1st ICLIM - 2016

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/14900

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The Role and Services of Palm Leaf Manuscript Study and Research Library at the University of Kelaniya
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) UdayaKumara, T.
History of art of writing goes back to many hundred years. eventhough it in difficult state the year of Origin of art of writing it in clear that this origin must have happened some what earlier the civilizations of the world come in to existence. Use of palm leaf was a very popular communication method in Sri Lanka history. It seems that palm leaf art has faced a serious challenge in decay , non-use, non- attention and without any preservation and conservation mensuration Realizing these changes steps have been taken the preservation of palm leaf by various organization in Sri Lanka. Among all other palm leaf counters, the palm leaf manuscript study and Research Library (PMSRL) in University of kelaniya takes a special place. The principal purpose of the palm leaf manuscript study and Research Library is to collect, and copy all palm leaf manuscripts available in temples and in personal collection in order to create a digital library using modern technologies. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the role and service provided bypalm leaf manuscript study and Research Library. The other objective were to measure the value of traditional palm leaf preservation methods and to examine the importance of using modern technologic for palm leaf manuscript preservation. Field study method used for collection data and observation and interviews were conducted for gathering quantitative and quantitative data. It revealed that main obstacle faced in copying manuscripts was the insufficient knowledge and technologies. The dearth of knowledgeable person in palm leaf manuscript is another obstacle. Copying and digitization the content of palm leaf manuscripts are new method in their preservation. It can conclude that PMSRL provide a satisfactory role and service for the client.
Perception and Utilization of Social Networking Sites among the Research Scholars of Library and Information Science in Tamil Nadu
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kavitha, E.S.; Uma, T.
Social Networking refers to the means of interactions among people in which they create, share, and exchange information and ideas in virtual communities and networks. This study aimed to study the purpose and benefits of using the SNS, and also wants to flash light on regularity of using SNS for various entertainments, academic and Information sharing by the research scholars of Library and Information Science. A structured questionnaire was designed and randomly distributed to 85 research scholars of Library and Information Science in Tamil Nadu. After collecting the data, SPSS 16 Software was employed for the analysis. Percentage analysis, Mean, SD, MANCOVA test were used to show the interrelationship between variables. PhD scholars are only giving more importance on sharing of information for various purposes compared with updating their professional related activities. It is significant to know that the research scholars are benefited by SNS for research through e-learning process and make new friendship. Majorities of the research scholars have been using the Google Scholars, Academic.edu for information sharing such in citation, publication and knowledge sharing. It is pathetic to mention that more number of research scholars are not aware of Research Gate, citation sites such as Mendeley and Zotero. Factors like the age of the research scholars and their seriousness of Library Science play an important role in the application of SNS for entertainment purpose. It is also highlighted that M.Phil and Ph.D scholars of Library and Information Science use SNS for academic purpose. What this paper wants to highlight on is, on the difference in sharing the kind of information among the M.Phil and Ph.D Scholars.
Community Outreach Library Services in Rajarata University Library System in Sri Lanka: A System Approach
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Harshani, K.R.; Siriwardena, A.S.
The principal purpose of this paper is to explore the role of community service in academic librarianship conducted by the Rajarata University Library System. In this study it is expected to establish the concept of community service as a system approach for enhancing continuous lifetime library use by the communities from their early childhood up to mature age. The other objectives are to evaluate the development and the implementation activities in community service and to peruse the best practices leading to community success and growth.The principal notion of the community service is the exertion done by a person or group of people which benefits one or the others. Librarians can involvewiththe community for identifying their aspirations in advancewith view to offer a very quality service to the same community. Based on this view, Rajarata university library conducts numerous services for their community. In addition to the provision of pertinent information relating to the general functions of the library such as services, sections and resources, it is yet another opportunity to build relationship with students as they begin their school career. Library conducts numerous training programme for the public such as Primary level Student (Grade 1-5) O/L and A/L students, preschool teachers, pregnant mothers in North Central Province. Through these all programmes, it gives students and library officers of the particular library a chance to interact with librarians who are not always visible to the public. Library offers a range of service for children including various type of themes including storytelling, good reading habit, mind mapping concept, getting ready for exam, and the way of organizing home library.Therefore libraries can achieve great effects when they are with the community from their early childhood. Library staff can facilitate and support library efforts because they are linked into communities that libraries may not reach. Libraries have to attempt to show their strengths not only as a reading institution, but as a community services center. It is hoped that this study will be used as a model by other librarians who wish to develop service option in their own suburban communities.
