Usage of Bibliographic Information in the Online Public Access Catalogue: University of Kelaniya and Sri Jayawardenapura University Library

Abstract

A catalogue is a list of all the library materials that are contained in a library or group of libraries for the use of getting information related to the same materials. It is a rapidly developing and changing concept and also a tool with the knowledge and real-time technology of human society. As a result of computing development, the Online Public Access Catalogue was created. OPAC is an online repository of bibliographic data and information which any person can access in online. It is important that the catalogue is prepared in such a way that the reader can check from any location, while the library's catalog can be explored online. This research focusses the use of bibliographic information in the online public access catalogue. The objectives of this research are to identify the current status of OPAC bibliographic information, to study the optical bibliographic standards, to examine the OPAC’s bibliographic information, to identify the problems that exist in OPAC and to explore solutions for answering such problems and issues. This research is carried out through quantitative research approach. The OPACs of both University of Kelaniya and the Sri Jayewardenepura University Library have been selected as a sample based on a purposive sample among 15 universities in Sri Lanka. Interviews, questionnaires and observation techniques are used to collect primary data. The secondary data will be collected using academic journals, dissertations, databases and selected web pages. It is expected to analyze data obtained from the University of Kelaniya and Sri Jayewardenepura University Libraries.