS, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka and to map it with the K-SAM model (Knowledge is what student can and should know, Skills is what they can and should do, Attitude is how they think and behave and should, Mindset is how they perceive and should perceive the world) developed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) Sri Lanka. Graduate Profiles are the descriptions of attributes like the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behavioral elements (characteristics, qualities, ethics and norms, way of behavior, vision, mission, mindset, world of work are also considered) which a parent university or the educational authority expects from its graduates through the contact and non-contact hours with a view to position these graduates as universal citizens recognized with competent, social, cultural, good mannered, employable and environment friendly groups fitting local, regional, national and international demands and requirements. This is a result of a qualitative study performed on the basis of action research, content, needs and SWOT analysis and observation and experience matching and also of an ongoing study covering the BLISC degree program and its undergraduates. All the local and foreign curriculum standards relevant to study were also used. The 14 attributes expected from the BLISC Graduates are the 1.Subject Knowledge Capable (K), 2.Skilled (S), 3.Behavior Changer (A), 4.Information Literate and Lifelong Learner (SAM), 5.Language and Communication Competent (SAM), 6.Researcher and Scholar (SAM) 7.Analytical and Critical Thinker (SM), 8.Agent of Attitudes (A), 9.Planner and Time Manager (SA) 10.Problem Solver (SAM), 11.Environment and Social Friendly Group (AM) 12.Courageous Leader (SA) 13.Honest and Cultural Obedient Person (AM) 14.Dedicated Serviceman (K-SAM) and the final goal expected from GP is to develop a Visionary Global Citizen. How the BLISC undergraduates realize the major domains of K-SAM developed by the UGC are marked and mapped with the 14 attributes of the proposed GPabove. The attributes are mapped and embedded in the BLISC Degree program. There are altogether 42 study units in the curriculum and out of that, 26 are theory papers, 11 independent assignment based units, three practical or laboratory based units, 01 industrial training unit and the independent dissertation, altogether 42 units positioning in total 123 credits. While total study units attempt to inculcate the Knowledge domain of the undergraduates, 22 units develop Skills and 08 address the Attitudes and 6 units focus the Mindset domain. The dissertation and the industrial training units both play a major role in K-SAM. In addition to the BLISC curriculum, the field trip, library workshop method, Library and Information Science Student Association, three students’ societies namely English, IT and Library and all other creative and social functions like Teachers Day have been planned to improve these four domain K-SAM introduced by the UGC. Everything is directed to achieve the objectives of the GP.
Development Information needs and issues of Estate Workers in Sri Lanka
(Research Symposium 2010 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2010) Weerasooriya, W.A.; Wanigasooriya, Priyanwada; Piyarathana, Rev.L; Samarakoon, Manori
People live in a divided world: between rich and poor, healthy and sick, literate and illiterate, democratic and authoritarian and between empowered and deprived. Human development is a process of enlarging people’s freedom to do and be what they value in the life, empowering people as active agents in the development process. People are both the beneficiaries and agents of human development both as individual and as group in common sense with others. Information remains as the fountainhead for human development and the economic growth today. Information is a catalyst for the development, and it is classified in different contexts. ‘Development Information’ indicates the whole types of information that lead for the economic, social, political and cultural development of a nation or a country. This research discusses the information needs and issues of Estate Workers in Sri Lanka with special reference to Nuwara Eliya district, focusing the Development Information context. The objectives of this study are to have a clear picture about Development Information, to identify development information needs, to identify the ways that the estate workers fulfill their information needs, to identify the information providers and public opinion makers in the community and to identify the issues faced by the Estate Workers in the information flow in Sri Lanka. The research method adopted was the survey research of using questionnaires, interviews and observation as principal research techniques. The research was based on a field visits selecting 150 Estate Worker families as a sample in three Gramasewa Divisions; Lidula, Watagoda and Talawakale. Primary data revealed that majority of Estate Workers are illiterate and they did not have rights to do their works on their own. Talewar and neighbors are the main information providers and they have less confidence with government officials such as Grama Sewaka, Midwife, Health Inspectors and Doctors. Further they were less entitled for the facilities such as good health conditions, nutrition, sanitary facilities, access to maternity services provided in other sectors. They live hand to mouth life and not custom to save a certain percentage of money from their fort night earning. To overcome these issues adult education is a prime necessity and audio visual teaching methods should be used to increase the awareness of information and its access for their day today life. It is essential to develop more infrastructure facilities among the Estate Worker communities.
