1st ICLIM - 2016

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/14900

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 130

Effect of Gender in ICT Literacy: A Case Study of Sri Lankan Trainee Teachers
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Amarathunga, P.A.B.H.; Pathiratne, S.; Weerasinghe, D.
The exordium of information and communication technology (ICT) into the scholastic sector engendered incipient gregarious typecasts and gender divergences. Since the invention of a computer, ICT-cognate activities have been viewed as a male domain (Brosnan& Davidson, 1996) or something for boys Reinen&Plomp, 1996). As several research reviews and meta analyses summarized, boys were more fascinated with ICT than girls, they were heavier users of computers, had more positive postures about computers and consequently outperformed girls in their ICT literacy (Reinen&Plomp, 1996; Volman& Eck, 2001). However, a number of recent studies evidenced that ICT-cognate distinctions between females and males abated mainly in the access to ICT and rudimental computer skills (Busch, 1995; Rainer, Laosethakul, &Astone, 2003). Meanwhile, gender inequalities now emerged in incipient areas of ICT use (Rainer et al., 2003). In Sri Lankan Context this study is the first one.This study aims to get an insight into gender differences of aspiring edifiers. Gender differences in self-reported ICT experience and ICT literacy among trainee edifiers are investigated. Dynamic model of ICT literacy is employed. Three main components of aspiring teacher’s ICT literacy are covered: (1) present general quandary-solving and technical ICT capabilities; (2) circumstantial and longitudinal sustainability; and (3) transferability of ICT capabilities into future professional domain. The study was predicated on self-assessment research methodology. The questionnaire coalesced multiple quantification implements and included seven components. The participants were the first year students at one of the Colleges of Edification in Western Province of Sri Lanka. Two hundred and seventeen students were enrolled in the program: Male and Female occupation was 66 (30.4%) and 151 (69.6%) respectively.Findings denote that no consequential differences were found between females and males’ precedent experience with ICT. Male respondents on mediocre operated computers considerably more hours per week than females. Consequential distinctions between males and female’s technical ICT capabilities and circumstantial and longitudinal sustainability were observed. Male marks were greater. In the regression analysis, when the influence of the contextual and ICT experience variables was controlled, gender failed to be a consequential presager of the sustainability scores. However, it remained a consequential prognosticator of some trainee edifier’s scores, cognate to their technical ICT capabilities.
Sanskrit Webliography– a Sample Strategic Initiative to Increase the E-Resource Usage among Academics in Sri Lanka
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Navaneethakrishnan, S.
This is a time of increased access to electronic information. E-Collections are very useful to all institutions and individuals to get instant, relevant, comprehensive information at doorsteps. In this information era, librarians should not only create useful products for the user, but should also develop knowledge of the particular online literature. They have designed, developed and tested some manual techniques and search tools. The objective of this study is to provide a sample strategic initiative to increase the e-resource usage among academics in Sri Lanka.Altogether different kinds of 86websites have been identified and selectedon random sampling method in this study for the development of this webliography. Mixed method consist of Facet analytical and Experimental method was used to design the webliography. The Basic structure of this webliography was designed following various procedures such as Selecting the topic;Searching the Web; Browsing and selecting the best ones among retrieved hits; Creating a web page; Choosing an informative title for the webliography; Writing an introduction; Entering selected/filtered links; Establishing hyperlinks; Preparing an index; Publishing by uploading it on the server to increase its usage. According to the findings it is found that these webliographies could be used as appropriate service strategy to increase the usage of electronic resources. Further university libraries are expected to concentrate more on the designing of these kind of webliographies for their teaching disciplines to increase the e-resource usage through their websites.
Relationship between the Designation and the Degree of Usage of the E-library by Academics of the University of Kelaniya
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Chamara, K.A.T.
