An identification of Critical Success Factors (CSFs) on user perspectives in diffusing e-Information Service in the University of Colombo Library

Abstract

Access to fresh international research is a prerequisite for meaningful research endeavor. With the objective of providing online scholarly information, the e-Information service was established in 2003 and it was quickly became the hart of the library services and a catalyst for change and collaboration. The e-Information service of the University of Colombo’s leading edge resource based teaching and learning facility, provides a collaborative interdisciplinary environment where campus wide access is granted. Identification of CSFs and degree of user satisfaction towards the e-Information service were the objectives of this study. The method of collecting data was informal discussions with 10 postgraduate students, 05 undergraduate students and 8 lecturers who were familiar with using e-resources and where comfortable using IT in FGS, Education, Arts and Science faculties. Physical observations in e-Resource centers were also made. The data collection was preliminary focused on four key areas namely Infrastructure, Support, Resources and Patrons. Conducting e-Information Literacy Development Programmes, enhancing resource sharing activities, strengthening einformation acquisition and delivery procedures were important suggestions.