Effectiveness of On-line Public Access Catalogues (OPAC) in fulfilling the User's Bibliographical Information needs in university Libraries in Sri Lanka
(2011) Wanigasooriya, Priyanwada
Effectiveness of Open Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), in Fulfilling the user Bibliographical Information Needs in the University Libraries in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2007) Wanigasooriya, Priyanwada
The explosion of computer and communication technologies, which is referred to as information and communication technology (ICT) has affected almost all aspects of human life including library. Libraries have been looking forward for better technologies even before the onset of the computers. Now in the information era, in order to avoid obsolescence of information, library professionals are applying advanced technologies to enable its user community to get the right information at the right time. In order to achieve this objective, libraries are automating their services. The OPAC is an integrated part of total library system including acquisition cataloguing, circulation and other auxiliary services. An Online Public Access Catalog or OP AC is a computerized online catalog which provides bibliographical information of the materials held in a library. The user can easily access it at computers within the library, ·or anywere he or she likes. OPAC terminals began to replace card catalogs in many libraries in the 1980s. Since mid-1990s, these systems have increasingly migrated to Web-based interfaces and OPAC is becoming a more popular information retrieval tool currently. OPAC can provide facilities like high quality bibliographic data, greater number of access points, interactive searching, online training, backup facilities, rapid database management system, authority control files etc. However most Sri Lankan libraries do not use this facility which is the problem this study. Main objectives of this research were identification of user bibliographical needs, problems related to the library automation software, identification of problems of user and those of the library staff adopting OPAC system. Primary data was collected using questionnaires and personal interviews. The purposive sampling method was used to select the six university main libraries. Data collected in this research revealed inadequate computer literacy and non-familiarity with OPAC as the major causes of the above problem. Inadequate knowledge regarding bibliographical data search strategies, deficiencies with regard to terminals, problem related to library automation software were the other causes of the issue. To overcome these problems both staff and the users need to have a high level of computer literacy. They also must have a sufficient knowledge on the nature of the components of bibliographical databases. Selecting the suitable library automation software and promoting uniformity between university library automation activities are the other reforms necessary m this connection.
An empirical study of using OPAC, with special reference to the library of University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2008) Wanigasooriya, Priyanwada; Sampath, M.I.G.S.
OPAC is an acronym forO nline Public Access Catalogue and it is a database ofbibliographical records describing the library materials. It allows searching by name, title and subject and offers online access through public terminals. Among different physical forms of catalogues OPAC is the newest and the most sophisticated catalogue format. OPAC is still at its infancy at the library, University of Kelaniya, though it has been established in 1959. Until 1997, only the card catalogue system was in use. In 1997 the library developed a computer catalogue by WINISIS and later in 2002 it developed OPAC by software named Libsuite. Within two years that system collapsed due to various unidentified technical problems and lack of the vendor's support. Again in 2007, it has taken efforts to implement a computer catalogue by software named LibSys. This is an empirical study done on the use ofOPAC in the Library ofUniversity ofKelaniya. The key objectives of this study are to identify the parameters of using OPAC and to evaluate the effectiveness of the OPAC in the library of the University of Kelaniya. The research methodology followed was the critical investigation of the system and key interviews conducted with users. The major findings of the study revealed that collection of books was not fully covered by OPAC and the periodicals were not covered at all. Lack of maintaining authority control files, lack of a rich transliterate method , lack of 24 hours accessibility and also OPAC searching is complicated due to lack of user guidance and support. Based on the findings of the study. The researcher suggests that user friendly features are vital, technical support needed for users by interface itself and by library staff and advancement of searching is needed to improve the level of OPAC. The above mentioned findings and proposals are essential to enhance the usage of the OPAC of the library, University of Kelaniya. Seemingly user satisfaction was at minimal level and also higher priority should be given for standardization of the system.