E-library concept is popular in university library sector, and modern university libraries disseminate information using this method. E-databases, E-books, E-journals are the E-resources predominantly used in those. Many universities have converted their libraries in to digital mode and the conventional library materials they previously had, have now been replaced with their electronic counterparts. Kelaniya University library too, being one newly converted in to digital system possesses the above resources. Purpose of this paper is to report details of a survey conducted to examine whether designations of academics have a bearing on their e-library usage. Administration of Questionnaires and conducting interviews were the method used for data collection. 178 questionnaires were distributed using stratified random sampling method. Probabilistic equation was used to measure sample size and the proportion of the each strata. Most of the junior academics appeared to be making use of E-library sources for their research and teaching. Their popular E-resources were E-databases and E-journals. The use of E-materials did not appear to be satisfactory with regard to senior academics. The practice common among them for both teaching and learning was the use of printed materials. Thus, according to the survey the designation, academics hold in the university appear to have a bearing on their use of the e-library. For instance academics who hold high positions use e-library less while those belonging to comparatively low positons use this facility frequently. Therefore taking steps to popularize its use is a matter of utmost Importance. Steps such as workshops, Seminars are the remedial measures important in this regard.
Community Outreach Library Services in Rajarata University Library System in Sri Lanka: A System Approach
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Harshani, K.R.; Siriwardena, A.S.
The principal purpose of this paper is to explore the role of community service in academic librarianship conducted by the Rajarata University Library System. In this study it is expected to establish the concept of community service as a system approach for enhancing continuous lifetime library use by the communities from their early childhood up to mature age. The other objectives are to evaluate the development and the implementation activities in community service and to peruse the best practices leading to community success and growth.The principal notion of the community service is the exertion done by a person or group of people which benefits one or the others. Librarians can involvewiththe community for identifying their aspirations in advancewith view to offer a very quality service to the same community. Based on this view, Rajarata university library conducts numerous services for their community. In addition to the provision of pertinent information relating to the general functions of the library such as services, sections and resources, it is yet another opportunity to build relationship with students as they begin their school career. Library conducts numerous training programme for the public such as Primary level Student (Grade 1-5) O/L and A/L students, preschool teachers, pregnant mothers in North Central Province. Through these all programmes, it gives students and library officers of the particular library a chance to interact with librarians who are not always visible to the public. Library offers a range of service for children including various type of themes including storytelling, good reading habit, mind mapping concept, getting ready for exam, and the way of organizing home library.Therefore libraries can achieve great effects when they are with the community from their early childhood. Library staff can facilitate and support library efforts because they are linked into communities that libraries may not reach. Libraries have to attempt to show their strengths not only as a reading institution, but as a community services center. It is hoped that this study will be used as a model by other librarians who wish to develop service option in their own suburban communities.
Challenges of Information Management in Organizing Global Scale Events Using Technology in Government Establishments in Sri Lanka
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Gamage, M.N.
In the age of technology where information is constantly being produced, captured and analysed in many different methods for different needs that were never even imaginable would be possible to obtain. For the first time in entire human history, the growth and capturing of information had grown exponentially over the last decade. According to Eric Schmidt, the CEO of Google, the information that is being created in every two days is as much as the information that was produced since the dawn of civilization up until 2003. However, even when the world is at the technology revolution with the unimaginable amount of information, some organizations in the world are still very much disconnected with technology and uses legacy, traditional approaches for many projects. In large scale global events it is vital to use proper mechanisms to manage and update information as using the right information at the right time will make different tasks much cost effective and efficient. This study is based on one of the international events organized by a government organization in Sri Lanka and intend to discuss the effectiveness and efficiency of the processes had the proper mechanisms were used along with information management. It was also seen during the study that many challenges were posed when attempting to introduce technology for information management as many government employees used to work in legacy methods and reluctant to adapt technology even it eases the amount of work. Another important finding is that government employees were very rule abide and always think of working within the boundaries cross referring to the books and think if technology is being introduced the ways of tracking the work is not possible or is not legal. Therefore, before making every decision, it had become a habit of referring to the next level of authority till the highest level for approval even for a small task that is within the rule for employees to complete. Taking responsibility and accountability of work being done is greatly lacking in government systems. Hence using information and technology for special events such as the study analysed in this paper is greatly absent as employees don’t believe in electronic records even they are well valid in legal frame of audits. However, several sub bodies were seen making attempt to use technology for information management, but without the due support from its peers the effort is nothing but futile. Even when having top notch project scheduling resources like BaseCamp, it was hardly seen been used in this project. The information that was discussed and presented at meetings were widely ignored or people were only making notes of what is been assigned to them rather than looking into the project as combined effort, making it difficult to share information even through a tool such as BaseCamp. The objective of this paper is to discuss the challenges faced in organizing an international conference when there was lot of reluctant using technology and systems for information management.