Relationship between the Designation and the Degree of Usage of the E-library by Academics of the University of Kelaniya
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Chamara, K.A.T.
E-library concept is popular in university library sector, and modern university libraries disseminate information using this method. E-databases, E-books, E-journals are the E-resources predominantly used in those. Many universities have converted their libraries in to digital mode and the conventional library materials they previously had, have now been replaced with their electronic counterparts. Kelaniya University library too, being one newly converted in to digital system possesses the above resources. Purpose of this paper is to report details of a survey conducted to examine whether designations of academics have a bearing on their e-library usage. Administration of Questionnaires and conducting interviews were the method used for data collection. 178 questionnaires were distributed using stratified random sampling method. Probabilistic equation was used to measure sample size and the proportion of the each strata. Most of the junior academics appeared to be making use of E-library sources for their research and teaching. Their popular E-resources were E-databases and E-journals. The use of E-materials did not appear to be satisfactory with regard to senior academics. The practice common among them for both teaching and learning was the use of printed materials. Thus, according to the survey the designation, academics hold in the university appear to have a bearing on their use of the e-library. For instance academics who hold high positions use e-library less while those belonging to comparatively low positons use this facility frequently. Therefore taking steps to popularize its use is a matter of utmost Importance. Steps such as workshops, Seminars are the remedial measures important in this regard.
Characteristics of Documentation patterns of Sri Lankan Tamils
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Srikanthalakshmi, A.
Sri Lankan Tamils have a rich tradition in art of writing which is prerequisite of any bibliographic activity.Documentation in its widest sense used to address the recording of data, events, information and even knowledge for variety of purposes. It involves work of both compilation and editing.Documentation work related to compilation is categorized into two major divisions as source type and tool type documentation while work related to editing involves with reproduction and creative documentation. This study specially focused only on documentation work related to compilation.In this study an attempt is made to identify some characteristics of the documentation works of Tamils living in and outside of Sri Lanka.Objective of this study is to identify the Documentation patterns of Sri Lankan Tamils. Different kinds of 150 works have been selected on random sampling method for this study. Using both descriptive and exploratory research methods, this study explains the identified characteristics of documentation patterns of Sri Lankan Tamilswith the analysis. Since all the outputs derived from documentation have the reference value and they are treated as secondary information resources which are produced from primary resources, the resources taken into this study has been categorized into two major divisions as Source type documentation (86nos) and Tool Type documentation(64). In the Tool type documentation works, majority of the works (59) are identified as providing merely bibliographical details, 46 works are descriptive in nature and 4 works provides annotation. In source type documentation 24 works comes under full text documentation. Each category has further been classified on the basis of type of documents and most of on them (40 Nos) are focused on books.Involvement of non-librarians in documentation activity is higher than library professionals. Majority works (48nos) were identified as providing information with national scope. Systematic arrangement was given priority in most of the compilations. Quantitative analysis shows near to half of the works were done during 2000-2016. This study could play as an evidence for the historical development of documentation culture of this nation in general and specific ethnic groups in specific.
E-Journal for Professional Development and Research: Special Reference at Madurai Kamraj University
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Padma, P.
The technological development in the use and delivery of information media has changed the role of library professionals. The print media is getting digitized and through the advent of internet, the information is available to anybody from any corner of the world. The use of e-journals and e-books has created a new source of information to the professional development of the research scholars and students. E-journals very important source for the professional development and research. E-resources are becoming vital to carry any meaningful research. Scholarly communication is the root of scientific and technological progress. Scholarly communication system is being carried out worldwide, particularly with respect to electronic journals. E-journals and e-books are electronic equivalents of their print counterparts possessing many added features. E-resources offer a range of potential advantages to libraries and research scholars; multiple simultaneous access to the same issue, remote access, in-built searching facilities, multimedia capabilities and reduced storage concerns. Libraries today buy licenses for an ever-increasing number of e-journals from a range of different publishers and providers. Consortia based library subscription to E-journals and electronic full-text databases are picking up good momentum in worldwide. It was implemented a web-based electronic refereeing system for an electronic journal whose many value-added features are described in detail in this paper.
