Browsing by Author "Weerasinghe, M.K."

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Academic Library Outreach: Relevance of Information Literacy in e-environment for Physical Fitness Trainers in Kurunegala District
(Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Thusithakumari, W.M.; Weerasinghe, M.K.
The study evaluates the impact of Wayamba University's Outreach Program on physical fitness and information literacy for Kurunegala District Physical Fitness Trainers. The program, addressing the underserved target group, emphasises the importance of information literacy in an online environment for trainers. Survey results from 103 participants reveal positive perceptions, with 79.5% female and 20.5% male respondents. Notably, 83.65% of volunteers found the program significantly beneficial. Participants expressed challenges in accessing reliable information, indicating a need for guidance in information search strategies. The study concludes that academic libraries play a vital role in community development by enhancing educational attainment and fostering information literacy. It emphasises the necessity of information literacy to maximise traditional and electronic resources, thereby improving access to electronic information sources and breaking down barriers. The findings underscore the crucial role of information literacy in a digital era for societal well-being.
A Comparative Study on Leadership and Collaborative Role of National Libraries, with Special reference to the National Library of Sri Lanka and the National Libraries of Europe
(University of Kelaniya, 2006) Weerasinghe, M.K.
The library is a social institution as it is essentially responding to the total communication pattern of modern society. The renaissance and reformation in Europe witnessed the growth of various types of libraries such as public, special, academic and national. Among these types of libraries the national library is a unique institution not only in Europe but also in the countries all over the world. As knowledge has become most significant intangible assets to the present day world, dissemination of information to the society is the major responsibility of any type of libraries. Free access to information is a human right. According to United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and especially Article 19 :”Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”(UNO,1948). A clear indication about the duties and responsibilities of a library is providing right information to the right reader at the right time. Therefore, it is a major responsibility of a library to provide its service to all the members of their communities, regardless of age, race, nationality, religion, culture, political affiliation, physical or other disabilities, gender or sexual orientation, and any other status. Among the various types of libraries the national library has a major role to play to fulfil this requirement. To fulfil this role the national libraries/library of a particular country has to play two roles that of collaborative and leadership. In analysing these roles national libraries all over the world could be categorized into two that of libraries in developed and developing countries, while some national libraries in developed countries playing collaborative role, some national libraries in developing countries are playing the leadership role. However in some extend the most of national libraries are playing a mix role of leadership and collaboration. The purpose of the study was to examine the existing leadership and collaborative roles of the national libraries with special reference to the national libraries in Europe and Sri Lanka. The research is based on a mixed method of qualitative and quantitative method in nature. Data collection procedures are based on interviews, questionnaires and content analysis. Findings of the research is given below National Libraries of Europe are playing a significant role in the context of Library and Information Science based on collaborative model. National Library of Sri Lanka is playing a structured (conventional) role in the context of Library and Information Science based on leadership model.
Conservation and Preservation challenges of Palm Leaf Manuscripts in the Natinal Library and Documentation Centre of Sri Lanka
(02nd International Conference for Academic Discipline, 16th – 20th March 2020, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 2020) Weerasinghe, M.K.
The concept of the library goes back man began to make and keeP written to the origin of the lluman civilization' When records, library came into existence' .t After the renaissance and reformation in Europe, philosophy of the libraries underwent a change. The libraries wele considered as store houses of knowledge from ancient time to middle ages. A{ter the invention of printing and the dissemination of liberal thoughts, consequently the library became a dissemination centre of human knowledge. The concept of the National Library(Nl) atso emerged against this background. The origin of the NL concept goes back to ancient libraries of the world' According to some librarians and historians, the library of Alexandria was a NL. It performed some functions, which the present NLs are carrying out' However there is no agreement about the origin of the NL concePt' Sri Lanka is an Island situated in the Indian Ocean and is situated about 645 km north of the equator and is separated from india by the Gul{ of Mannar as well as the Palk strait. The total lanc1 area of the country is about 65610 square kilometers' The population of the country is about 20 miilion. The rnajority of Sri Lankans are the Si*halese and other cornmunities are Taurils, Muslims and Burghers. Literacy rate of the countr y is 94%.It is a multilingual and a rnulti cultural country' The main religion of the country is Buddhism.