Awareness of Knowledge Management Process among Librarians of Engineering Colleges Affiliated to Anna University of Technology, Coimbatore: A Study
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Parameswaran, R.
Knowledge Management [KM] originated in the early 1990 and is found to be successfully incorporated in government, health care and information sectors. This analytical study provides fundamental understanding on awareness of knowledge management processes among the librarians of engineering colleges affiliated to Anna University of Technology, Coimbatore.Survey method is followed to collect the data and questionnaire is used as a principal tool for the collection of primary data. The data is analyzed by using the statistical methods like Percentage analysis, Average score analysis, Rank analysis and Chi-Square (χ2), ANOVA and SWOT analysis to export the findings. This study focuses on the qualitative method that is used to investigate the understanding of knowledge management among librarians. This chapter describes the research design, sample selection method, data collection, hypothesis construction, data analysis framework, data processing methods and limitation of the study. It also provides with an overview about the statistical tool and methods applied for the research. The population of this research is the librarians of engineering colleges affiliated to Anna University of technology, Coimbatore which includes 3 government engineering colleges, 2 government aided engineering colleges, 141 self financing engineering colleges and 36 standalone institutions functioning at the time of the study. The major findings of the study revealed that the librarians of studied institutions have good awareness on knowledge management basic, resources and techniques. It is obvious that the ways of knowing of knowledge management process among the librarians are varied. The importance of knowledge management practices in libraries is accepted by most of the respondents. Due to the varying understanding of knowledge management processes, few of the respondents have a shallow perception of the knowledge management processes.
Mapping the Research output on Seismic studies: An Inter-Continental metric study
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Jeyshankar, R.; Vijaianand, S.; Ramasamy, K.
Quantitative study of a particular discipline has been and become the core area of metric studies in the inter-disciplined Library and Information Science research arena. The present study presents a metric analysis of global seismic research output for the period 1996-2015. The data is collected from Scopus Database. A total of 1, 63,821 publications were contributed by 163 countries with the per capita productivity of 1005. The data were exported to MS Excel for analysis. The study reveals that :European continent tops the list with 58190 documents (35.51%) followed by Asian continent with 55, 513 (33.88%) documents and North American Continent with 35764 (21.83%) documents.There is no correlation between number of countries in a continent and number of records. 42 countries in European continent have contributed 58190 documents altogether. Italy is in the first position with 8807 (15.13%) documents followed by UK with 8744 (15.03%) documents and France with 8068 (13.86%) documents.47 countries of Asian continent have produced 55510 documents leaving the per capital productivity to be 1181 documents. China tops the continent list with 50.52% (28046) of total Asian seismic research output followed by Japan with 7276 (13.11%) documents and Russian Federation with 5289 (9.53%) documents.Six countries in the continent have published 6823 documents. Australia, being the leader, has a lion’s share in the seismic research with 4735 (69.40%) documents. A total of 7289 records on seismic studies were published by 12 countries of South America. Brazil is the most productive country with 38.47% (1650) of total South American seismic research output followed by Argentina with 1012 (23.60%) documents.35 countries of African continent have published 3275 documents with a per capita productivity of just 81.88 records. South Africa is the most productive country in the continent with 838 (25.59%) publications followed by Egypt with 755 (23.05%) publications.USA, the most prolific country on seismic research, has 79.79% (28320) of total North American seismic research output followed by Canada with 5578 (15.60%) documents.United States is the most prolific country with 28320 publications constituting 23.64% of total seismic productivity followed by China with 28046 documents (23.41%). These two countries alone have contributed 47.05 % of world research output on seismic studies.
Electronic Information Resources Utilization by Medical Students in General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Library, Faculty of Medicine
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Rajapaksha, M.P.
This study evaluated the utilization of electronic information resources in General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Library by Medical students by addressing four objectives namely; identifying the awareness of e-resources by Medical students in General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, determining the level of use and the relevance of e-resources in General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Medical library, identifying the problems in accessing e-resources and lastly proposing strategies to promote the usage of e-resources by Medical students. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed to elicit data from undergraduate students from Medical faculty of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. One hundred and eighty respondents participated in the study. Data was collected by use of questionnaires personally circulated among the students and various documents analysis. The study found that majority of medical students, i.e. 80 (69.6%) did not aware about the available e-resources at the library. Further it was revealed that majority of the participants (67%) prefer to access both electronic and print version of information but whereas a few of the respondents 10 (8.7%) prefer to access print version of information. The main problem associated with accessing e-resources was poor internet connection. In addition, the utilization of e-resources was affected by lack of computer skills by the respondents. Results shows that more than half of the respondents (76%) had computer skills in intermediate level. Only 3.5% rated their computer skills as experienced. It is quite interesting, that the majority of the respondents (53%) use e-resourcesweekly. The above findings suggest limited use of electronic resources by Medical students, mainly due to unawareness of available e-resources at the library. In order to exploit the full potential of e-resources, the library should undertake a more active role in informing, promoting, and educating the members of the academic community in the university.
