Library user behavior in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic situation in Training and Research Institutes in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The global crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, libraries in Sri Lanka faced unprecedented challenges, compelling them to transcend traditional roles. This study, conducted in Colombo, focuses on special libraries' transformation in the Western Province. Combining quantitative and qualitative methods, it examines patrons' needs, emphasizing the importance of online resources, digital collections, and social media networks. The findings underscore the demand for 24-hour access and remote facilities. Librarians, particularly in research and academic settings, are seen as pivotal in guiding information searches. Recommendations highlight the need for continual verification of online resources to ensure reliability in a rapidly evolving information landscape.