International Conference on Library and Information Management (ICLIM)
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Item Library professional ethics and its related problems and challenges faced by Library and Information Science students during their library training(Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Rathnayaka, R.M.J.N.; Weerasooriya, W.A.Internships are hands-on experiential training for many careers. Many professional apprentices enter the world of work with the experience gained from these internships. Training and ethics are not concepts unique to the library field. It is an interrelated process if followed it will bring multifaceted effects. In order to successfully run any field in the world, one must maintain its own ethics as well as training. Training ethics are three fold, one is in trainee’s perspective, the other is in trainer’s perspective and the next is those who direct the trainees for trainers. Therefore, library training is essential to efficiently manage the library career of the students leading to the library profession. Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka also hired the students for the internship. Thus, students are employed in various institutions to get library training. Thus, it is essential for all institutions providing training to maintain a code of ethics related to this training. Accordingly, the principal aim of this research is to conduct a detailed investigation of the issues and challenges faced by students who studied library and information science during library professional training and to create a value system in developing a code of ethics associated with library training in anticipation of a solution. Accordingly, a researcher has used mixed methodology for this research. The sample used for this purpose is the 2015/2016, 2016/2017 groups of students who studied in the Department of Library and information Science including those lecturers who were in charge of training and some selected staff of the principal two institutions which offered training, namely the Library of the University of Kelaniya and the National Library and Documentation Board. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect the primary data. Accordingly, it was identified that many of the institutions that provided the training did not have a formal documented code of ethics of trainees. They used this trainee ethics by practice. A simple code ethics for trainees was stated in the Departmental training guide book/record book given to student trainees. Accordingly, a formal ethical system should be introduced for three categories namely the trainee students, those lecturers who are in charge of training and the trainers attached to training institutions.Item A study on the palm leaf manuscripts containing indigenous medical systems (with reference to Anuradhapura District).(Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Puspakumara, R.M.K.; Weerasooriya, W.A.The principal aim of this study was to explore the original Knowledge of Indigenous Medicine, which avails in the Palm leaf Manuscripts (PMs) in order to clear out what are indigenous medical systems practiced in Sri Lanka. History indicates that there was a prosperity in the Indigenous Medicine, which spread through popular usage, orally, as well as through PMs. The research problem of this study is the investigation of how and whether there existed an Indigenous Medicine in the PMs. The objectives of this paper are to examine the indigenous medical systems practiced in Sri Lanka conventionally, to identify the diagnosis methods in indigenous medicine and to explore the reasons for dwindling use of this valuable medical method. Method of the study was the historical method. Population was the PMs, which contained Indigenous Medicine in Sri Lanka. Sample of the study is 104 PMs which contained Indigenous Medicine that were available in the Anuradhapura district. Primary sources were the study of PMs, interview technique and field observation. When focusing on the Indigenous Medicine, main indigenous medical systems related to the medical subject like pathology, ophthalmology, pediatrics, gynecology, treatment of cancer, veterinary medicine, mystical medicine, science of healing and organ treatment revealed including the treatment of abscess were found. The methods of diagnosis were messenger method, care and treatment including use of certain medicines, pulsology, and venomology. The factors related to dwindling use of indigenous medicine and medical systems were the ignorance of the validity of this medicine, undue recognition, found including the deviation of the indigenous medical practitioners and their generations owing to socioeconomic and familial factors. The youngsters of indigenous medical practitioners were very reluctant to learn and use this practice instead, they prefer joining other employment. This has affected very seriously the propagation of this noble profession.Item Bibliometric Analysis of ‘Bibliotherapy’ in the Digital Environment: Based on JSTOR Scholarly Publications(Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Attanayake, Geethani; Weerasooriya, W.A.Bibliometric analysis makes a significant contribution to directing researchers to more effective studies even before they start reading. It also allows them to quickly discover research gaps in the field, inspire new ideas for research, reveal research trends and map the research field for conceptual, social, or cognitive purposes. Accordingly, the main objective of this article is to provide an analysis of publications on bibliotherapy in JSTOR from 2010 to 2020. The bibliometric analysis method was used as the research method for this study. Data were collected using a standardized search approach through JSTOR using the keyword "bibliotherapy". A total of 906 books, book chapters and journal articles on bibliotherapy have been published across the world during the relevant