Preservation and Conservation of Digital Resource Practices in Academic Libraries in Coimbatore: A Study
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Sarangapani, R.; Mangiyakarasi, A.
A survey using a structured questionnaire was adopted to study preservation and conservation practice in academic libraries in Coimbatore. The study revealed that there was no written policy on preservation and conservation in nearly all libraries. In addition to the lack of written preservation policy, the lack of trained manpower and lack of funding were the main constraints for preservation and conservation practices. Higher authorities and policy makers need to be initiated inn of staff and budget not just for preservation but seemingly for the long term survival of libraries.
Trend in Reading Novels by the Students of Art Faculty: With Special Referee to Kelaniya, Colombo and Sri Jayawardhanapura Universities
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Madhusanka, N.M.A.N.; Atthanayaka, M.
Printed Media has been a very closer medium to everyday personal life of people. Special feature of novel is the exposure of personal life at human kind to the society and lay person considering the view it in very valuable how far the university students are very closer to reading novels. The Objective of this study is to investigate the factors affected in minimizing the time spend for reading, type of novel reading and the number of novel rending amang University Students. What and how the trend of reading novels by the university student was the research problem of this study. The hypothesis constructed for this purpose is that is the university students of Arts faculty show a decline in reading novels. The study limited three universities in Sri Lanka namely Kelaniya" Colombo and Sri Jayawardhanapura. Population was the Art faculty students and sample was 100 students based on random sampling technology. Primary data collected using a Questionnaire and a n interview. Through this study, it collected that students in Art faculty showed a decline in reading novels. The factors for this were non closer at novels for personal life of the students, confinement of students to word study only owing to semester system, economic hardships, hectic life and restlessness, non-issue at productive and quality novels and the gradual deviation from reading novels owning to students preferences for using new media. It revealed that steps like literary discussion, criticism and discourses, literary workshops, improvement of library usage, change of attitude in reading are to be taken to make more close to reading novels by Art students.
Research on Himalayas: A Scientometric Analysis
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kambaraman, B.; Srinivasaragavan, S.
Himalayas is one of the largest mountain ranges which spread across many countries in South and South East Asia having highest peaks in the world. It is aimed at identifying the range of research activities taking place on the Zoological, Botanical, Social, Natural and Geological aspects of the Himalayas, particularly documented in high impact journals and reputed publications across the world. To ensure the assessment of qualitative research documented on Himalayas, the researcher chosen the prominent and highly acclaimed indexing source of scientific research that is Web of Science, which is indexing 13,975 journals globally. The data downloaded for the years 1989-2016, a period of 28 years would reveal that there is a gradual growth with slight variations on the research output for the study period, particularly the current decade registered exponential growth in a consistent manner and the year 2015 recorded highest amount of research output. It is also found that citation trend correlated with the growth of the literature. As there is a gradual growth on the citations received by the publications on Himalayas research output, the years 2013, 2014 and 2015 registered large number of citations. There are 4,696 publications as the outcome; they received 81,994 Global Citation Score which include 48,478 citing articles with a high h-index of 116. The analysis shows that the research on Himalayas carried out in 115 areas by 10,229 researchers affiliated to 2845 research institutions spread across 94 countries. Of the total of 4696 publciations; 2151 articles are as the outcome of research funding from various agencies across the world. It is revealed from the study that the top countries alone contributed more than 50 % of the research, while India (40.2 %), USA (17.2 %) and People R China (14.9 %) were in top three positions. With regard to funding on Himalayas research, China (17.76 %) contributed a major stake which followed by USA (5.67 %), next holds India (2.70 %). With regard to research areas Geology (20.87 %), Environmental Sciences Ecology (14.16 %), Plant Science (9.73 %) are the top major areas in which the Himalayas research outcome is documented.
An Evaluative Study on the Services provided by the National Library, Sri Lanka
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Chathurani, W.M.P.E.
