1st ICLIM - 2016

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Research on Himalayas: A Scientometric Analysis
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kambaraman, B.; Srinivasaragavan, S.
Himalayas is one of the largest mountain ranges which spread across many countries in South and South East Asia having highest peaks in the world. It is aimed at identifying the range of research activities taking place on the Zoological, Botanical, Social, Natural and Geological aspects of the Himalayas, particularly documented in high impact journals and reputed publications across the world. To ensure the assessment of qualitative research documented on Himalayas, the researcher chosen the prominent and highly acclaimed indexing source of scientific research that is Web of Science, which is indexing 13,975 journals globally. The data downloaded for the years 1989-2016, a period of 28 years would reveal that there is a gradual growth with slight variations on the research output for the study period, particularly the current decade registered exponential growth in a consistent manner and the year 2015 recorded highest amount of research output. It is also found that citation trend correlated with the growth of the literature. As there is a gradual growth on the citations received by the publications on Himalayas research output, the years 2013, 2014 and 2015 registered large number of citations. There are 4,696 publications as the outcome; they received 81,994 Global Citation Score which include 48,478 citing articles with a high h-index of 116. The analysis shows that the research on Himalayas carried out in 115 areas by 10,229 researchers affiliated to 2845 research institutions spread across 94 countries. Of the total of 4696 publciations; 2151 articles are as the outcome of research funding from various agencies across the world. It is revealed from the study that the top countries alone contributed more than 50 % of the research, while India (40.2 %), USA (17.2 %) and People R China (14.9 %) were in top three positions. With regard to funding on Himalayas research, China (17.76 %) contributed a major stake which followed by USA (5.67 %), next holds India (2.70 %). With regard to research areas Geology (20.87 %), Environmental Sciences Ecology (14.16 %), Plant Science (9.73 %) are the top major areas in which the Himalayas research outcome is documented.
An Evaluative Study on the Services provided by the National Library, Sri Lanka
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Chathurani, W.M.P.E.
Among all other types of libraries, the role of the national library is to preserve the national memory of a given country for the use of existing and future generation. National library Sri Lanka provide number of user services. The objectives of the study are to identify different user services provided, to investigate their effeteness to examine the obstacle when conducting these services. The method of research in a survey and primary data collected using two questionnaires. One for 40 national library staff members and 50 users taken as a sample of the study. Data was analyzed using Excel software. Many users were unaware more user services in the library and there were not an effective user services owing to innasiguate ICT usage for user services scarcity of technical tools and the library staff. Even though the collection is versatile, users did not use it properly. Suggestions are to improve user awareness and user training programs and to apply new technologies in user services. It concluded that more and more effective and efficient user services should be provided by the National Library of Sri Lanka.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Information Disseminating through Using Social Networking Sites among B. Ed College Librarians in Salem District
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Jayaprakash, M.; Murugan, C.
The ability to disseminate and promote one’s work and research is an important component of managing and communicating information. By disseminating information, an organization can reach members of its target audience and have a greater impact on policy and programming. The Social networking site can serve as an invaluable tool in this effort to communicate the information across a wide audience. The present study shows that the social networking sites are an integral part of their social life. They use it to sustain and make stronger their offline connections and primarily for communication rather than entertainment. B.Ed College Librarians are active users of social media for academic purpose as well as for personal use. As this social media phenomenon is continuing to grow at a faster pace, it is important to understand the effects it has on Librarians. Given its popularity, researchers have considerable concerns about the effects of social media on students. The study also points out the popularity of social networking among the librarians in the College of Education, Salem District, and Tamil Nadu. 148 Colleges are running in Salem District. Survey method was employed to study the academic usage of the social media by the Librarians and exhaustively collects samples from the B.Ed college of Tamil Nadu. The population of the study consisted of 148 librarians. The sample size of the study comprised of 148 librarians selected through convenient sampling technique. The structured questionnaire was used for data collection.