period. The retrieved data set was analyzed with the text-mining facility of JSTOR. The findings of the study will be important for researchers to conduct more effective studies of bibliotherapy and library professionals to support their clients.Item Importance of Staff Capabilities to Provide a Quality Service in University Libraries: Users’ Perspective in Sri Lankan Context(Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Arachchige, J. J.G.; Weerasooriya, W.A.The research methodology employed a sample survey, encompassing 2131 participants, consisting of 1638 undergraduates and 493 academic staff members. These individuals were selected at random from seven state universities across different provinces of Sri Lanka. A structured Likert-type scale, ranging from 1 to 9, was utilized to gauge the users' perceptions of service quality based on nine key staff capability attributes. These attributes encompassed qualities such as dedication to instilling confidence in users, personalized user care, the ability to address user queries, user empathy, competency in responding to user queries, dependability, courtesy and politeness, willingness to serve, and the ability to understand user needs. The analysis of the collected data employed descriptive analysis and importanceperformance analysis. These analytical approaches allowed for an examination of the gap between users' expectations and their perceived experiences in the library regarding the nine staff capability attributes. The findings of this research demonstrate that, out of the nine staff capability attributes, seven were perceived by users as highly important and highly performed. This suggests that library staff excel in these areas and meet or exceed user expectations. However, two attributes, namely, employees' caring for users and their proficiency in addressing user queries, were deemed both low in importance and performance. Notably, attributes related to instilling confidence in users and providing crucial component of university libraries, even in the age of crucial component of university libraries, even in the age of digitalization and automation. It highlights the need for libraries to focuse on developing and enhancing various aspects of staff capabilities, particularly in the context of the evolving digital networked environment. By addressing the identified gaps in staff capabilities, libraries can continue to serve as vital hubs of knowledge and support in the academic journey of students and researchers, enriching the overall library experience.Item The Impact of Natural Disasters on Library Resources and Services: with Special Reference to Galle Richard Pathirana, Matara Kumarathunga Munidasa and Tangalle Public Libraries(3rd International Conference on Library and Information Management, Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Chandrawansa, M.P.S.; De Silva, A.P.U.; Weerasooriya, W.A.Basically, public libraries that are situated in Sri Lanka mostly have been faced with lots of disasters that occurred in natural ways as well as manmade actions. This research was conducted, based on the research questions on how public libraries face any disasters and how they conserve and preserve their collections and do they have proper disaster management plan for their libraries, Throughout the research findings, it is crystal clear that any library does not have such kind of disaster plan, and lack of knowledge and weakness in management mainly caused the extinguishment of the libraries. This research has presented a proper disaster management plan based on the research resultsItem Study of Information Literacy Skills among Male Prison Inmates in Sri Lanka(3rd International Conference on Library and Information Management, Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Chandani, J.G.; Weerasooriya, W.A.The purpose of this study is to explore and explain the information literacy skills and information resources use by Sri Lankan prisoners. The study employed the survey research design. It recommended that prison administrators should be in collaboration with prison library officers and various organization bodies to introduce library hour, provide information resources and provide conducive environment in the prison to motivate information use by prison inmatesItem Use of Top Down and Bottom Up approaches in Library and Information Management (LIM) research with particular reference to the identification of a research problem: A best method for undergraduate and postgraduate study programs.(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya,Sri Lanka., 2017) Weerasooriya, W.A.Identification of a research problem has been considered as one of the difficult functions of the whole research process in a given field. Research problem and the research title are considered as two sides of a single coin that give a value for researching. Writing style of a research problem is different from its research title. In the advanced research process, first activity is the identification of a research problem while formulating a research title is secondary to it. Many novices including experienced researchers faced a challenge in this Research Problem Identification Process (RPIP). The principal purpose of this study is to explore how to apply top down and bottom up approaches in identifying a research problem. Other objectives are to examine the strategies applying in top down approach in RPIP, to investigate the strategies applying the bottom up approach in RPIP and to identify the best approach in RPIP in LIM. Method used a mixed method of research and the data collected through literature survey and their content analysis, experience matching, action research and followed by the observation. Strategy like getting hold or clutching of a research clue or research problem from a teacher or from any other person belongs to top down approach. Many students and novices are mindful of this strategy, which is not excessively