Browsing by Author "Bandara, B.E.S."

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Examing the research landscape and identifying gaps in digital reference services in sri lankan academic libraries: insights from literature
(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Bandara, B.E.S.; Hindagolla, B.M.M.C.B.
Digital Reference Service (DRS) is generally identified as the provision of online mediated reference services by specialized personnel using the internet and computer technologies to communicate with the users and the staff without being physically present at the libraries. The main objective of this study is to identify the core areas discussed in the literature regarding Digital Reference Services and the research gap in the context of Sri Lankan academic libraries. The Web of Science, Emerald, and Google Scholar databases were searched with the identified keyword combinations to achieve this purpose, and the study included 39 studies selected from a total of 788 articles by following the methodology set out in the PRISMA statement. These 39 articles were selected as the primary dataset for the research, and the researchers have followed the review of the studies method to obtain the results. The study is qualitative in nature. Data gathered was analyzed using the frequency of the themes, and it found that there were no research studies conducted on digital reference services in Sri Lanka that mainly discussed reference services in general. Hence, this study recommends conducting studies on digital reference services to cater to the demands of net generation users by minimizing the challenges identified through the literature. It will be most important as a proactive decision when facing pandemic situations like COVID-19 as a readiness approach.
Obstacles Encountered by Authors during the Publication Process of Books: An Investigative Study of University of Peradeniya Sri Lanka
(Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Premarathne, B.N.G.S.; Bandara, B.E.S.
Publishing books is an attractive mode of dissemination and sharing knowledge; however, it is a significantly challenging task for authors in Sri Lanka, particularly in the current critical situation in the country. The primary objective of this study was to identify and comprehend the challenges faced by authors in their book publication. The study population consisted of 32 authors who had published books in the years 2021 and 2022. Data for this research was collected via a survey that sought insights into the challenges they faced and the perspectives of these authors regarding the book publishing field. 72% (23) response rate obtained from authors predominantly associated with the Faculty of Arts at the University of Peradeniya. The survey sought to gain a more comprehensive insight into the obstacles faced by authors throughout the publication process and to discern their perspectives on the assistance and resources required for achieving success in book publishing. This research explores various facets of these challenges, encompassing aspects such as finding a professional publisher, marketing books, book demand limitations, limited copies acquired from the libraries, limited funds and lack of proper guidance or mechanisms to support the authors. Furthermore, the research findings elaborate on the suggestions made by the authors when seeking publishers, promoting their books, establishing an online presence, distributing their works effectively, and preparing guidelines for professional publications.