Collaborative Practices of Using ICT in Special Libraries in Sri Lanka

Abstract

With the rapid growth of information, it has had an impact on the library industry as well. Collaboration is important to every type of libraries. Often the information in all fields is important to the research community. Due to the rapid growth of information, research output, the collaboration is specific to specialized libraries. Other support services for special libraries, different factors affecting to the area in which the library is located, library resources, communication facilities etc. are some of the grounding factors where a collaboration is very much required when thought of special libraries. The problem in the study is why the collaborative practices required for the special libraries is in Sri Lanka, what is it present status, how it is used and so on. The main objective of the research is to study whether ICT is being used to implement special library collaboration activities in Sri Lanka. Other objectives include identifying information technology used in implementing collaboration strategies, identifying barriers when implementation of collaborative practices in practice, and suggesting strategies to mitigate barriers to collaboration. The study used the special libraries in the Colombo, Sri Lanka. 50 special libraries were selected as a sample in the Colombo district. It composed of 78% of special library category. This study applies quantitative technique. It is expected to use primary and secondary sources to collect data for study. For collecting secondary data books, periodicals, databases and internet sources are expected to use. It is expected to circulate questionnaire among 50 librarians in the selected for the sample. The presentation of data in the study is aimed at submitting logical information with tables and graphs with proper use of analytical techniques.The study is expected to be completed in the second quarter of the third year of the BA Honors Degree in the Department of Library and Information Science at the University of Kelaniya.