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.
Dress code of the librarians and community respect: The impact of clothing on the self-image of librarians in state Universities of Sri Lanka: A Case study
(Faculty of Graduate Studies - University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2021) Thusithakumari, W.M.; Weerasinghe, M.K.
Dress code is one of the important parts to build a self-impression of the librarians. For reflecting the professional appearance or the socio psychological impact of clothing, the librarian needs to be clean, fit and simple keeping the traditional look of their own country shows the national identity. This study mainly focuses on examining the nature and value of the dress code of the librarians that influences on their self-image, which imbued of high respect, exposure of national values and the culmination of the intelligence. Survey method applied for the research and the sample was comprised of librarians of the 15 Sri Lankan state universities. The study reveals that dress codes are an identity and they reflect for self- image and its proper time for librarians to consider their dress code wear at work. The Librarian’s dress varies from country to country and it is a symbolic language to make interactions between the community and the librarian. In addition, the librarian dress code should not contain with piercing such as; jewels, religious/ political symbols, fancy accessories and outfits, which deemed not to be a professional librarian. University librarians do focus on good etiquettes and well-mannered behavior that explore the decency and simplicity, attractiveness, ethically and culturally accepted professional smart dress is suitable for an academic librarian. Among the Sri Lankan university librarians, it is likely that female librarians wear Kandyan and/ Indian saree while male librarians wear national/ shirt and trousers. The study concluded that the dress expresses the person’s life-style and simple elegant dress suits for the designation and to save the dignity within the community and the dress code promotes the marketing communication of a library. This study recommended that a librarian should not follow the concept of uniformity in wearing the dress, but it is necessary to consider about demographical aspects and the situation of the region or the particular country in line with certain library policies, procedures and programmes.
Establishment of a national preservation laboratory
(Research Symposium 2010 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2010) Weerasinghe, M.K.
Sri Lanka has a history of more than 2500 years. According to historical legends earliest settlers of the country had arrived in 365 BC. Buddhism was established in 240 BC. The immediate impact of establishing Buddhism had inculcated the writing capabilities and as a result Sri Lanka now has a very rich collection of books. Most of these collections are kept in the Department of National Archives, Museum Library and University of Peradeniya Library. Preservation and conservation of heritage documents are the major responsibility of the National Archives Department. National Museum Library and the National Library and Documentation Centre in the country. Most documents in ancient time are recorded on palm leaves. In addition to this some rare documents are published in printed forms. Therefore, it is high time to start a national programme on conservation and preservation of materials. At present there is no collaborative project for the conservation of heritage documents. Although there are three national institutes in the county namely the National Museum Library, the Department of National Archives and the National Library and Documentation Center, all of them are working separately as isolated institutions. This situation is a major drawback to the development of conservation and preservation activities in the country. It is necessary to create a laboratory for the preservation of the national heritage of the country. This centre should be located within the NLDC premises. The principal reason is that NLDC is one of the pioneering organizations in the field of preservation of library materials in the country. The NLDC possesses adequate space, human resources and equipment when compared to other institutions. This laboratory has to be funded by the following three institutions.  The National Archives Dept.  The Museum Library  The NLDC This presentation discusses the starting of a collaborative project for the building of a National Heritage Conservation and Preservation Laboratory in Sri Lanka.
The Impact of Using Electronic Resources: a Study based on Kelaniya University Library Users
(3rd International Conference on Library and Information Management, Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Somananda, Rev. B.; Weerasinghe, M.K.