Contribution of Libraries in Preserving Intangible Cultural Heritage: A Study Based on Selected Public Libraries in Ratnapura District
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Indrasena, W.S.S.
There are two aspects in classifying the concept of cultural heritage. One is Tangible cultural heritage (TCH) the other is Intangible cultural heritage (ICH).Tangible cultural heritage comprised of physical items, artifacts and ancient remains. Traditional knowledge, Practices, folklore literary creations and human mental creations and designs belong to Intangible Cultural Heritage. Even though the UNESCO introduced a convention on this subjects, in 2003, still a national level well organization has not been instituted in Sri Lanka yet though some initiatives launched by the National Library and Documentation Services Board. Still important role has to be done by those organizations. The principal objective of this study was to investigate the contribution of libraries particularly the public libraries in preservation of ICH. In this context, study was conducted on the verbal tradition depicted in the folklore. 14 public libraries in Ratnapura district were used a study sample. It was found that all libraries only limited to routine a collection development and no any library involved in the expected task. This has happened owing to that librarians are unaware the importance of ICH and the contribution and the programs related to ICH by the National Library are not known by the librarians. The lack of knowledge and understanding in collection and preservation method related to these traditional swore by the librarians was the other reason. The other problems were that villagers did not recognize the value of ICH, there was no legal framework of preserving ICH and the scarcity of trained human resource and relevant technologies in collecting and preserving the ICH. Suggestions are to train the librarians in collection at preservation of ICH, to take the National Library full responsibility of leading, guiding, preparing legal framework, giving full publicity of the role and importance of preservation of ICH.
History and Development of Library Education in Sri Lanka: With Speed Reference to the Period after 1948
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Udarini, D.N.A.U.C.
Information and Information services play a significant role in the development of a country. Professionally trained, experienced and qualified personal needed for the provision of information services in a country. Hence library education system has been evolved in other countries as well as in Sri Lanka for this purpose. The fundamental problem related to library education is the evolvement of library education on non-formal base. The principal objective of this paper is to explore the history and development of library education in Sri Lanka. Based on the hypothesis the “Slow growth is the basic feature of Sri Lanka library education”, the other objectives formulated were to investigate Sri Lankan library education movement based on historical record of after 1948, to examine the institution and resources persons contributed library education and to identify the problems related library education. It was identified the real growth of library education started after 1950 and one of the key features is the formation of several school of thoughts. The slow growth pattern is the other principal feature. Fundamental problems identified were the non-availability of standardization and quality assurances on a library education at national level as well as non-availability of a responsible coordination organization for developing unique criteria and policies on library education in Sri Lanka. The fore suggestions are mode introduce and start library education standards, quality assurance all accreditation, making strategies for the cooperation all the coordination of library education institutions and programs, introducing new code of ethic and conduct for the speedy development of library education in Sri Lanka.
Factors Affecting the Reading Habits in the Digital Environment: A Study of Undergraduates of Faculty of Islamic Studies and Arabic Language at South Eastern University of Sri Lanka
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Jazeel, M.I.M.; Dehigama, K.
The impact on the digital environment for reading habits has been widely addressed on global level. While there is no adequate number of studies in Sri Lanka, this research attempts to explore the factors that enable or inhibit the reading habits of undergraduate students of South Eastern University of Sri Lankain the lights of widespread availability of digital formats. This study employed a single case study approach. A survey was used as the method in collecting thedata. The population of the study was randomly selected from the undergraduate students of Faculty of Islamic Studies and Arabic Language at the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka. Drawing 20% of the total number of students 218 wereselected for the study. 203 completed questionnaires were received. The study revealed that integration of technology into the lives of students has widely affected their mode of reading. Availability of smart phones and laptops among 78% of the undergraduates tend them to spend more time online. Majority of the undergraduates indicated that they were not able cope with the screen-based reading. 65% of the students indicated that they are in favor of reading printed academic materials in print form. Students use new technological devices for light reading, while printed materials are used for serious in-depth reading. The study demonstrated that the wide availability of new technological devices prevents students spending more time in reading printed materials. Similarly, the study implicitly found that undergraduates do not read online journals/articles, due to the factors such as lengthiness, problems associated with the access, and they are of the opinion that those materials are too serious. Outcomes of the study implies that urgent measures should be taken by both teaching staff and librarians to promote health reading habits among undergraduates those who read less but spend more time online.