Among all other types of libraries, the role of the national library is to preserve the national memory of a given country for the use of existing and future generation. National library Sri Lanka provide number of user services. The objectives of the study are to identify different user services provided, to investigate their effeteness to examine the obstacle when conducting these services. The method of research in a survey and primary data collected using two questionnaires. One for 40 national library staff members and 50 users taken as a sample of the study. Data was analyzed using Excel software. Many users were unaware more user services in the library and there were not an effective user services owing to innasiguate ICT usage for user services scarcity of technical tools and the library staff. Even though the collection is versatile, users did not use it properly. Suggestions are to improve user awareness and user training programs and to apply new technologies in user services. It concluded that more and more effective and efficient user services should be provided by the National Library of Sri Lanka.
Effect of Gender in ICT Literacy: A Case Study of Sri Lankan Trainee Teachers
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Amarathunga, P.A.B.H.; Pathiratne, S.; Weerasinghe, D.
The exordium of information and communication technology (ICT) into the scholastic sector engendered incipient gregarious typecasts and gender divergences. Since the invention of a computer, ICT-cognate activities have been viewed as a male domain (Brosnan& Davidson, 1996) or something for boys Reinen&Plomp, 1996). As several research reviews and meta analyses summarized, boys were more fascinated with ICT than girls, they were heavier users of computers, had more positive postures about computers and consequently outperformed girls in their ICT literacy (Reinen&Plomp, 1996; Volman& Eck, 2001). However, a number of recent studies evidenced that ICT-cognate distinctions between females and males abated mainly in the access to ICT and rudimental computer skills (Busch, 1995; Rainer, Laosethakul, &Astone, 2003). Meanwhile, gender inequalities now emerged in incipient areas of ICT use (Rainer et al., 2003). In Sri Lankan Context this study is the first one.This study aims to get an insight into gender differences of aspiring edifiers. Gender differences in self-reported ICT experience and ICT literacy among trainee edifiers are investigated. Dynamic model of ICT literacy is employed. Three main components of aspiring teacher’s ICT literacy are covered: (1) present general quandary-solving and technical ICT capabilities; (2) circumstantial and longitudinal sustainability; and (3) transferability of ICT capabilities into future professional domain. The study was predicated on self-assessment research methodology. The questionnaire coalesced multiple quantification implements and included seven components. The participants were the first year students at one of the Colleges of Edification in Western Province of Sri Lanka. Two hundred and seventeen students were enrolled in the program: Male and Female occupation was 66 (30.4%) and 151 (69.6%) respectively.Findings denote that no consequential differences were found between females and males’ precedent experience with ICT. Male respondents on mediocre operated computers considerably more hours per week than females. Consequential distinctions between males and female’s technical ICT capabilities and circumstantial and longitudinal sustainability were observed. Male marks were greater. In the regression analysis, when the influence of the contextual and ICT experience variables was controlled, gender failed to be a consequential presager of the sustainability scores. However, it remained a consequential prognosticator of some trainee edifier’s scores, cognate to their technical ICT capabilities.
Sanskrit Webliography– a Sample Strategic Initiative to Increase the E-Resource Usage among Academics in Sri Lanka
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Navaneethakrishnan, S.
This is a time of increased access to electronic information. E-Collections are very useful to all institutions and individuals to get instant, relevant, comprehensive information at doorsteps. In this information era, librarians should not only create useful products for the user, but should also develop knowledge of the particular online literature. They have designed, developed and tested some manual techniques and search tools. The objective of this study is to provide a sample strategic initiative to increase the e-resource usage among academics in Sri Lanka.Altogether different kinds of 86websites have been identified and selectedon random sampling method in this study for the development of this webliography. Mixed method consist of Facet analytical and Experimental method was used to design the webliography. The Basic structure of this webliography was designed following various procedures such as Selecting the topic;Searching the Web; Browsing and selecting the best ones among retrieved hits; Creating a web page; Choosing an informative title for the webliography; Writing an introduction; Entering selected/filtered links; Establishing hyperlinks; Preparing an index; Publishing by uploading it on the server to increase its usage. According to the findings it is found that these webliographies could be used as appropriate service strategy to increase the usage of electronic resources. Further university libraries are expected to concentrate more on the designing of these kind of webliographies for their teaching disciplines to increase the e-resource usage through their websites.