Evaluation and Assessment of E-Service Quality of University Libraries in Sri Lanka
(2017) Si, Li; Wanigasooriya, Priyanwada; Ranaweera, R.A.A.S.
This paper aims to evaluate the quality of e-services provided via Sri Lankan University library websites to examine their current status and issues related to services. The study employed web-based survey method to evaluate the quality of e-services. Purposive sampling method was used to select 15 university libraries from the population. We adapted a 62 itemed checklist which was organized into 6 categories; core e-service, e-reference service, facilitating e-service, supportive e-service, currency, accuracy and speed quality, and website features examined by the survey. The study was limited to the 15 university library websites offering e-services in Sri Lanka by the expert judge approach which examined how well they performed during the study period. The data revealed that, although university libraries are offering more e-services via the websites, development of e-services is still in its infancy stage as compared to those of international experience. However, suggestions for future improvements are given. The results of this survey should assist in the evaluation of e-services and promote the services in an attractive way, enabling designers, and policy makers to improve upon future websites. In addition further studies are required to understand the user perception of the e-services to meet the specific needs of different types of users including the faculties and the students utilizing the university libraries.
A Gap Analysis of User Perception on Information Content of the University Libraries in Sri Lanka
(3rd International Conference on Library and Information Management, Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Wanigasooriya, Priyanwada
This paper evaluated user perception on content of information or collection of university libraries in Sri Lanka. Study employed LibQUAL tool to collect data from university community and research revealed that library collections are not in a satisfactory level among users in university libraries.
Implementing an Automated Personal Name Authority File for Enhanced Information Retrieval in Sri Lankan Library Online Public Access Catalogues
(Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Wanigasooriya, Priyanwada; De Silva, R. W. P.
In the digital era, managing vast information collections while ensuring seamless access for patrons is a challenge faced by Sri Lankan libraries. A critical aspect that significantly affects information retrieval is the accuracy and consistency of personal names in Online Public Access Catalogs (OPACs). To address this issue, this paper proposes the implementation of an Automated Personal Name Authority File (APNAF) system, which offers a viable solution to enhance information retrieval, improve user experience, and foster an organized and user-friendly OPAC environment. The objectives of implementing APNAF in Sri Lankan libraries encompass enhancing search precision and recall in OPACs, minimizing name-based retrieval errors and confusion, facilitating efficient data maintenance and updates, and promoting standardization and consistency in personal name entries. To conduct the study, an author’s name dataset was selected from the National Library of Sri Lanka, one of the largest libraries in the country. The approach utilizes the Jaro-Winkler algorithm to analyze similarities in names, addressing complexities such as variations in names, spelling errors, and differences in word order. The dataset initially contained 77,000 records, which were subsequently refined to 44,000 unique data points. Through a thorough and meticulous examination, we discovered essential patterns, trends, and correlations within the dataset, providing valuable insights that greatly enriched our understanding of the subject matter. The study revealed pronounced similarities in names within multilingual datasets, accompanied by instances of confusion in transliteration. Clear cross-linguistic correlations came to light, notably in cases where Sinhala and English names exhibited shared linguistic components. These shared elements resulted in both visual and phonetic resemblances. The research delineated four distinct iterations of Sinhalese name clusters, which are summarized as follows: name similarity within multilingual datasets, transliteration conventions, cross-linguistic connections, and variations, along with exceptions. Further, our analysis revealed a trade-off between accuracy and recall in duplicate name detection and the Jaro-Winkler algorithm proved effective in identifying despite variations in spelling, typos, or minor differences in naming conventions. To address these challenges, the implementation of the system in Sri Lankan libraries can significantly enhance the efficiency of information retrieval. This system simplifies the process of entering data into the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) by facilitating the selection of unique author names for catalog records.
