Social Sciences
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Item Migrating of Library Automation from Alice for Windows to KOHA: Experiences from the Library of University of Sri Jayewardenepura.(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Konpola, K.W.A.M.; Angammana, A.M.S.; Hettiarachchi, N.; Wijayasundara, N.D.; Ranasinghe, S.Library ofUniversity of Sri Jayewardenepura used the “Alice for Windows”, a commercial library management software to automate its library resource collections and management activities of the library. During nearly ten year time it was able to process 90% of the library materials. However it was very difficult to fully implement the process due to issues like (1) lack of web interface, (2) inability to work in local languages like Sinhala, (3) high cost of as annual maintenance fee and (4) non availability of local maintenance team. In this circumstance, the library decided to shift to Open Source software named as KOHA. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the challenging experiences obtained from migrating from Alice for Windows to KOHA- an Integrated Library Management System mostly used in the library automation activities. The great challenge in the process was the exporting of bibliographic records from Alice to KOHA because there was no compatibility between the two. The migration process involved three steps and used the tools such as MARC editor, MARC21 Format and language converter tool and it was able to convert all the data within two month time without any losses of data. With some training and follow up workshops for the staff and familiarizing sessions for users, it was able to successfully implement the Circulation module, Serial module, Online Public Access catalogue and report module in September 2014. Users are able to search the OPAC using Sinhala keywords, can renew their borrowing period, and make reservations from anywhere using the Internet.Item Reading Habits of Medical Undergraduates in an Academic Library(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya,Sri Lanka., 2017) Angammana, A.M.S.; Ranasinghe, S.University libraries as academic libraries play a major role in creating academic excellence as well as producing all round personalities. Though university libraries pay special attention in providing subject textbooks to its users, the collection should consists of other categories of resources too. In order to fulfill the needs of the users, librarians need to identify the users reading patterns and behavior. The present study aimed at investigating the use of library books by medical undergraduates. As specific objectives it was intended to find out whether medical students read extra books and whether pattern of reading differ according to study year. Methodology involved is a case study. The population was all undergraduates enrolled in the faculty of medical sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura from freshmen to final inthe year 2016. Total population was 1201 and total population was considered as the sample. Quantitative data was collected using the book loan statistics of circulation module of Library management system “KOHA” during the year 2016. Daily statistics of books checked out during January 2016 to December 2016 were analyzed. Subjects were coded using Dewey Decimal classification system.According to demographic data, sample consisted of 21% of males and 79% of females. Number of students who have borrowed books during the year were 610, that is 51% of the sample. Among them 12% were first years while 20%, 26%, 21%, 21% were second, third, fourth and final years respectively. 98% of the first year students have borrowed only textbooks. But this amount has decreased to 76% among final years. Percentages of textbooks borrowed by second, third and fourth years were 92%, 80%, 86% respectively. When considering other categories 17% of final years have borrowed fictions (English, Sinhala and translations) while only 1% of first years have borrowed fictions. This number varied through the study year as 7%, 18%, 10% in second, third and fourth years respectively. Findings revealed that majority of medical students read only textbooks and usage varies among the year of study. The lowest usage was observed from first year students, while third year students had the highest usage. Again in final year there is a decrease in usage. They tend to read other categories of books from third year onwards and most famous category was fictions. Also they have borrowed IT related and General knowledge books.Since this study shows a medium usage of library books, measures should be taken to increase the utilization of books especially by first years and final years. Also authorities should pay attention in fulfilling extra reading needs of medical undergraduates when developing the collection in order to assure effective library usage.Item Use of University Library Web as a Marketing Tool in Sri Lanka(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Ranasinghe, S.; Konpola, K.W.A.M.Marketing is not a new concept for libraries. The concept of marketing has been transferred from business world to service or to non for profit organizations since 1970s. Presently almost all libraries apply the concept of marketing for number of reasons. Common strategies in practice are advertising through various media and public relations. With the development and adoption of technologies, most libraries all over the world are exploiting the web as a tool for marketing. The study aimed at finding out whether the university libraries in Sri Lanka embraced with ICT in implementing marketing strategies through internet/web and present state of use of web sites as a marketing tool. Present study involved a survey based on evaluation of web sites of university libraries in Sri Lanka. Web sites of Universities under University Grants Commission were the population (15) and the whole population was selected as the sample. The researchers used four major criteria with sub categories adopted from Kaur, Kiran in 2009. University home pages and library home pages were assessed. Each and every website was evaluated for visibility, Networking, information and consultations and comments. Only a half (53%) of the universitylibrary web sites possess the direct links to university home page. 47% are hidden and are under Academic or some other heading and have to use several steps to reach the web page. 53% of library web sites have provided links to other external networks such as to universities, Library associations. Almost all the libraries have provided information regarding their collection, services and facilities. In all the library web sites e mail of the library and staff were indicated but only 40% have gone beyond that service such as “Ask – A service” or message service. It seems that marketing process is not carried out through the web in an effective manner though there are some adoptions and initiatives to use the websites as a tool for marketing. It was strongly felt that library professionals in Sri Lanka should pay more attention to market their libraries through web. They should reap maximum benefit from the ICT and, marketing concepts should be warmly accepted and introduced by the librarians.Item කැලණිය විශ්වවිද්යාලයේ සීමාවාසික පුහුණු වැඩසටහන් වල ඵලදායීතාව(Department of Economics, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Dissanayake, M.A.; de Silva, K.; Ranasinghe, S.; Rathnathilake, R.M.M.B.Item A historical overview on flora with reference to the Mahāvamsa(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Ranasinghe, S.The intention of this paper is to identify and categorize the utilization, endemism and distribution of flora mentioned in the Mahāvamsa. The paper is based on the first part of the Mahāvamsa which represents the history of the Anuradhapura kingdom of Sri Lanka, till the end of King Mahāsēna‟s reign. When categorizing the flora in the Mahāvamsa as utilization, physical features and territory, there are nine major sectors to consider; grain, palm, flowers, bushes, creepers, herbals, aquatic, and sacred. Flora mentioned in the leading chapters in Mahāvamsa have an Indian origin. A vast number of edible plants and palms were also emphasized in Mahāvamsa. And also it is clearly mentioned in Mahāvamsa, in comparison to the other regions, the Malwathu Oya region had a lush cover of flora than others due to its fertility. Most of the flora mentioned in the Mahāvamsa were connected to Buddhism in many different ways. Some gardens consisting of a good amount of flora was also mentioned in Mahāvamsa. As part one of the Mahāvamsa is mostly based on the Anuradhapura period, it was difficult to formulate an idea about flora in other regions of Sri Lanka. However, there were more than 54 types of flora including non-endemic types of flora in the Mahāvamsa.