Relationship between the Designation and the Degree of Usage of the E-library by Academics of the University of Kelaniya

Abstract

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.