Improving Sinhalese Personal Name Authority Control in Sri Lankan Online Public Access Catalogues (OPACs)
(Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Wanigasooriya, Priyanwada
Personal names play a crucial role in locating books systematically and identifying individuals. Previous studies have emphasized that searching by an author's name is the most common method used by library users in automated systems. The objective of name authority control is to enhance searching and browsing capabilities by ensuring the accurate retrieval of all works associated with an individual, including variations of personal identity such as pseudonyms and family names. Unfortunately, Sinhalese personal names are quite common. These variations negatively impact information retrieval quality, the linking of related resources, and copyright management. Rather than that misspelled names and duplicated same name in data entries can be easily detected by machines. However, other variations, such as an author using their full name or an abbreviated form, one person having different name forms, or multiple people sharing the same name, cannot be easily identified by machines. Therefore, libraries employ authority control files for personal names, using a single, distinct spelling of the personal name (known as the heading) for each library material. The objective of this survey was to develop an automated authority file capable of accurately identifying books based on specific personal names. In pursuit of this goal, a statistical approach was utilized, which entailed compiling an extensive list of author names extracted from the university libraries of Kelaniya and Moratuwa. The dataset of author names (n=76,592 names) was obtained from the Tag 100 and Tag 700 data fields present within these libraries. To ensure data accuracy, a series of initial data cleaning steps were implemented to remove redundant, irrelevant, and incomplete entries from the dataset. It has been observed that libraries follow inconsistent patterns of name forms, without considering proper authority forms. Establishing a comprehensive automated author name authority file is essential to minimize confusion in these cases. Furthermore, adopting a proper transliteration process is important for effective authority control functions. To minimize errors in searching personal names, as identified by the survey, suitable name forms were automatically detected and separately compiled for authors. This compilation can help facilitate easier information searching across libraries.
Improving Sinhalese Personal Name Authority Control in Sri Lankan Online Public Access Catalogues (OPACs)
(Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Wanigasooriya, Priyanwada
Personal names play a crucial role in locating books systematically and identifying individuals. Previous studies have emphasized that searching by an author's name is the most common method used by library users in automated systems. The objective of name authority control is to enhance searching and browsing capabilities by ensuring the accurate retrieval of all works associated with an individual, including variations of personal identity such as pseudonyms and family names. Unfortunately, Sinhalese personal names are quite common. These variations negatively impact information retrieval quality, the linking of related resources, and copyright management. Rather than that misspelled names and duplicated same name in data entries can be easily detected by machines. However, other variations, such as an author using their full name or an abbreviated form, one person having different name forms, or multiple people sharing the same name, cannot be easily identified by machines. Therefore, libraries employ authority control files for personal names, using a single, distinct spelling of the personal name (known as the heading) for each library material. The objective of this survey was to develop an automated authority file capable of accurately identifying books based on specific personal names. In pursuit of this goal, a statistical approach was utilized, which entailed compiling an extensive list of author names extracted from the university libraries of Kelaniya and Moratuwa. The dataset of author names (n=76,592 names) was obtained from the Tag 100 and Tag 700 data fields present within these libraries. To ensure data accuracy, a series of initial data cleaning steps were implemented to remove redundant, irrelevant, and incomplete entries from the dataset. It has been observed that libraries follow inconsistent patterns of name forms, without considering proper authority forms. Establishing a comprehensive automated author name authority file is essential to minimize confusion in these cases. Furthermore, adopting a proper transliteration process is important for effective authority control functions. To minimize errors in searching personal names, as identified by the survey, suitable name forms were automatically detected and separately compiled for authors. This compilation can help facilitate easier information searching across libraries.