Electronic information has gradually become a major resource in every university library”. The emergence of e-resources transformed information handling and management in the academic environment and in University libraries. Through the use of e-resources, academics and students now have access to global electronic information resources for their scholarly communication. This paper presents and analyses the status of electronic resources facilities and services provided by the Kelaniya University Library (KUL). It also discusses the purpose of using e-resources, benefits, subject coverage status, overall user satisfactions, problems that are faced by KUL users while accessing e-resources and perceived impact of e-resources on users.
The impacts of the television on G.C.E (O/L) Examination results of the school children in Sri Lanka.
(Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Kumara, M.R.S.; Thilakarathna, K.A.A.N.; Wijesuriya, M.W.A.D.N.; Weerasinghe, M.K.
Television is a medium that has made such an impact on human society and the world that we are always creating metaphors to describe its role and place as a communicator. Although it is indeed correct to view television as a “Window to the world," a fitting metaphor that relates most closely to the thrust of this book is to also see it as an audiovisual tapestry on which is being woven a complex and ever-changing national and international set of images that are hung on the small screen for all to see. In accordance with the aforesaid fundamental reveals, grass-roots evidence-based studies are important to human beings towards the perspective of the true-to-type impacts of watching television. The present study has made an attempt to investigate the impact of the television on the G.C.E. (O/L) examination results of the school children in Grama Niladari Division 574, Mampe-West, in the Piliyandala Divisional Secretariat of the Colombo District in Sri Lanka. The study mainly used sample surveys. The stratified sampling method has been used for the study. Size of the sample: 50 children. Data was analyzed in the respondent with the help of questionnaires. The collected data was analyzed by the computer using the statistical package for social sciences. This empirical study highlights the evidence-based relationship between the number of hours devoted to watching television and the G.C.E. (O/L) examination results, and it introduces the attitudes of the school children on the impact of watching television on their educational achievement. Further, it presents information about the parent’s attitudes towards their children watching television and their educational achievements. According to the findings of the research, it has been debated that the majority of examination failures have watched television for more than three hours per day. This finding provides clarification that children who watch television more than three hours per day have lower examination results. It has been examined that there is a relationship between the number of hours devoted to watching television and the examination results. The majority of children's attitudes were that watching television has been less helpful to their examination results. On the other hand, the majority of parents' attitudes were that watching television has both positive and negative impacts on their children's educational achievements. There is no doubt that these research findings may be helpful for parents and children to genuinely understand the impacts of watching television programs on educational achievements.
Information Literacy (IL) programs, teaching, and assessment methods practiced in the Sri Lankan state university libraries for the undergraduate students
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2021) Prasanna, Ranaweera; Weerasinghe, M.K.
Teaching Information literacy helps university students to think and act critically and creatively, to make decisions effectively, and to solve their study related problems. The current IL programs, and the teaching and assessment methods practiced in the Sri Lankan Universities have so far not been empirically researched. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to explore the Information Literacy programs, teaching, and assessment methods, practiced in the Sri Lankan state university libraries for the undergraduate students. The modified Delphi Method has been used in this research. The findings of the study reveal the nature of the active IL programs in the universities, the teaching methods used, and assessment methods that are in practice. All the university librarians have taken many steps to implement information literacy programs for the undergraduate students.
Introduction of Assignment Assessment System for Higher Education in Sri Lanka
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.; Weersooriya, W.A.; Weerasinghe, M.K.
The Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework (SLQF) has been introduced into the Higher Education sector for improving many vital aspects of learning and assessing the learning process. In response to this framework, assessment procedures must be included when the syllabus is designed. However, in the syllabus it only explains methods of evaluation and allocation of marks as an assessment procedure (See Table 1). Methods of Evaluation Allocation of marks Examination 75% Assignments/Performances 20% Attendance 05% Total 100% Table 1 – Example for Assessment Procedure It does not clarifies assessment criteria and therefore students do not know what exactly his or her lecturer expects from them to gain 20% of marks from total for his or her assignment. On the other hand absence of proper assessment criteria may also impact on lecturer when he or she mark the assignment. This study fills these gaps by introducing rubrics. Rubrics have become popular with academics especially in developed countries like New Zealand as a means of communicating expectations for an assignment, providing focused feedback on works in progress, and grading final products. Heidi Andrade defined rubric as “a document that articulates the expectations for an assignment by listing the criteria, or what counts, and describing levels of quality from excellent to poor”. Rubrics can be used to grade student work but they can serve another, more important, role as well. For example, Rubrics can teach as well as evaluate. When used as part of a formative, student-centred approach to assessment, rubrics have the potential to help students develop understanding and skill, as well as make dependable judgments about the quality of their own work. Students should be able to use rubrics in many of the same ways that teachers use them—to clarify the standards for a quality performance, and to guide ongoing feedback about progress toward those standards. Introduction of said assignment assessment system have implications for academics in higher education and practice in the forms of development of policies.
Leadership Role of the National Library and Documentation Centre of Sri Lanka
(Reviewing International Encounters 2015, Research Center for Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2015) Weerasinghe, M.K.
The National Library (NL) is a living organization as well as a social institution in the contemporary society. It is the heart of library system of most of the countries. Therefore, it is a major responsibility of a library to provide its service to all the members of their communities, regardless of age, race, nationality, religion, culture, political affiliation, physical or other disabilities, gender or sexual orientation, and any other status. To fulfill this role the NL/NLs of a particular country perhaps has to play both the collaborative and the leadership role. In analyzing these roles NLs all over the world could be categorized into two as libraries in the developed and the developing countries, while some NLs in the developed countries playing a more collaborative role (CR), some NLs in the developing countries are playing a more leadership role (LR). The history of the origin of the NL of Sri Lanka goes back to 19th century. Government Oriental Library (GOL) in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) was established in 1870 and it can be considered as the first setup in establishing a library at national level. The long felt need of a NL for the country was at last fulfilled when the NL of Sri Lanka was declared open in April 1990. Most of the NLs in the developing world play a leadership role in their library communities. The National Library and Documentation Centre (NLDC) of Sri Lanka is playing leadership role in the field of Library and Information Services especially in emergency situations. The NLDC has been playing rebuilding of libraries in Sri Lanka which were devastated due to two disasters namely Tsunami disaster in 2004 and terrorist attacks of Northern and Eastern provinces which were destructed by a terrorist group (LTTE) in last 30 years. The interview method is selected to gather data required for this research. It involves conducting lengthy discussions with selected people. The purpose of the interview is to provide the researcher with a relatively flexible format for gathering data. The form of an interview-questioning by one person, answering by another can be used for variety of purposes (Dillon, 1990). The significant advantage of this method is the possibility and capability of obtaining the most realistic data. Therefore, the author selected an unstructured interview method for data collecting. Interviews are usually thought as structured and unstructured. The outcomes of the research are useful to different groups of people in Sri Lanka, mainly those who are working in managerial positions and members of the Directors of NLs. Secondly, the outcomes of the research useful to academic groups in the Library and Information Science (LIS) segment as well as in the field of Organizational Management. Scholars, researchers and students in these disciplines and related disciplines may also be advantaged. Librarians/ library managers of other types of libraries also will benefit from these research findings
Leadership role of the National Library and Documentation Centre of Sri Lanka
(2012) Weerasinghe, M.K.
A New Model for the Library Science Education and Research in Sri Lanka
(Reviewing International Encounters 2018,The Research Center for Social Sciences (RCSS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Weerasinghe, M.K.
