Functionality of university library buildings in Sri Lanka: a comparative study

Abstract

The Principal purpose of this study is to observe the function of library building in Sri Lanka. In addition, this research attempts to make an evaluation of university library buildings in Sri Lanka. University library is the highest place of education in any country. Therefore university libraries and library buildings are of great importance. These buildings play a significant role in the library services and successful buildings affect all the functions and services of the library. Objective of the study were to investigate the state-of-art of functionality of library buildings in Sri Lanka, to explore favorable factors which contribute towards the university library buildings in Sri Lanka, to identify problems and weaknesses which affect functionality of library buildings in university libraries, to explore the measures and steps that can be used for achieving the functionality of university library buildings. The method followed for this study was the survey research. The population of the study was the whole University library buildings, the professional library staff including university library users. Four universities were selected as the sample. Primary data was collected circulating two structured questionnaires among the first year, final year students, Librarians, Senior Assistant Librarians and Assistant Librarians in Universities. The overall results indicate that the staff and users are fairly satisfied with the current library buildings. All the libraries could provide functionality status for the library buildings and could address their current weaknesses. Before planning a library building, library professional staff should pay adequate attention to additional aspects such as university library of buildings, construction, landscaping, interior arrangement, lighting, furniture and equipment.