Internet Use and Its Impact on Library Usage by Trainiees at Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA), Sri Lanka
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Ranawella, T.C.
This study focuses on the impact of Internet on Library usage, Navel and Maritime Academy (NMA), Sri Lanka. In this study, two hundred trainees attached to NMA were given a semi structured questionnaire to collect data. It shows that the usage level of NMA library is very low due to the personal laptops given with dongles to the trainees to access Internet directly. It is also noted that the opening hours of the library and the location, hampers the use of library. The researcher recommends that adequate funding to be made available to the library to provide electronic resources and to introduce training programs to enhance the knowledge of trainees on information retrieval and citation techniques to maintain academic honesty. The researcher also recommends to introduce a plagiarism software to the NMA library to prevent violation of copyrights.
Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Sri Lanka: A Study with Special Reference in the Field of Indigenous Medicine
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Gamage, C.K.
Indigenous knowledge, formulated by indigenous people or aboriginal tribes has been handed down from generation to generation for hundreds and thousands of years. Indigenous knowledge is a local knowledge that is unique to a given culture or society. Hence, it can be measured according to the measurements of the same culture itself. The earliest system of medicine that originated or was inherited by people who lived in Sri Lanka before the advent ofAyurveda, was indigenous medicine. This system was handed down from generation to generation, and has a long tradition with its roots traced back to pre Aryan civilization. This study aimed to explore the major information methods used in the system of indigenous medical field in Sri Lanka and how it transmitted this knowledge from generation to generation. The major research tools employed for data gathering were interviews, questionnaires and observation. Indigenous medical practitioners from two districts of Anuradhapura and Colombo were deemed as the study population. From this medical population, three practitioners were selected purposively from each and every ten broad categories of indigenous medicine ie. KedumBidumVedakam (Local orthopaedics), GedievanaPilika (Treatment of abscesses and tumors), DavumPilissumVedakama (Treatment of burns), VishaVedakama (Treatment in toxicology), EsVedakama (Ophthalmology), ManasikaRogaVedakama (Psychiatry), Balaroga (Peadiatrics),PinasRogaVedakama,VathaRogaVedakama and SamanyaSarvanga (Internal Medicine). The study revealed that both of verbal and non – verbal methods are equally used to collect, record, transmit and preserve the indigenous medical knowledge in Sri Lanka. Among them Vedageta, DuthaLakshana, Incantations ( Yanthra – Manthra), and Rituals (Yathu Karma) are the major verbal methods used and ola leaf manuscripts, hand written manuscripts and methods of kem are the major non – verbal methods involved. This study highlights that the ‘Generational succession’ is the main method of transformation of indigenous medical knowledge and relevant expertise to the next generation.
Use of University Library Web as a Marketing Tool in Sri Lanka
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Ranasinghe, S.; Konpola, K.W.A.M.
Marketing is not a new concept for libraries. The concept of marketing has been transferred from business world to service or to non for profit organizations since 1970s. Presently almost all libraries apply the concept of marketing for number of reasons. Common strategies in practice are advertising through various media and public relations. With the development and adoption of technologies, most libraries all over the world are exploiting the web as a tool for marketing. The study aimed at finding out whether the university libraries in Sri Lanka embraced with ICT in implementing marketing strategies through internet/web and present state of use of web sites as a marketing tool. Present study involved a survey based on evaluation of web sites of university libraries in Sri Lanka. Web sites of Universities under University Grants Commission were the population (15) and the whole population was selected as the sample. The researchers used four major criteria with sub categories adopted from Kaur, Kiran in 2009. University home pages and library home pages were assessed. Each and every website was evaluated for visibility, Networking, information and consultations and comments. Only a half (53%) of the universitylibrary web sites possess the direct links to university home page. 47% are hidden and are under Academic or some other heading and have to use several steps to reach the web page. 53% of library web sites have provided links to other external networks such as to universities, Library associations. Almost all the libraries have provided information regarding their collection, services and facilities. In all the library web sites e mail of the library and staff were indicated but only 40% have gone beyond that service such as “Ask – A service” or message service. It seems that marketing process is not carried out through the web in an effective manner though there are some adoptions and initiatives to use the websites as a tool for marketing. It was strongly felt that library professionals in Sri Lanka should pay more attention to market their libraries through web. They should reap maximum benefit from the ICT and, marketing concepts should be warmly accepted and introduced by the librarians.
