Abstract:
This study was conducted to compare the usage of print journals with electronic journals
by members of the academic staff'in the universities ofKelaniya, Colombo and Moratuwa.
The total population consists 2,557 Academic staff members representing Professors,
Senior lecturers, Lectures, Probationary lecturers and Temporary Assistant lecturers of the
three selected universities. The sample size representative of the study is 335 based on the
Krejcie and Morgan's sample size determination table.335 questionnaires were distributed using stratified random sampling technique. 321 questionnaires were returned and the overall response rate was 96% out of the calculated sample size. All the statistical procedures were done through SI'SS (Statistical Package of Social Sciences/version 22).
The analyzed data is represented in tabular form and in charts wherever required. The
findings of the study are, majority of the respondents arc well aware of the availability of
print and electronic journals of their university libraries, more percentage of respondents
usc the available electronic data bases mostly and usage of print journals is not
satisfactory. The overall perception and satisfaction towards the use of electronic journals
among the respondents was shown to be very positive. The usage of these resources can
be increased if users are motivated to usc these in the three selected universities by
providing them regular workshops, take the necessary steps to market the available
electronic and print journals in the libraries etc. Majority of the respondents prefer to use
both print and electronic journals and they are still demanding both types of journals for
fulfilling their information needs.