E-Journal for Professional Development and Research: Special Reference at Madurai Kamraj University
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Padma, P.
The technological development in the use and delivery of information media has changed the role of library professionals. The print media is getting digitized and through the advent of internet, the information is available to anybody from any corner of the world. The use of e-journals and e-books has created a new source of information to the professional development of the research scholars and students. E-journals very important source for the professional development and research. E-resources are becoming vital to carry any meaningful research. Scholarly communication is the root of scientific and technological progress. Scholarly communication system is being carried out worldwide, particularly with respect to electronic journals. E-journals and e-books are electronic equivalents of their print counterparts possessing many added features. E-resources offer a range of potential advantages to libraries and research scholars; multiple simultaneous access to the same issue, remote access, in-built searching facilities, multimedia capabilities and reduced storage concerns. Libraries today buy licenses for an ever-increasing number of e-journals from a range of different publishers and providers. Consortia based library subscription to E-journals and electronic full-text databases are picking up good momentum in worldwide. It was implemented a web-based electronic refereeing system for an electronic journal whose many value-added features are described in detail in this paper.
Usage of E - Resource for Academic Purposes among the University Temporary staff: special reference with faculty of social sciences, University of Kelaniya
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Sewwandi, H.K.I.; Jayawardana, M.C.N.; Wimalawansha, B.G.U.N.
Electronic Resources have become a necessity in the modern information society. Today information and communication technology has given more opportunities for the information seekers, scholars and researchers. This new trend has changed expanded and added value to the library collections as well as has widened the scope of the library user communities. E Resource comes with various forms such as E- books, E-Journals, E-Databases etc. Through the electronic media temporary academic staff makes aware himself with the current information and updates. The study investigated the usage of E-resources by the Temporary staff. The objectives of the study were to examine how the university temporary staff search required information through the e-resources and how they use e-resources for their academic purposes. Structured questionnaires were distributed among all the temporary staff in the Faculty of Social Science, University of Kelaniya. Questionnaire was the main data gathering method. It was identified that from the total population only 74% use electronic media for their academic works. According to the results 40% percent of temporary staff uses e-books to search information, 15% percent use online databases and 19% Percent of students use e-Journals. 26% Percent of staff didn‘t appear to use electronic media for their academic purposes. Major Reason for this issue is staff used to go for the university library for search information without electronic concept. Other Problems were lack of awareness about electronic media, Connection problems Suggestions were made to conduct training sessions, workshops in order to awareness among stakeholders.
Perception and Utilization of Social Networking Sites among the Research Scholars of Library and Information Science in Tamil Nadu
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kavitha, E.S.; Uma, T.
Social Networking refers to the means of interactions among people in which they create, share, and exchange information and ideas in virtual communities and networks. This study aimed to study the purpose and benefits of using the SNS, and also wants to flash light on regularity of using SNS for various entertainments, academic and Information sharing by the research scholars of Library and Information Science. A structured questionnaire was designed and randomly distributed to 85 research scholars of Library and Information Science in Tamil Nadu. After collecting the data, SPSS 16 Software was employed for the analysis. Percentage analysis, Mean, SD, MANCOVA test were used to show the interrelationship between variables. PhD scholars are only giving more importance on sharing of information for various purposes compared with updating their professional related activities. It is significant to know that the research scholars are benefited by SNS for research through e-learning process and make new friendship. Majorities of the research scholars have been using the Google Scholars, Academic.edu for information sharing such in citation, publication and knowledge sharing. It is pathetic to mention that more number of research scholars are not aware of Research Gate, citation sites such as Mendeley and Zotero. Factors like the age of the research scholars and their seriousness of Library Science play an important role in the application of SNS for entertainment purpose. It is also highlighted that M.Phil and Ph.D scholars of Library and Information Science use SNS for academic purpose. What this paper wants to highlight on is, on the difference in sharing the kind of information among the M.Phil and Ph.D Scholars.