Worldwide research productivity in the field of Data Mining from 2010 to 2015: a bibliometric analysis
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Balasubramani, R.; Kohila, G.T.; Elavazhagan
The main objective of this study is to analyze the growth of the research in the category Data Mining, a subject that has arisen over the last few decades. The study also aims to compare scientific production in the field of data mining between countries and evaluate the publication trend and authorship pattern worldwide. Study analyzed publications for journals between 2010 and 2015, with an analysis from the perspective of both quantity and quality. Furthermore, we have analyzed the international dissemination of research of countries through journals and the relationship with the authorship pattern to detect the published journals of each country.We have applied RGR, LOTKA’S law and Bradford’s law in this study. This study has observed a total of 9437 publications in Data mining research over a period of six years from 2010 to 2015 and indexed by Web of Science online Database indicates that the publication output in the Global level. The highest numbers of papers were published during the year 2015 with 1846 records and the following year 2014 with 1722 records. The least number of papers was recorded during 2010 with1238records. Overall, 26166 authors contributed in 2485 journals with 2674 records of the publications from 6350 number of institutions that were located in 113 numbers of countries. The highest number of the publications on 2269 records in three author productivity and followed by the two and four author’s productivity with 2005 and 1734 records of the publications respectively. The study revealed that USA occupies top position with 2626 publications followed by Peoples R China with1534, Taiwan with 693, UK with 642, Spain with 542 and Germany with 514 records of research publications respectively. First place goes to USA with2626 publications, first rank in terms of GCS with 22962 records of 113 Countries were contributed the publications.
Accessing the User Satisfaction of Information Literacy Skill Development Program: Special Reference to Faculty of Business Studies and Finance, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka
(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Gamlath, W.G.P.; Thusithakumari, W.M.; Malkanthi, D.G.A.S.; Jayawardana, K.G.I.
The innovations in information communication technology have influenced libraries to serve better and adopt the changes. The introduction and spread of electronic information sources are major developments in the libraries and information services in past decades. Today’s information seekers has been offered different opportunities to access to information resources in an increasing array and format. Therefore, role of the academic libraries changed in preparing students to handle the rapidly expanding range of information formats. Traditional Orientation programme is primarily concerned with ways of introducing general techniques of library use and services available, organization layout and facilities of the particular library. Academic libraries are given a fresh opportunity to attract first year students to the library and its services. Therefore, Information Literacy Skill Development (ILSD) Programme changed the traditional scenario and adopted according to new strategies. This paper mainly focused on user satisfaction of ILSD Programme special reference to Faculty of Business Studies and Finance (FBSF), Wayamba University of Sri Lanka (WUSL) also to share experience with other academic librarians. Survey method applied for the study and focus group was the new comers who actively attend fulltime to the ILSD Programme. Selected sample was 287 new comers of FBSF. A self-structured questionnaire with 9 main factors was distributed among the sample. According to the results, the satisfactory level of factors; clear explaining of library service/ facilities, effective multimedia usage, hands on training on e-resources, Brainstorming and Mind Mapping Techniques , OPAC, Library Classification System, Library Tour, integration of library staff and Time allocation is in the range from 87% to 98%. The study investigates that application of innovative practices to the ILSD Programme is more productive in challenging for this changing environment of global information era. Hence, the study recommended to libraries should go extra mile passing traditional Library Orientation ideas with strategies in more practical IL skills for sustainable development.
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.
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.