appropriate. If a novice or student tends to deduce a research problem on his or her inner mind or self-observing or self-though it is considered as bottom up approach strategy, which is much appropriate. A student or a novice should apply techniques like literature survey and literature review for filtering a plausible research hints and research problem in this case. For this purpose, Database Search Approach (DSA) is time important. The best sources for LIM researchers are the scholarly articles and the quality theses and research reports. These strategies are belonged to bottom up approach. Books particularly the textbooks are not a worthy type of source in literature survey. Choice in the area of research problem, place of work and its internal and external environments, lessons belongs to study courses and ideas and hints given by the teachers of study programs, ideas of peer groups, seminar and conference approach which mean invisible college source approach, industry approach which means that research clues, hints or research problems are taking from libraries, information science organizations in a given country are belonging to bottom up approach. When a research clue or a research problem is instituted, discussion with a senior researcher or a teacher, peer groups is appropriate. In this case, Research Problem or Title Defense Strategy (RPRTDS) should be used. RPRTDS means a group discussion with a gathering of experience senior researchers or teachers with all peer students either undergraduate or postgraduate. Students do not prepare PowerPoint presentation at this stage and they do just a face-to-face discussion. After obtaining an approval in this gathering, the secondary method is asking all students to prepare a presentation using PowerPoint or any other method. After its approval, all students should be asked to submit a research proposal duly endorsed and signed by the supervisors appointed for each students. In this proposal construction stage, the role of genuine intervention of the appointed supervisor or guide is compulsorily and ethically needed.Item 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.Item A Bibliometric Assessment of the Intellectual Content and Recognition Level of the Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Weerakoon, W.R.W.M.A.U.; Weerasooriya, W.A.Bibliometrics enables quantitative description of scholarly documents, their impact and influence. This study explores “The Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka (JNSF)”; a globally recognized journal where the objectives were to assess (1) the subject coverage, (2) types of information sources consulted by authors, and (3) total citations received by JNSF. Articles in 40 issues (n=335) published during 2004 and 2013 in two five-year periods; 2004-2008 (P-I) and 2009-2013 (P-II) were analysed separately. Among the 9 major disciplines identified, most articles were related to biology, and agriculture; particularly biochemistry, plant sciences, microbiology and animal sciences. Increased research has been carried out in the fields of chemistry, biomedical research, geo science and engineering. Physics and mathematics were narrowly studied. The subject diversity and inter-disciplinary research have increased by 19% and 10% respectively. Several new fields of research have emerged while research in some areas are lacking. JNSF contains 7043 in-text citations with 176.1 citations per issue whereas 20.8 citations per article with an average increased by 56.2% during P-II. Journal articles were the most-cited material incessantly, followed by books, proceedings and web-resources. Citing local references per volume has lessened by 4% whereas self-citation has declined to 1.14%. Most references (23%) lies within 6-10 years. The ‘price-index’ was 19.82 while ‘citing half-life’ for journals and books were 11 and 15 years respectively. JNSF has received 366 citations with an average of 3.02 per “cited article”. Citing of JNSF has improved from 19.87% (P-I) to 50.56% (P-II). Certain recent articles received early citations, especially within the published year. Most articles (38.84%) were cited once whereas the citations received were highest in the first 2, 3 years after publication, and a rapid decline observed after the 5th year. The results revealed the information needs of researchers, existing and deprived research areas, and recognition of JNSF in terms of citations.Item Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka (JNSF), 2011 - 2015: A Citation Analysis(Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Pratheepan, T.; Weerasooriya, W.A.Citation analyses of research in developing countries are interesting for various reasons. The situation of Sri Lankan is rather exceptional.The Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka (JNSF) is the only Sri Lankan journal; indexed by the Journal Citation Report (JCR) from2010.This paper provides a citation network analysis of publications from the JNSF. The analysis covers publications in the journal from 2011–2015. The paper analyses the most published authors, most cited articles, uncited articles, most prolific authors, top institutions, collaboration profile of authors, and the nationalities of authors, that are most represented in the journal. 441articles were taken from the primary data source, the Google Scholar using Publish or Perish (POP) software. An analysis of 1056 citations was carried out using the POP online analytics tool and Excel. Results indicate that the 60% of JNSF research publications have received minimum of single citation.There are 998 authors have been contributed for 441 articles published during the study period in JNSF. In terms of collaboration profile, the JNSF’s authors show preference for “mega – authored” papers. Only 114 (26%) papers were single authored. The most cited article is Mosquito-lavicidal activity of some Sri Lankan plants written by Ranaweera, SS. published in 2013.