Preservation and Conservation of Digital Resource Practices in Academic Libraries in Coimbatore: A Study
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Sarangapani, R.; Mangiyakarasi, A.
A survey using a structured questionnaire was adopted to study preservation and conservation practice in academic libraries in Coimbatore. The study revealed that there was no written policy on preservation and conservation in nearly all libraries. In addition to the lack of written preservation policy, the lack of trained manpower and lack of funding were the main constraints for preservation and conservation practices. Higher authorities and policy makers need to be initiated inn of staff and budget not just for preservation but seemingly for the long term survival of libraries.
Trend in Reading Novels by the Students of Art Faculty: With Special Referee to Kelaniya, Colombo and Sri Jayawardhanapura Universities
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Madhusanka, N.M.A.N.; Atthanayaka, M.
Printed Media has been a very closer medium to everyday personal life of people. Special feature of novel is the exposure of personal life at human kind to the society and lay person considering the view it in very valuable how far the university students are very closer to reading novels. The Objective of this study is to investigate the factors affected in minimizing the time spend for reading, type of novel reading and the number of novel rending amang University Students. What and how the trend of reading novels by the university student was the research problem of this study. The hypothesis constructed for this purpose is that is the university students of Arts faculty show a decline in reading novels. The study limited three universities in Sri Lanka namely Kelaniya" Colombo and Sri Jayawardhanapura. Population was the Art faculty students and sample was 100 students based on random sampling technology. Primary data collected using a Questionnaire and a n interview. Through this study, it collected that students in Art faculty showed a decline in reading novels. The factors for this were non closer at novels for personal life of the students, confinement of students to word study only owing to semester system, economic hardships, hectic life and restlessness, non-issue at productive and quality novels and the gradual deviation from reading novels owning to students preferences for using new media. It revealed that steps like literary discussion, criticism and discourses, literary workshops, improvement of library usage, change of attitude in reading are to be taken to make more close to reading novels by Art students.
Characteristics of Documentation patterns of Sri Lankan Tamils
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Srikanthalakshmi, A.
Sri Lankan Tamils have a rich tradition in art of writing which is prerequisite of any bibliographic activity.Documentation in its widest sense used to address the recording of data, events, information and even knowledge for variety of purposes. It involves work of both compilation and editing.Documentation work related to compilation is categorized into two major divisions as source type and tool type documentation while work related to editing involves with reproduction and creative documentation. This study specially focused only on documentation work related to compilation.In this study an attempt is made to identify some characteristics of the documentation works of Tamils living in and outside of Sri Lanka.Objective of this study is to identify the Documentation patterns of Sri Lankan Tamils. Different kinds of 150 works have been selected on random sampling method for this study. Using both descriptive and exploratory research methods, this study explains the identified characteristics of documentation patterns of Sri Lankan Tamilswith the analysis. Since all the outputs derived from documentation have the reference value and they are treated as secondary information resources which are produced from primary resources, the resources taken into this study has been categorized into two major divisions as Source type documentation (86nos) and Tool Type documentation(64). In the Tool type documentation works, majority of the works (59) are identified as providing merely bibliographical details, 46 works are descriptive in nature and 4 works provides annotation. In source type documentation 24 works comes under full text documentation. Each category has further been classified on the basis of type of documents and most of on them (40 Nos) are focused on books.Involvement of non-librarians in documentation activity is higher than library professionals. Majority works (48nos) were identified as providing information with national scope. Systematic arrangement was given priority in most of the compilations. Quantitative analysis shows near to half of the works were done during 2000-2016. This study could play as an evidence for the historical development of documentation culture of this nation in general and specific ethnic groups in specific.
Awareness and Usage of Smartphone Applications for Information Sharing Tasks among the Research Scholars of Periyar University- An Analytical Study
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Gomath, P.; Rubinandhini, A.
