International Conference on Library and Information Management (ICLIM)
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Item A study on the role of public libraries for promotion of the tourist industry in polonnaruwa and anuradhapura public libraries(Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Welabedda, W.G.H.A.through two selected public libraries. A library is an institution that provides information resources and services to users, services provided by libraries aim to meet specific purposes at any given time. There is no proper dissemination of tourist information about the spots spread across Sri Lanka. There is, almost no palace tourists to get the reliable travel information they need. Public libraries have the potential to act as a hub for the distribution of tourism information. The current importance of maintaining a tourist information service through libraries is crucial need, the impact on the tourism industry through the establishment of a tourist information service, and information on how other libraries in the world use tourist information. The research method of this study was a qualitative research method. Questionnaires, interviews and observation methods were used for this purpose. In this, information was collected through interviews conducted through a questionnaire from the librarians. The main points that emerged from this study are the inability to meet the information needs of tourists. Tourists need information such as places where they can get accommodation, where they can get food, and where they can convert foreign currency into local currency. Especially the information about the tourist place reaches the tourists very minimally. Thus, although the information needs can be met through the libraries, the existing libraries in Sri Lanka show a minimum effort for that. Although citizens come to the library as readers, they come to the library at least to fulfill the needs of tourist information. Also, the library provides minimal information about tourist spots. Libraries have a negative attitude towards meeting the information needs of tourists. Geographical reference sources that exist over there help meet the information needs of tourists from libraries, at least in both libraries. To start a tourist information service, the governing body should formulate a proper policy in conjunction with the provincial tourism agency in addition to libraries. Furthermore, not only conclusions, but also suggestions, should exist to inform the library staff regarding the diversification of library services; however, programs should also be implemented to inform regarding the location of the library; in addition, the library website should be updated; and websites should be created.Item A Study on Contribution of public libraries in the teaching and learning process: Kandy District(Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Weerasinghe, S.A.A.N.Learning and teaching are two processes. By combining these two processes, a person armed with knowledge makes valuable contributions to society, fostering progress in various fields. Learning is also a basic human need but due to the human incapability of learning everything alone, Public Libraries can be introduced as a community institution that supports the three areas of formal, informal and non-formal education. That is, public libraries can be further introduced as a type of institution that provides information services to people of all ages, from young to old. The world considers educational development as a priority and supporting formal and informal educational activities can be stated as an objective of public libraries. However, there is limited literature regarding the impact of libraries on the learning process. The problem is to study how public libraries in Sri Lanka can enhance their timely contributions to the teaching learning-process in Sri Lanka. The study aims to determine the benefits that readers get through the public library. As it is very difficult to cover all public libraries in Sri Lanka, 104 persons were selected from four public libraries in the Kandy district under a random systematic sample. Qualitative research methodology was used for this study, and a questionnaire method was used to collect primary data. The objective of the study is to identify the contribution of public librarians to formal, informal and non-formal education, examine their contributions to the teaching and learning process, investigate the social mission to the learning and teaching process taking place in public libraries and to identify barriers and solutions to the teaching- learning process within the public libraries. The findings highlighted that public libraries make a significant contribution to the learning process and that the teaching process progresses at a slower pace. According to the findings, a minimum of 10% is contributed to the teaching process while 55% support the learning process. This study also identified that public librarians to contribute about 65% of formal, informal and non-formal education. Libraries support unemployed people to think differently in diverse ways but lack of technical knowledge and lack of understanding of library specialization among the public library staff were identified as major obstacles in the learning and teaching process. This study suggested that staff in collaboration with public libraries, school libraries and other educational institutions should be equipped with technical knowledge to provide services using new technology in public libraries.Item Improving Sinhalese Personal Name Authority Control in Sri Lankan Online Public Access Catalogues (OPACs)(Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Wanigasooriya, PriyanwadaPersonal names play a crucial role in locating books systematically and identifying individuals. Previous studies have emphasized that searching by an author's name is the most common method used by library users in automated systems. The objective of name authority control is to enhance searching and browsing capabilities by ensuring the accurate retrieval of all works associated with an individual, including variations of personal identity such as pseudonyms and family names. Unfortunately, Sinhalese personal names are quite common. These variations negatively impact information retrieval quality, the linking of related resources, and copyright management. Rather than that misspelled names and duplicated same name in data entries can be easily detected by machines. However, other variations, such as an author using their full name or an abbreviated form, one person having different name forms, or multiple people sharing the same name, cannot be easily identified by machines. Therefore, libraries employ authority control files for personal names, using a single, distinct spelling of the personal name (known as the heading) for each library material. The objective of this survey was to develop an automated authority file capable of accurately identifying books based on specific personal names. In pursuit of this goal, a statistical approach was utilized, which entailed compiling an extensive list of author names extracted from the university libraries of Kelaniya and Moratuwa. The dataset of author names (n=76,592 names) was obtained from the Tag 100 and Tag 700 data fields