Information Disseminating through Using Social Networking Sites among B. Ed College Librarians in Salem District
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Jayaprakash, M.; Murugan, C.
The ability to disseminate and promote one’s work and research is an important component of managing and communicating information. By disseminating information, an organization can reach members of its target audience and have a greater impact on policy and programming. The Social networking site can serve as an invaluable tool in this effort to communicate the information across a wide audience. The present study shows that the social networking sites are an integral part of their social life. They use it to sustain and make stronger their offline connections and primarily for communication rather than entertainment. B.Ed College Librarians are active users of social media for academic purpose as well as for personal use. As this social media phenomenon is continuing to grow at a faster pace, it is important to understand the effects it has on Librarians. Given its popularity, researchers have considerable concerns about the effects of social media on students. The study also points out the popularity of social networking among the librarians in the College of Education, Salem District, and Tamil Nadu. 148 Colleges are running in Salem District. Survey method was employed to study the academic usage of the social media by the Librarians and exhaustively collects samples from the B.Ed college of Tamil Nadu. The population of the study consisted of 148 librarians. The sample size of the study comprised of 148 librarians selected through convenient sampling technique. The structured questionnaire was used for data collection.
Understanding the Service Quality expectation of library users of Special Libraries of professional institutions
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Gunatilake, K.A.D.P.M.; Galgodawaththa, G.W.I.
21st Century libraries are not traditional places with only a collection of documents.The entire role of the national, public, academic and special libraries and librarians is changing and there is an urgent need to adapt to the environment because not merely sustain or survive but to thrive in to the future.Users or customers are important stakeholders in libraries and information centres. It is necessary to establish a dialogue with customers and find out their expectations. When identification the users expectations it will give a guideline to library to develop a quality library service and empower the library users to solve problems. Today, service quality is one of the most important factors in all service sectors. Now it is the time for evaluate the quality and significance of the library service through a service quality model based on ‘SERVQUAL’ concept. The main objective of this study is to identify the expectations of the usersservice quality of special libraries of professional institutions. The other objectives are to identify the most important factors to implement them giving a priority and to preparation of a library development plan for the library. Five special libraries in Colombo District have been selected as a sample for the study. All selected libraries are attached to a parent institution which offer ‘Professional Qualifications’ in different study areas such as Banking, Accounting, Engineering, Marketing and International Relations. The survey was based on primary and secondary data gathered through structured questionnaire and literature review. The data gathered on user expectations thought five service quality dimensionsresources, staff, services, guidance and physical environment. The expectations of users can be identified as most important, important, less important and no important and the first priority can be given to most important aspects and implemented. Then the other expectations can be fulfilled step by step plan.Collected data were analyzed using Weighted Average method. It is observed that the first priority given by the users of the selected special libraries is to ‘Physical Environment’. The library quality dimension ‘Services’ is ranked second by the users. Third ranked is ‘the Staff’ and the fourth to ‘Resources’ and fifth service quality dimension is ‘Guidance’. The expectations of the users will be implemented and library infrastructure services, resources, staff and other activities will be putting in to practices.
Challenges of Information Management in Organizing Global Scale Events Using Technology in Government Establishments in Sri Lanka
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Gamage, M.N.
In the age of technology where information is constantly being produced, captured and analysed in many different methods for different needs that were never even imaginable would be possible to obtain. For the first time in entire human history, the growth and capturing of information had grown exponentially over the last decade. According to Eric Schmidt, the CEO of Google, the information that is being created in every two days is as much as the information that was produced since the dawn of civilization up until 2003. However, even when the world is at the technology revolution with the unimaginable amount of information, some organizations in the world are still very much disconnected with technology and uses legacy, traditional approaches for many projects. In large scale global events it is vital to use proper mechanisms to manage and update information as using the right information at the right time will make different tasks much cost effective and efficient. This study is based on one of the international events organized by a government organization in Sri Lanka and intend to discuss the effectiveness and efficiency of the processes had the proper mechanisms were used along with information management. It was also seen during the study that many challenges were posed when attempting to introduce technology for information management as many government employees used to work in legacy methods and reluctant to adapt technology even it eases the amount of work. Another important finding is that government employees were very rule abide and always think of working within the boundaries cross referring to the books and think if technology is being introduced the ways of tracking the work is not possible or is not legal. Therefore, before making every decision, it had become a habit of referring to the next level of authority till the highest level for approval even for a small task that is within the rule for employees to complete. Taking responsibility and accountability of work being done is greatly lacking in government systems. Hence using information and technology for special events such as the study analysed in this paper is greatly absent as employees don’t believe in electronic records even they are well valid in legal frame of audits. However, several sub bodies were seen making attempt to use technology for information management, but without the due support from its peers the effort is nothing but futile. Even when having top notch project scheduling resources like BaseCamp, it was hardly seen been used in this project. The information that was discussed and presented at meetings were widely ignored or people were only making notes of what is been assigned to them rather than looking into the project as combined effort, making it difficult to share information even through a tool such as BaseCamp. The objective of this paper is to discuss the challenges faced in organizing an international conference when there was lot of reluctant using technology and systems for information management.