Smart phone has been spread among the world wide to day. A smartphone is a mobile phone running a complete operating system in a manner similar to a traditional computer, which offers advanced computing abilities and connectivity options. A smart phone is a cellular telephone with an integrated computer and other features not originally associated with telephones, such as an operating system, Web browsing and the ability to run software applications. The Smartphone apps are defined as software applications for use on mobile devices and made available through the app store. Globally, there has been much research done on the mobile applications. They may include education apps, games, diaries, planners, maps and more. These features enable new kinds of mobile services that in turn shape the usage habits of smart phone users. This paper surveyed the “Awareness and usage of Smartphone Applications for information sharing tasks among the research scholars of Periyar University- An analytical study. It examines the students Smart phone usage and how it affects them and role of Smart phones play in their studies. Questionnaires were designed and sent out to 240 respondents of the Ph.Dscholars in various departments of Periyar University, Salem. Out of the 240 questionnaires distributed, 237 were completely filled and returned back, giving a return rate of 99%. The data have been collected using simple random sampling methods. The data collected were analyzed using frequencies; percentages and graph representations. It was recommended that students should learn to manage their time properly and to promote the learning process.The study mainly addresses of the department wise users, gender wise, the purpose of using a smartphone, time spend, type of smartphone usage, usefulness and problems in using smartphone applications.
Quality Assurance and Quality Enhancement in Higher Academic Libraries: An Indian Perspective
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Duraimurugan; Srinivasaragavan
Quality is a process of continuous improvements and developments which focuses on small details, that leads to satisfaction of the end user over the products and services. Quality is defining element of any process, product of the system. Particularly, the present knowledge society warrants the phase of rapid developments which needs continuous and systematic quality assurance and sustenanceinitiatives in all spheres of domains and activities. Higher education being recognized as global service even in developing countries, it needs to adopt international standards in teaching learning and research practices so as to elope with the higher education institutions across the globe. The corporate and industrial sector emphasis to establish their stake even in remotest of the remote locations in Asian and African continent. It necessitates skilled and qualified human resource potentials with international outlook and it could be attained by provision of quality education. Government of India initiated quality assurance and accreditation system by establishing formal organizations such as NAAC & NBA in the year 1994 to assess and accredit Higher Education institutions and the porgrammes. During the last two decades, the quality assurance, sustenance and enhancement parameters, standards of these organizations have been changed and revised as to the prevailing conditions and expectations at the national and international level. Standards and quality indicators for higher academic libraries also have been changed and revised many times by giving more emphasize on the output of accreditation and quality of the institutions. It paves the ways and means for a great number of higher academic libraries to improve the quality of LIS. This paper aimed at identifying and bringing out quality initiatives, accreditation parameters, best practices and academic libraries standards that were exercised and the impact made on improving the quality of Library and Information environment. The work also highlights the standards of library set by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), National Board of Accreditation (NBA), and Distance Education Council (DEC), State government Higher Education agencies of India in comparison with global library accreditation parameters. This study also reveals the scores of library accreditation and its correlation with the overall institutional assessment. It is found that a good number of Indian Higher Education institutions libraries were gone for third cycle of Accreditation.
A study based on the Use of Indigenous knowledge in Mirigama Divisional Secretarial Division in Gampaha District
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Jayawardana, M.C.N.; Wimalawansha, B.G.U.N.; Sewwandi, H.K.I.
Indigenous Knowledge is the knowledge that refers to the matured long-standing traditions and practices of certain regional, indigenous, or local communities. It is the knowledge which includes assumptions and beliefs. “Indigenous Knowledge is the knowledge developed around the specific conditions of the environment indigenous to a particular geographic area. Indigenous knowledge is cost effective, readily available, socially desirable and economically affordable” (Singh and Misri, 2006) The main objectives of this research is to find out the Indigenous Knowledge systems in Mirigama Divisional Secretarial Division, Study about Usage of past and present status of Indigenous Knowledge and preserve Indigenous Knowledge for future generation. The methodology of the research is the servey methed because of it’s a Qualitative research. The data for the study was gathered from Mirigama Divisional Secretarial Division in Gampaha District and five Gramasewaka Divisions has choosen as a sample for the study. The study is descriptive and participatory in nature. Direct participation, Observation, interviews and focus group discussions were used to obtain information. Further secondary sources such as books, Journals and electronic resources were also used. In this research can be identified main traditional systems namely agriculture, cane industry, Clay industry and traditional medicine ways. People who are in this area still use indigenous knowledge for their works and also livelihood. But in the present this knowledge is destroying. Since the indigenous knowledge used by this community has to be recorded and preserved for future generation use.