1st ICLIM - 2016
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/14900
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Item 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.Item Social Acceptance and Tenure of Library Profession in Sri Lanka: A Comparative Study with Special Reference to Public Libraries and University Libraries(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Ananda Tissa, R.D.; Weerasooriya, W.A.Library Profession has a history around 5000 years. Origin of library profession commenced in 19 century however, it was developed as a highly accepted profession in 20thcentury. There are several factors and characteristics to be defined as a profession. The Principal objective of this research is to study the social acceptance and status of library profession in public all university libraries in Sri Lanka. The other objectives are to examine the social acceptance of library profession in Sri Lanka, to explore the status of library profession in the institutional hierarchy, to identify the corelationship between the social acceptance and professional status, to identify the attitudes of the society toward the library profession and to investigate how social acceptance and status influencing the progress of library profession. Population was comprised of category 0lLawyers, Politicians, Students and Readers and the category 02 Doctors, University Lectures, Teachers, 200 trade professionals and the category 03 Librarians. Sample selected 300 representing category 01, 200 from category 02, and 100 Librarians from category 03, altogether c. 600 among total population. Cluster sampling technique used since the sample comprised of homogenous and heterogeneous categories and the collected data was analyzed using SPSS applying descriptive method of research. The findings were that meager social acceptance and status of library profession and libraries prevailed eventhough they provide quite satisfactory library service, under estimation and the value of communities towards the library services, inadequate knowledge and the access to information as well as the library services, unclear visibility of educational, research and world of work behavior of library professionals, pale and weaker attitudes and mentalities of library professionals and that there is an acute and concomitant influence from prevailing meager social recognitiontoward this social acceptance and status of a profession in Sri Lanka.Few policy suggestions are to improve the attitudes and response of authoritative, managerial, administrative politicalstakeholders including policy makers and the general public towards libraries, their services and library professionals by way of extending more public relations and cooperation extending the gravity and the visibility of library service among those categories. Within this context, establishment of a National Library and Information Science Commission (NAISC) and the drafting and the institutionalization of Sri Lanka National Library Services Manifesto (SNLSM) and making an effective and efficient library operation system and to formulate a unique recruitment, selection and job promotion policy based on skills, educational qualifications experience and professional competencies from lower to professionals staff level are few suggestions.Item Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) in Sri Lank: An overview(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Amarakone, L.R.Sri Lanka is rich in Indigenous Knowledge (IK) as is the case in many developing countries in the South Asian Region. The island is yet to be taken proper mechanism to identify, record, protect Sri Lanka’s IK. The islands IK consists of different cultural heritages of main different communities. Therefore, there is a pressing need to establish a mechanism for identification and preserve IK in Sri Lanka and also it becomes a challenge due to Sri Lanka’s complex social, religious and political history that mixes Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Islam beliefs and also the influence of colonization that took place in the 18th century. As seen above this island’s IK consists of many different cultural heritages of above main communities. On the other hand, formation of a viable mechanism in order to identify, locate, record and protect IK in the island becomes crucial in the phase of redevelopment and reconciliation of communities which is ongoing at present. This paper highlights the great achievements obtained by Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) in the past history in the areas of Ayurveda, Agriculture, Astronomy, Architecture, Education and sustainability of Sri Lanka’s ecosystem and water management. It also attempts to observe how the Sri Lankan IK system was sufficient and relevant and also supporting in maintaining a balanced healthy, social interaction and how IK need to be researched and adapted to meet the current challenges faced by the island nation. At present Sri Lanka is facing problems of poverty, conflict, inadequate education facilities, damages made to the ecosystem, non-communicable diseases such as high-blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol which increase the financial allocations for the nation’s healthcare system. Hence this paper attempt to analyze the aforesaid issues and proposes that being Sri Lankans need to clearly understand our IK systems and adapt them wisely in order to face the challenges that we are facing today.