Understanding Faculty Contribution for the Institutional Repository: A Case Study at University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Gunasekera, C.
An institutional repository (IR) is a digital collection capturing and preserving the intellectual productivity of a university. The faculty contribution is considered one of the success factors for an IR; in fact there is a need to explore their knowledge and willingness to contribute to the IR. The main objective of this study is to investigate the awareness of academic authors towards the IR and the factors that motivate the use of these repositories.Questionnaire based survey method was employed and the self administered questionnaires were distributed among all permanent academic staff members in the University of Peradeniya on May, 2015 and out of 751, 279 duly completed questionnaires were received making a 37.1% response rate. The results revealed that most of the respondents learnt about the IR as a result of a web search engine (26%), information provided at faculty or any other meeting held in the university (24%) and by working in a field with established subject based archives (23%). Only 44% of the respondents were aware of the university IR and 49% mentioned that they are not aware of it. With regard to the frequency of IR use, only 14% use IR very frequently while 25% somewhat frequently, and surprisingly 17% rarely used and majority of the respondents (31%) has not used IR at all. The interesting finding is that 56% of the respondents reported their willingness to contribute to the university IR while 18% of them were not willing to contribute in future. Those who willing to contribute to IR mentioned they contributed because they support the principle of open access (39%) and it enhances visibility and recognition of the author’s work within the institution (35%) and beyond that. With regard to the depositing materials to the IR, 49% of the scholars prefer to publish conference papers rather than research reports and post print articles. The major barrier to contribute to IR is fear of plagiarism (32%). In light of these results, there is a need to create more awareness and to educate the faculty on the importance of the IR as it enhances visibility and recognition of the author’s work. At the same time the university should conduct an open access advocacy campaign and training sessions for researchers to demonstrate access and publish in open access repositories.
Electronic Information Resources Utilization by Medical Students in General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Library, Faculty of Medicine
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Rajapaksha, M.P.
This study evaluated the utilization of electronic information resources in General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Library by Medical students by addressing four objectives namely; identifying the awareness of e-resources by Medical students in General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, determining the level of use and the relevance of e-resources in General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Medical library, identifying the problems in accessing e-resources and lastly proposing strategies to promote the usage of e-resources by Medical students. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed to elicit data from undergraduate students from Medical faculty of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. One hundred and eighty respondents participated in the study. Data was collected by use of questionnaires personally circulated among the students and various documents analysis. The study found that majority of medical students, i.e. 80 (69.6%) did not aware about the available e-resources at the library. Further it was revealed that majority of the participants (67%) prefer to access both electronic and print version of information but whereas a few of the respondents 10 (8.7%) prefer to access print version of information. The main problem associated with accessing e-resources was poor internet connection. In addition, the utilization of e-resources was affected by lack of computer skills by the respondents. Results shows that more than half of the respondents (76%) had computer skills in intermediate level. Only 3.5% rated their computer skills as experienced. It is quite interesting, that the majority of the respondents (53%) use e-resourcesweekly. The above findings suggest limited use of electronic resources by Medical students, mainly due to unawareness of available e-resources at the library. In order to exploit the full potential of e-resources, the library should undertake a more active role in informing, promoting, and educating the members of the academic community in the university.