LibQUAL Analysis of Library Services in University Libraries in Sri Lanka
(Reviewing International Encounters 2018,The Research Center for Social Sciences (RCSS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Wanigasooriya, Priyanwada
Currently, in an ‘open/service-oriented information society' technology has increased access to content by bringing up information resources to one's fingertips and the provision of such services are increasingly becoming the signifier of excellence of quality. Therefore, over the years, the role of conventional university libraries has led to sophisticated service centers superseding the traditional storehouse concept. Thus compared to the global situation, university libraries in Sri Lanka have attempted to provide overall best services for their targeted users. But, in the Sri Lankan context some questions such as what are the users’ right information desires, are these desires being fulfilled, what are the evaluation criteria for library quality, what are the reasons for the lack of frequent library usage and why do people gradually drop out from libraries, what steps have to be taken to provide better services and how to retain registered users while attracting new ones remain unanswered. For an understanding of these matters and how the existing shortcomings can be fixed, sound studies are vital. This study aimed to evaluate the user perception and overall quality of services at university libraries in Sri Lanka. It provided suggestions to overcome identified difficulties encountered during the reception of library services. As the first LibQUAL survey conducted in Sri Lanka, this survey helped to assess current service performance (perceived services), users’ minimum and maximum (desired services) expectations and service quality gaps (adequacy and superiority) of their main user groups. The study concluded that there were only seven (31%) propositions in the entire survey that the users' minimum expectations were met. They included giving users’ individual attention, employees’ knowledge to answer users’ questions and their caring fashion, remote accessibility of electronic resources, quiet comfortable and inviting location which inspires studying and learning. Comparing “library as place” and “effect of service”, “information control" dimension received lowest perceived performance level at the survey. In contrast, a number of user expectations on resources (printed/electronic), library website and information searching tools were fewer satisfaction areas. Users mostly complained on issues related to locating materials and the fact that, they were less aware about the resources and services that the libraries offered. Furthermore, the majority of users negatively responded on internet related matters, unavailability of sufficient books for their own field of study in Sinhala language, noisy environment since people can be loud, telephone conversations and user behaviors. From users’ views libraries could not meet minimum users’ expectations except in some cases. Finally, the examination of users’ minimum expectations showed that the proposition of “making information easily accessible for independent use” was most important and the proposition of “giving users individual attention” was relatively less important. This study mainly identified 15 service areas which were in need of improvement. Continuous formal and attractive online and offline user education programs, sufficient staff training to upgrade their professional knowledge and inculcate positive attitudes among them, the increment of the minimum staff requirements especially for IT related purposes, the renovation and proper maintenance of library buildings and repair of the equipment which were vital to providing effective services for users. In addition to that, frequent user survey is also essential for the better understanding of users ever-changing desires.
Machine Readable Cataloguing Format (MARC 21) to Organize Indigenous Knowledge (IK) Sources for Sustainable Development of Sri Lanka
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2021) Madhumali, P.B.I; Wanigasooriya, Priyanwada
Today Indigenous or traditional knowledge is a critical factor for sustainable development. That knowledge can be defined as the practices maintained and developed by people, generally, it is utilized in rural areas, rural People have extended histories of interaction with the natural environment. But IK has long been ignored in the world. The main focus of this research was to develop a standard Machine Readable Catalogues (MARC) format to record, share and promote the usage of IK in Sri Lanka. This study will also formulate a field selection guide and maintain uniformity in bibliographic records of IK sources in library catalogs. The study employed an online survey method to collect data from stratified randomly selected Online Public Access Catalogues (OPACs) to examine the existing metadata structure of IK. The study Disclosed that IK is not well managed and Also self-developed methods have been used by some libraries. In this case, Library professionals have not been at the forefront in terms of organizing IK also identified. Researchers proposed MARC format contains metadata about other publication types such as palm-leaf, photos, films, videos, or audio cassettes, dramas, stories, songs containing folklore, and oral pieces that are not supported by the current library catalogues. Consequently, the proposed format will promote overlooked indigenous knowledge both by members and outsiders for sustainable development.