present within these libraries. To ensure data accuracy, a series of initial data cleaning steps were implemented to remove redundant, irrelevant, and incomplete entries from the dataset. It has been observed that libraries follow inconsistent patterns of name forms, without considering proper authority forms. Establishing a comprehensive automated author name authority file is essential to minimize confusion in these cases. Furthermore, adopting a proper transliteration process is important for effective authority control functions. To minimize errors in searching personal names, as identified by the survey, suitable name forms were automatically detected and separately compiled for authors. This compilation can help facilitate easier information searching across libraries.Item A Study on Electronic Services Provided by the National Library of Sri Lanka(Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Thilakarathna, M.D.B.C.M.; Wanigasooriya, PriyanwadaElectronic services are information services in electronic format that are handled by a computer device and encoded for handling. The National Library of the world provides a wide range of electronic library services to users. Today, the National Library of Sri Lanka provides e-library services in addition to traditional library services. With the COVID pandemic, there has been a rapid increase in the number of Electronic library services provided by the National Library of Sri Lanka. Today, there are 33 Electronic services provided by the National Library. It remains to be seen whether users will benefit from these services. For this research, numerous studies have studied users' behavior, usage of print resources, evaluation of electronic library services, and evaluation of library services using serverQUAL and LibQUAL, analyzing national and global research publications and printed and electronic media. The primary objectives of this study are four-fold. Firstly, it aims to identify and catalog the various electronic services that have been introduced by the National Library. Secondly, the study seeks to conduct an in-depth analysis of the current usage and adoption of these E-services among library users. Thirdly, it aims to identify any potential vulnerabilities or shortcomings in the existing E-services to ensure their optimal functionality and security. Lastly, the study endeavors to propose practical and effective measures that can be implemented to expand and enhance the range and quality of E-services provided by the National Library. By pursuing these objectives, the study aims to contribute to the overall improvement and advancement of library services in the digital age. This study has used a web-based survey methodology to study what electronic library services are available to readers, using a list of 59 items. In addition, two online questionnaires have been submitted to National Library users and National Library staff to study the status and use of Electronic services provided by the National Library. Based on the web-based survey methodology and the dual questionnaires, the National Library identifies the weaknesses in the electronic services provided and presents the results in simple frequencies and percentages. The research revealed that the National Library of Sri Lanka provides 69.49% of Electronic library services. Research has shown that 72% of respondents use the Electronic services provided by the National Library, and 28% of respondents do not use the electronic library services provided by the National Library. The research proposes the introduction of state-of-the-art electronic library services, features for the website, publicity of library services among the people of the country, and workshops and projects for staff IT knowledge and development.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 Social factors of suicides in Sri Lanka(Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Subasinghe, WasanthaSuicide is becoming an immense social problem from end of 19th century. Both quantitative and qualitative researches are important to understand the issue. Research findings help to select suicide preventing programs. Eight hundred thousand suicides were reported in 2019 worldwide. Statistics reported that it is nearly about three thousand suicides per year in Sri Lanka. The unexpected/miserable loss of a family member affects directly or indirectly not only to the family but also to the society. The research problem is ‘how does lack of social morals affect to suicides in Sri Lanka? There are four objectives of this research as to reveal social life of person who attempted to suicide, to examine social interrelationships of them, to realize their personal traits, challenges, and barriers, and to recognize preventing techniques. The ontological approach of this research is subjectivism and epistemological approach is interpretivism. The research type is descriptive, cross sectional and qualitative. Underpinning theory is Collective Consciences and Moral Poverty Index which was introduced by Durkheim. Research method is case study method and data collecting techniques are in-depth interviews. Sample consists of persons who have attempted to commit suicide. Theoretical and conceptual review was done. The study looks at the main socio-demographic factors such as ethnicity, age, gender, civil status, educational level and causes about suicides from 2016-2019 based on police crime statistics as first part of the study. Literature revealed the background identification on sociodemographic information such as; maximum number of suicides was from Sinhalese Buddhists, minimum number of suicides was reported from Muslims and Islamic people; Age between 21-25 and age over 70 can be considered as the age ranges with the highest number of people who committed suicides; Suicide rate of married persons was higher than unmarried; The female students’ suicides were higher than male but in all other occupations male suicides were higher than female; Most of the persons who had committed suicide had educated up to secondary education; Most common reasons for suicides were harassments in family, disappointments and harassment, economic issues, psychological disorders and chronic diseases; Unemployed persons had committed suicide more than the employed people; Second highest category who had committed suicide was the agricultural sector and the category with the lowest number of people who had committed suicide was politicians. The main finding of this demographic data is that 90% of the factors that affect suicide are social factors. The integration between the individual and society has diminished, and society has become indifferent to the needs of the individual.Item Utilization of Library 2.0 in Public Libraries as an Efficient Library ServiceU with Special Reference to Selected Public Libraries in Kandy District(Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Somarathne, P.G.N.M.The public library is the central point to fulfill the general public's information needs. For this purpose, public libraries are facilitating traditional and modern library services. Library 2.0 is an efficient library service that Sri Lankan public libraries can use to provide information needs efficiently. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the use of Library 2.0 as an efficient library service with special references to the Kandy district, Sri Lanka. Therefore, the study's objectives were to determine the usage of Library 2.0 in Public Libraries in Sri Lanka and identify existing challenges. DS Senanayake Public Library, Gampola Public Library and Doluwa Public Library in Kandy district were purposely selected as samples for this study. data was collected from 500 readers and 20 staff members through a questionnaire for quantitative data. Also interviewed library staff to collect qualitative data. A mixed methodology was used to analyze the data. A small proportion of public libraries use social media such as WhatsApp, YouTube, and Facebook as library 2.0 tools to share information among public library users; DS Senanayake Public Library was a pioneer among them. However, a key challenge was identified by a lack of fund allocations to get technical equipment needed by the library and a lack of readers and staff awareness of Library 2.0 tools. Further, almost 57.1% of library users preferred to receive traditional library services, whilst 42.9% preferred online library services. The study recommended an awareness programme for library staff and users to overcome the challenges.Item A study on the application of online technologies by university lecturers: special reference to faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka(Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Somananda Thero, B.; Suraweera, N.The twenty-first century, which has witnessed notable advances and developments in many disciplines, including higher education, is known as the era of the information economy. This era has been dominated by Information and Communication Technology (ICT), which positively impacted the development and transition process in higher education worldwide. Thus, higher education has undergone a transformational journey from the traditional classroom model to a new online model during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the online learning environment took over the monopoly of the traditional classroom as the university learning and teaching process took place entirely online. In this context, it is crucial to find out the nature of online technology for university teachers to make their teaching process effective. Therefore, the objective of this study was to find out the use of online technology by university lecturers for the effectiveness of their teaching process. The quantitative research method was used, while the survey method was used as the research strategy for the study. The total population of this study was the academic staff members of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Kelaniya. A study population was identified through the total population, and the study sample was selected using the stratified random sampling method from that study population. The primary data was collected through the questionnaire and analyzed using the SPSS software. The study revealed that university lecturers used various online technologies effectively in their teaching process in the 21st century. However, online tools were used at a lower level while online teaching. Conducting productive training programs and workshops to uplift lectures' knowledge on online learning methods is recommended.Item A Study on the user satisfaction of Information Sources and Services of the University Libraries in Sri Lanka(Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Sewwandi, H.K.I.The library plays an integral role of the University for Information sources, services, teaching, learning, and research works. The effectiveness of these sources and services is more beneficial for academic development and country development as well. The objectives of this study were to identify what kind of sources and services are used by the users, how these sources and services are supported to enhance their information needs and the situation of user satisfaction of these library resources. A mixed research methodology was employed as the overarching research approach, with the case research method serving as the research strategy. Primary data for this study were gathered using the questionnaire method. The research sample comprised 15 users of state university libraries in Sri Lanka. A simple random sampling technique was utilized to select a subset of 20 users from each university, resulting in a total sample size of 300 users. The collected data were then analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). This study revealed that 33.7% of the users visit once a week, with 11.3% of them making daily visits. Users displayed a high level of awareness, with 90.3% being aware of the lending service, while 65% were knowledgeable about resource renewal. Interestingly, respondents demonstrated limited awareness of online information resources and E-services offered by the library. Nonetheless, user satisfaction with these resources and services was notably satisfactory. To address these limitations, it is crucial to implement continuous user training and promote the popularity of the aforementioned services and sources.Item A Study on the Usage of Electronic Information Services by University Library Users During the COVID-19 Pandemic Period(Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Sewwandi, E.M.D.The education sector in Sri Lanka experienced a significant setback due to the global Covid-19 pandemic. It is widely acknowledged that university students faced numerous challenges in their study and research activities from 2019 to 2021. One pressing issue was the utilization of information sources by students. Among these issues, a notable concern was whether the electronic information services available online were sufficient for the study and research needs of university students compared to the information accessible through physical university libraries. The primary objective of this study was to assess whether the information provided by the online electronic information services of the university library adequately supported the study and research activities of students, especially considering the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study focused on the public university system in Sri Lanka, utilizing a cluster sampling method. University of Kelaniya was selected, and within the university, the Faculty of Commerce and Management, Faculty of Computer and Technology, Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Social Sciences, and Faculty of Science were chosen through stratified random sampling. A sample of 25 students was taken, with 5 students selected from each faculty. Data collection was conducted through a questionnaire method, and analysis was performed using software such as Google Studio and MS Excel. secondary data from other sources relevant to the research were also analyzed. Two methods were employed for the analysis: the data obtained through the questionnaire method was analyzed using both the descriptive and bivariate analysis methods. Quantitative data were collected in accordance with the research objectives. The data analysis conducted in this research led to the conclusion that the electronic information services provided by the university library during the COVID-19 epidemic were inadequate for the students’ study and research activities.