Introduction Library education in Sri Lanka was commenced in 1950s. The first library education programme was started at the Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research in 1957. The University of Peradeniya started a postgraduate course in Library Science in 1961 and it was abandoned due to lack of trained teachers in 1965. Junior Universities of Ceylon was started a diploma course in Library Science in 1968 and it also ended in 1970 due to lack of lectures. Meantime Library Association started Diploma course in 1960 in English medium. 1973 can be considered as the one of land marked year of the library education in Sri Lanka because the University of Kelaniya started a degree programme in Library Science. In 1993 the University of Colombo started a Master programme in Library and Information Science in English medium. Meantime National Library Services Board also started number of short term training courses and correspondent course in the discipline in 1987. Another land mark of library education of Si Lanka was establishment of National Institute for Library and Information Science in 1999 with the major aim of provide manpower facilities for library sector in the country. In addition to this there are number of governmental bodies in the country organize short term programme in the field of Library and Information Science in time to time. The principal purpose of the paper was to develop a model for the enhancement off library education in Sri Lanka. The paper explores the initiation and gradual development of library education in Sri Lanka. Objectives of the study 1-Investigate historical development of library education in Sri Lanka, 2-Study the land mark of library education in Sri Lanka 3-Study the drawback and impact of library education in the country 4-Suggest a new model for coordination of institutions in library education and research. Methodology in this research the author intended to use qualitative approach to test the outcomes of the research. Outcomes the main drawback found in the study was the lack of effective coordination among sister institutions on library education. It was identified that slow growth of research output. The other principal outcome found in the study were the identification of sister organization devoted to library education along with their contributions, historical development library education in the country, the barriers and obstacles faced related to the enhancement of education and research in Library and Information Science. One of the other main findings in the study was the role of the national library in education and research in Library and Information Science. The researcher suggests that coordination of library education should be performed by the National Library of Sri Lanka through the proposed new National Library model. The outcomes of the research will be useful to different groups of people in Sri Lanka
A New Proposals for Restructure of the National Library and Documentation Centre of Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2007) Weerasinghe, M.K.
The national library is a depository of human thoughts and culture of the nation and it represents the heartbeat of the society. The national libraries of the world also differ from society to society as well as from country to country. As such there is no universally accepted definition for the national library. The idea of a national library for Sri Lanka emerged in the 1950s. A number of prominent scholars and a number of Commission reports urged the contemporary governments to consider the establishment of a national library and from 1950-1970 very important dialogues took place in this regard. Among these, the Choksy Commission report on government services in 1955, the Kandaiah Commission reports in 1958, the Brohier report in 1959 are very important. In the same year another UNESCO expert, Mrs. Evelin G Evens visited to country and in her report she also emphasized the establishment of a national library. As a result of recommendations of these reports and conferences the National Library Services Board was setup in 1970 by the parliamentary act on ''Ceylon National Library Services Board Act No.17 of 1970". One of the main responsibilities of this board as motioned above was establishment of a national library for Sri Lanka. 22 years after the establishment of the National Library Service Board in Sri Lanka ,the national library was inaugurated in 1990 April 27. Although the National Library and Documentation Centre was established in 1990, present organizational structure is based on outdated organizational structure which was copied from organizational structure from a state cooperation in 1970 s. So it was not suitable for national library context and now time has arrived to introduce a new organizational structure for the NLDC.
Strategic planning and national libraries. a case study based on the national library and documentation centre (NLDC) of Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2008) Weerasinghe, M.K.
Strategic planning helps any type of library to think and act logically. Strategic plan is a blue print of the progress of the library. The purpose of the strategic plan is to identify clearly the most desirable end, results and to give clear direction to the work of staff members of the library. A Strategic plan is a statement of where you are; where you want to be and how to get there? According to Peter Drucker "strategic planning is the continuous process of making entrepreneurial-or risk-taking-decisions systematically and with the greatest knowledge of their future consequences; systematically organizing the efforts needed to carry out these decisions; and measuring the results of these decisions against the expectations through organized, systematic feedback" (Drucker,1974). Strategic planning is necessary for national libraries in the changing socio economic and political environment of the world. Everywhere in the world, national libraries face problem of shortage of resources. Therefore the question becomes how to maximize the use of the resources which are available. Although the NLDC was established in 1990 a strategic plan is yet to be developed. NLDC has only annual plans. This situation is one of obstacles to achieve aims and objectives of the NLDC. As a national library of developing world does not have its own man power resources for a drafting a strategic plan. Under this situation it can be collaborated with suitable partners in the field of management to draft a strategic plan. The objectives of the overall study are to identify the current situation of strategic planning in the NLDC, to identify barriers for strategic planning process in the NLDC, to draft a new Strategic Pan for the NLDC. It was found that there is a severe need for introducing a strategic plan for the NLDC. It will be boost for financial management, human resource management, material management and the overall management and effective service management. Suggestion is made to develop a strategic plan for the NLDC.