Contribution of Libraries in Preserving Intangible Cultural Heritage: A Study Based on Selected Public Libraries in Ratnapura District
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Indrasena, W.S.S.
There are two aspects in classifying the concept of cultural heritage. One is Tangible cultural heritage (TCH) the other is Intangible cultural heritage (ICH).Tangible cultural heritage comprised of physical items, artifacts and ancient remains. Traditional knowledge, Practices, folklore literary creations and human mental creations and designs belong to Intangible Cultural Heritage. Even though the UNESCO introduced a convention on this subjects, in 2003, still a national level well organization has not been instituted in Sri Lanka yet though some initiatives launched by the National Library and Documentation Services Board. Still important role has to be done by those organizations. The principal objective of this study was to investigate the contribution of libraries particularly the public libraries in preservation of ICH. In this context, study was conducted on the verbal tradition depicted in the folklore. 14 public libraries in Ratnapura district were used a study sample. It was found that all libraries only limited to routine a collection development and no any library involved in the expected task. This has happened owing to that librarians are unaware the importance of ICH and the contribution and the programs related to ICH by the National Library are not known by the librarians. The lack of knowledge and understanding in collection and preservation method related to these traditional swore by the librarians was the other reason. The other problems were that villagers did not recognize the value of ICH, there was no legal framework of preserving ICH and the scarcity of trained human resource and relevant technologies in collecting and preserving the ICH. Suggestions are to train the librarians in collection at preservation of ICH, to take the National Library full responsibility of leading, guiding, preparing legal framework, giving full publicity of the role and importance of preservation of ICH.
Internet Use and Its Impact on Library Usage by Trainiees at Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA), Sri Lanka
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Ranawella, T.C.
This study focuses on the impact of Internet on Library usage, Navel and Maritime Academy (NMA), Sri Lanka. In this study, two hundred trainees attached to NMA were given a semi structured questionnaire to collect data. It shows that the usage level of NMA library is very low due to the personal laptops given with dongles to the trainees to access Internet directly. It is also noted that the opening hours of the library and the location, hampers the use of library. The researcher recommends that adequate funding to be made available to the library to provide electronic resources and to introduce training programs to enhance the knowledge of trainees on information retrieval and citation techniques to maintain academic honesty. The researcher also recommends to introduce a plagiarism software to the NMA library to prevent violation of copyrights.
Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Sri Lanka: A Study with Special Reference in the Field of Indigenous Medicine
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Gamage, C.K.
Indigenous knowledge, formulated by indigenous people or aboriginal tribes has been handed down from generation to generation for hundreds and thousands of years. Indigenous knowledge is a local knowledge that is unique to a given culture or society. Hence, it can be measured according to the measurements of the same culture itself. The earliest system of medicine that originated or was inherited by people who lived in Sri Lanka before the advent ofAyurveda, was indigenous medicine. This system was handed down from generation to generation, and has a long tradition with its roots traced back to pre Aryan civilization. This study aimed to explore the major information methods used in the system of indigenous medical field in Sri Lanka and how it transmitted this knowledge from generation to generation. The major research tools employed for data gathering were interviews, questionnaires and observation. Indigenous medical practitioners from two districts of Anuradhapura and Colombo were deemed as the study population. From this medical population, three practitioners were selected purposively from each and every ten broad categories of indigenous medicine ie. KedumBidumVedakam (Local orthopaedics), GedievanaPilika (Treatment of abscesses and tumors), DavumPilissumVedakama (Treatment of burns), VishaVedakama (Treatment in toxicology), EsVedakama (Ophthalmology), ManasikaRogaVedakama (Psychiatry), Balaroga (Peadiatrics),PinasRogaVedakama,VathaRogaVedakama and SamanyaSarvanga (Internal Medicine). The study revealed that both of verbal and non – verbal methods are equally used to collect, record, transmit and preserve the indigenous medical knowledge in Sri Lanka. Among them Vedageta, DuthaLakshana, Incantations ( Yanthra – Manthra), and Rituals (Yathu Karma) are the major verbal methods used and ola leaf manuscripts, hand written manuscripts and methods of kem are the major non – verbal methods involved. This study highlights that the ‘Generational succession’ is the main method of transformation of indigenous medical knowledge and relevant expertise to the next generation.