A National Collaborate Plan for the Development of Libraries in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Wanigasooriya, Priyanwada
The essential feature of any good library system in any country is cooperation and collaboration. ‘Library collaboration is an umbrella term for the wide spectrum of cooperative processes and mechanism’. Concept of collaboration is brotherly and sisterly love or at least partnership abound. There are three major forms of activities connected with library collaboration. Firstly, in terms of ‘exchange’ secondly by ‘coalition’ (working together) and thirdly ‘entrepreneurial and one way marketing’. As a developing country like Sri Lanka should have a national collaboration plan for the development of libraries under the one umbrella. The ‘Mahinda Chinthana-Vision of future’, printouts main objective of the Sri Lanka is to transform into a strategically important economic centre of the world. Using our strategic geographical location effectively, it will develop our motherland as a naval, Aviation, Commercial, energy and Knowledge hub, serving as a key link between the east and the West. According to above mentioned vision will be able to achieved by batter use of information and knowledge in the country. According to the Statistics of the National Library and Documentation Services Board, there are more than 6,557 libraries in Sri Lanka. These libraries can be categorized into the following nine basic types:National library (1),Academic libraries (15),Special libraries (67),Public libraries (928),Departmental (34),School (4831),Piriven (615),Training collages (32) and Technical collages (34).But they work under the several government and non-government bodies. Main objective of the research is to identification of current situation of library collaboration and to develop a collaboration model for libraries in Sri Lanka. Other objectives of the research are; to study the existing status of library collaboration in Sri Lanka, to examine the collaboration programmes available in the south East Asian counties, to explain the issues and problems related to library collaboration in Sri Lanka, to design a national plan with the aim of improving library collaboration in Sri Lanka. Methodology followed in this study was survey and functional method. Stratified sampling method is used to select library sample for the research. 12 academic libraries(including university, Technical collages, Schools, Pirivens) and 30 special libraries (including national Library) and 10 main public libraries (Colombo, Kandy, Galle) as sample. Systematic sampling method is used to select users among the user population in above mentioned libraries in Sri Lanka. Primary data revealed that above mentioned libraries work under the several governmental, non-governmental or personal institutions. As an example, school libraries are under the ministry of education and special libraries are under their own cooperate bodies (i.e. Lake house library is under the lake house newspaper limited). However, above all types of libraries purchase library materials, maintain card or computer catalogues, classify materials, provide library services, recruit library staff, train them, provide user education programmes etc. without single collaboration plan even between one types of library. As a result of isolation from each other spend more money and waste time ineffectively.
OPAC User interface evaluation in University Libraries in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2010) Wanigasooriya, Priyanwada
Popularity of Cyber Libraries among the Academic Community in Sri Lanka
(2010) Wanigasooriya, Priyanwada
Information and Communication Technology(ICT) has revolutionized the concept of libraries. Each and every library is slowly getting digitized in the whole world. A concept of cyber library,elactronic library,digital library or libraray without walls comprises of digital collections, services and infrastructure to support lifelong learning, research, scholarly communication as well as preservation and conservation of our recorded knowledge. These libraraies reflect not only the changing nature of library referencing but also altering the attitudes of the people in the society. As an example; reading a paper, finding an article, a book, and author etc; from the cyber library is more trouble-free than in the various types of traditional physical libraries. (Public, National, Special and Academic). Today many users are dealing with online reference to overcome their academic desires such as compiling assignments, theses. So they inevitably become members of the cyber libraries and inevitably get addicted to it. This paper discusses accessibility, availability and popularity of cyber libraries among members of the academic community of universities in Sri Lanka. The main objectives of this study are to identify popularity of cyber libraries and to enhance the quality and user friendliness of cyber libraries for academic community in Sri Lanka. Another objective of this study is to identify the limitations of cyber libraries. The methodology followed in this study is deep exploration of cyber libraries and collecting data by sending questionnaires to 5% of the randomly selected academic staff members from 10 universities in Sri Lanka. Primary data revealed that cyber libraries are popular than the physical libraries among the academic community today, owing to their advantages (i.e. no physical boundary, round the clock availability, multiple access, easy information retrieval facility), and also due to its hospitality and user friendliness. On the other hand, they used to cite between 20%-40% of digital information for their research and in the bibliographies. Suggestion is made to introduce more training and guidance for better searching and retrieving information from the cyber libraries.
