International Conference on Library and Information Management (ICLIM)
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Item 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item 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.