Usefulness’ of Library Information Literacy programs designed for the undergraduates’ reference to the Wayamba University of Sri Lanka

Abstract

With Collaboration of all Wayamaba University academic librarians, study was designed which increased students' information research skills, their awareness of other sources of technical information, and their communication and team building skills. This study was divided in to two main categories. The First one was theoretical knowledge sharing to the newcomers; Second part was practically experiencing what they are listing from librarians. This program had several hands-on trainings for Searching (Catalogue, e- Journals, Literatures, e- Theses,) Teaching method was Presentations and Mind Mapping. Introducing library materials and familiarizing to library classification and circulation databases are important lessons. Students from Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management and Faculty of Livestock Fisheries and Nutrition were selected. A questionnaire was used to collect data from students. Before library information and literacy program Data Analysis shows that both faculties’ newcomers 100% had a basic knowledge about library. Twenty-eight percent (28%) of newcomers have idea about the different sections. Only two percent (2%) of student know about reference materials and fifteen percent (15%) of newcomers know about library Classification. Almost 98% newcomers had no idea about university library and its servicers. After program feedback evaluation shows that 100% students had idea about what is university library and how it circulating services among readers. Ninety-nine percent (99%) have identified that their most favorite part is mind mapping. Ninety-seven percent (97%) have search online databases and complete their task given from library. Ninety-nine percent (99%) have complete reference source searching (searching definition, finding keyword, using encyclopedias, glossaries and dictionaries).