A Comparative Study on Weeding Out University Library Collections in Sri Lanka: special reference to Peradeniya, Kelaniya and Ruhunu University Libraries

Abstract

A university library is a formal corporation run to fulfill the university's objectives in a wide range. It should help to maintain educational sustainability in the parent organization. Therefore, it is essential to maintain an updated collection to maintain a sustainable library collection. The library weeding process plays a pivotal role in this regard. Thus, this study's objectives were to identify the weeding process of the university library collections, the problems and challenges associated with the weeding process occurring at the library, and to give possible solutions to overcome the difficulties and challenges. University Grant Commission-governed university libraries were selected as the study population, while three university libraries, namely, Peradeniya, Kelaniya and Ruhunu University Libraries, were purposely selected for the study. Questionnaires were used as a primary data collection method, and three questionnaires were administered to the respective librarians. Data analysis was conducted accordingly. According to the findings, a special methodology is followed by weeding out the university library materials. This research identified criteria, such as physical condition, relevance, historical value, reading levels, and material transcription, for consideration when selecting materials for the library weeding process. The specialized parties have taken final decisions, namely, the library committee and the Senate. Further, time consumed, lack of specialized staff, belief in the future need for books, unwillingness to reject sources of information, incapability to establish criteria for the purposeful misuse of library materials, non-cooperation from academic departments, and indifferent attitudes from higher authorities were identified as problems and challenges raised the weeding process. Audit objections and an inability to discriminate against unused material have also been identified as other challenges. Therefore, carrying out the weeding of library materials according to specific policies and methods, recruiting a trained staff to the library, getting the advice of experts in the field of library and information science for the weeding policies, and creating positive attitudes in the library staff are recommended through this study.