International Conference on Library and Information Management (ICLIM)

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Author: search.filters.author.Weerasooriya, W.A.Subject: search.filters.subject.Library education

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    Design and development of a desired Graduate Profile (GP) for the BA (Honors) Degree program in Library and Information Science (BLISC) conducted by the Department of Library and Information Science (DELIS), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
    (Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Weerasooriya, W.A.; Weerasinghe, M.K.; Wanigasooriya, Priyanwada; Piyarathana Thero, Lagumdeniye; Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.; Chamara, K.A.T.
    The principal objective of this paper is to explore the design and development a Graduate Profile for the BLISC honors degree, at the DELIS, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka and to map it with the K-SAM model (Knowledge is what student can and should know, Skills is what they can and should do, Attitude is how they think and behave and should, Mindset is how they perceive and should perceive the world) developed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) Sri Lanka. Graduate Profiles are the descriptions of attributes like the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behavioral elements (characteristics, qualities, ethics and norms, way of behavior, vision, mission, mindset, world of work are also considered) which a parent university or the educational authority expects from its graduates through the contact and non-contact hours with a view to position these graduates as universal citizens recognized with competent, social, cultural, good mannered, employable and environment friendly groups fitting local, regional, national and international demands and requirements. This is a result of a qualitative study performed on the basis of action research, content, needs and SWOT analysis and observation and experience matching and also of an ongoing study covering the BLISC degree program and its undergraduates. All the local and foreign curriculum standards relevant to study were also used. The 14 attributes expected from the BLISC Graduates are the 1.Subject Knowledge Capable (K), 2.Skilled (S), 3.Behavior Changer (A), 4.Information Literate and Lifelong Learner (SAM), 5.Language and Communication Competent (SAM), 6.Researcher and Scholar (SAM) 7.Analytical and Critical Thinker (SM), 8.Agent of Attitudes (A), 9.Planner and Time Manager (SA) 10.Problem Solver (SAM), 11.Environment and Social Friendly Group (AM) 12.Courageous Leader (SA) 13.Honest and Cultural Obedient Person (AM) 14.Dedicated Serviceman (K-SAM) and the final goal expected from GP is to develop a Visionary Global Citizen. How the BLISC undergraduates realize the major domains of K-SAM developed by the UGC are marked and mapped with the 14 attributes of the proposed GPabove. The attributes are mapped and embedded in the BLISC Degree program. There are altogether 42 study units in the curriculum and out of that, 26 are theory papers, 11 independent assignment based units, three practical or laboratory based units, 01 industrial training unit and the independent dissertation, altogether 42 units positioning in total 123 credits. While total study units attempt to inculcate the Knowledge domain of the undergraduates, 22 units develop Skills and 08 address the Attitudes and 6 units focus the Mindset domain. The dissertation and the industrial training units both play a major role in K-SAM. In addition to the BLISC curriculum, the field trip, library workshop method, Library and Information Science Student Association, three students’ societies namely English, IT and Library and all other creative and social functions like Teachers Day have been planned to improve these four domain K-SAM introduced by the UGC. Everything is directed to achieve the objectives of the GP.
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    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.