A study on misuse of library materials by university students with special reference to Kelaniya, Peradeniya, and Wayamba University Libraries
(Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Dayananda, A.P.M.M.D.B.; Weerasinghe, M.K.
The study sought to identify the misuse of library materials by university students. This study focused on ways university students misuse Library resources, the factors affecting such misuse, and the means to protect resources from such misuse. The study was conducted by using questionnaires with close and open-ended questions. The numerical approach proposed by Krijici and Morgan was carried out. Using that table students (378) were selected for the study and out of them 325 responded and the rate was 86%. When data were analyzed, 59% of respondents pointed out that the resources were seriously damaged by drawing lines on documents. And 50% stated that removing essential pages from the documents harmed resources. The issues of hiding books and removing pages of books also played a prominent role in this. The high cost was the main factor affecting students' misuse of library resources. It was 76% as a percentage. Also, inefficient library photocopying services, insufficient reader awareness programmes, inadequate self-reading facilities, and unsatisfactory opening hours of libraries were significant factors. Several strategies were offered to guard resources from misuse. They were reducing the price of photocopying services, organizing user awareness programmes, and expanding electronic library services. The librarians also stated that they had to organize user awareness programmes, install electronic security systems and cameras, and expand library services. To evade the misuse of library materials, university students need to improve their library usage. In that case, library management should extend the opening hours of the university library. Awareness programmes should be organized as one of the main activities to improve the present status. These programmes can provide them with a practical understanding of the distribution of library resources and how they are organized and accessed. In conclusion, this study identified the factors affecting university students' misuse of resources and the measures and remedies to be adopted by the libraries to reduce them.
Study on Public Library Service in Sri Lanka under IFLA/UNESCO Public Library Mission Statement: Based on Polonnaruwa district
(Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Tharuka, M.G.P.; Weerasinghe, M.K.
Public libraries are a worldwide institution. They exist in different societies with different levels of growth and cultures. As they operate in different contexts, the service provided and the style of providing the service varies. Public library services should operate modern and appropriately, as indicated by the 2022 IFLA/UNESCO Public Library Performance Facts. Through this survey, it was studied that public libraries in Sri Lanka conduct their services based on the performance facts stated in this mission statement. In the study, the awareness of public librarians about the performance facts stated in the mission statement and the level of operation of these facts in public libraries were examined. 07 librarians of main public libraries under the 07 Pradeshiya Sabhas of Polonnaruwa district were used as the study sample. Questionnaires and open interviews were used to collect primary data and the secondary data were obtained using printed and electronic sources. According to the data of this survey, the awareness of the public librarians on the performance facts mentioned in the IFLA/UNESCO was at a minimum level. Libraries face several issues and challenges when they apply those performance facts for their services, such as staff training issues, physical problems, poor reader and staff attitudes and further identified library services in the public library system of Sri Lanka are very minimally implemented. According to the survey data, among the public libraries selected as the sample, the level of awareness about IFLA/UNESCO public library performance facts is about 57%. 45% of library staff possessed degree or diploma qualifications in library science. As a result, they face many difficulties in providing their services that have greatly affected the service quality improvement. To successfully implement the IFLA/UNESCO performance facts for public libraries, the library services offered by those libraries should be well-planned and implement international standards and guidelines.