Scientific data management strategies of Sri Lanka with special reference to government institutions
(Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Wanigasooriya, Priyanwada; Li, Si
A Study on Electronic Services Provided by the National Library of Sri Lanka
(Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Thilakarathna, M.D.B.C.M.; Wanigasooriya, Priyanwada
Electronic services are information services in electronic format that are handled by a computer device and encoded for handling. The National Library of the world provides a wide range of electronic library services to users. Today, the National Library of Sri Lanka provides e-library services in addition to traditional library services. With the COVID pandemic, there has been a rapid increase in the number of Electronic library services provided by the National Library of Sri Lanka. Today, there are 33 Electronic services provided by the National Library. It remains to be seen whether users will benefit from these services. For this research, numerous studies have studied users' behavior, usage of print resources, evaluation of electronic library services, and evaluation of library services using serverQUAL and LibQUAL, analyzing national and global research publications and printed and electronic media. The primary objectives of this study are four-fold. Firstly, it aims to identify and catalog the various electronic services that have been introduced by the National Library. Secondly, the study seeks to conduct an in-depth analysis of the current usage and adoption of these E-services among library users. Thirdly, it aims to identify any potential vulnerabilities or shortcomings in the existing E-services to ensure their optimal functionality and security. Lastly, the study endeavors to propose practical and effective measures that can be implemented to expand and enhance the range and quality of E-services provided by the National Library. By pursuing these objectives, the study aims to contribute to the overall improvement and advancement of library services in the digital age. This study has used a web-based survey methodology to study what electronic library services are available to readers, using a list of 59 items. In addition, two online questionnaires have been submitted to National Library users and National Library staff to study the status and use of Electronic services provided by the National Library. Based on the web-based survey methodology and the dual questionnaires, the National Library identifies the weaknesses in the electronic services provided and presents the results in simple frequencies and percentages. The research revealed that the National Library of Sri Lanka provides 69.49% of Electronic library services. Research has shown that 72% of respondents use the Electronic services provided by the National Library, and 28% of respondents do not use the electronic library services provided by the National Library. The research proposes the introduction of state-of-the-art electronic library services, features for the website, publicity of library services among the people of the country, and workshops and projects for staff IT knowledge and development.
A Study on Electronic Services Provided by the National Library of Sri Lanka
(Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Thilakarathna, M.D.B.C.M.; Wanigasooriya, Priyanwada
Electronic services are information services in electronic format that are handled by a computer device and encoded for handling. The National Library of the world provides a wide range of electronic library services to users. Today, the National Library of Sri Lanka provides e-library services in addition to traditional library services. With the COVID pandemic, there has been a rapid increase in the number of Electronic library services provided by the National Library of Sri Lanka. Today, there are 33 Electronic services provided by the National Library. It remains to be seen whether users will benefit from these services. For this research, numerous studies have studied users' behavior, usage of print resources, evaluation of electronic library services, and evaluation of library services using serverQUAL and LibQUAL, analyzing national and global research publications and printed and electronic media. The primary objectives of this study are four-fold. Firstly, it aims to identify and catalog the various electronic services that have been introduced by the National Library. Secondly, the study seeks to conduct an in-depth analysis of the current usage and adoption of these E-services among library users. Thirdly, it aims to identify any potential vulnerabilities or shortcomings in the existing E-services to ensure their optimal functionality and security. Lastly, the study endeavors to propose practical and effective measures that can be implemented to expand and enhance the range and quality of E-services provided by the National Library. By pursuing these objectives, the study aims to contribute to the overall improvement and advancement of library services in the digital age. This study has used a web-based survey methodology to study what electronic library services are available to readers, using a list of 59 items. In addition, two online questionnaires have been submitted to National Library users and National Library staff to study the status and use of Electronic services provided by the National Library. Based on the web-based survey methodology and the dual questionnaires, the National Library identifies the weaknesses in the electronic services provided and presents the results in simple frequencies and percentages. The research revealed that the National Library of Sri Lanka provides 69.49% of Electronic library services. Research has shown that 72% of respondents use the Electronic services provided by the National Library, and 28% of respondents do not use the electronic library services provided by the National Library. The research proposes the introduction of state-of-the-art electronic library services, features for the website, publicity of library services among the people of the country, and workshops and projects for staff IT knowledge and development.
Use of Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) in Sri Lankan national university libraries
(Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Wanigasooriya, Priyanwada