The Extension Services Operating In Public Libraries of Sri Lanka: In Colombo District.

Abstract

The principal purpose of this paper is to explore the situation of the extension services provided by the public libraries in Sri Lanka. In this context, the extension services operating in public libraries of Sri Lanka were studied through five libraries selected among public libraries in Colombo district. During this study, active operation and qualitative status of extension services of different public libraries were taken into o consideration and presented about new tendencies, contribution of physical and human resources for development, service to the society, challenges and means of overcoming them of extension services. In this study, the research method was the survey method. Questionnaires, interviews and observation methods were used for the survey. Principally, information was gathered from librarians through questionnaires. In general, extension service are operated in a fair stage in public libraries. Seminars, lectures, discussion forums, users educating programs, users societies, movies, mobile library service and other extension services are offered by the public libraries. User education is in a good condition, however, user participation and use of novel technology are in a medium state. protection of culture of general public in this area is contributed by public libraries and they related extension services are being developed a proper methodology to access extension services in needed to be organized. It is required to take necessary steps to fulfill lapse of financial, physical and human resources which are essential for providing extension services, the need of efficient and trained library staff with latest knowledge could be achieved through preparing policies and planes for extension services. Use of new latest technologies, providing assistances and guidance to public libraries by national libraries, and provision of state assistances to the public libraries are essential for this mean.