DSpace Community:http://archive.cmb.ac.lk:8080/xmlui/handle/70130/52024-03-29T04:54:06Z2024-03-29T04:54:06ZA Comparative Assessment of the Automation Status of University Libraries in Sri Lanka: Current Practices and New TrendsSomaratna, Sajeewanie D.http://archive.cmb.ac.lk:8080/xmlui/handle/70130/72562024-01-10T04:01:03Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: A Comparative Assessment of the Automation Status of University Libraries in Sri Lanka: Current Practices and New Trends
Authors: Somaratna, Sajeewanie D.
Abstract: Over the past three decades, the traditional university library system in Sri Lanka has undergone several changes as a result of technological advancement. This trend has become increasingly pronounced as university libraries in Sri Lanka have advanced in their automation status. This study intends to evaluate the status of library automation practices and assess the status of such applications in Sri Lankan university libraries. The total population sampling method was applied, and data was collected from 16 state university libraries in Sri Lanka, under the purview of the University Grants Commission, Sri Lanka. Currently, Koha Open-Source Software (OSS) has been adopted by all state university libraries in Sri Lanka. The most prominent reason for switching to Koha OSS from commercial software is the difficulty of customizing the commercial software according to each library’s requirements. To secure the library collection, the majority of the university libraries in Sri Lanka use only manual security systems, and they have employed an outsourced security team or library staff for security purposes. The rest of the libraries use sophisticated security gates powered by RFID or electromagnet detectors. Among them, 18.2% use security gates compatible with electromagnet tapes, while 15.2% use RFID security systems with RFID-compatible gates. Results reveal all the university libraries in Sri Lanka have adopted partially or fully automated circulation systems. The circulation process in 97% of libraries is partially automated, and they use barcode readers and/or RFID workstations. Only the Science Faculty library of the University of Colombo has implemented a fully automated circulation system with self-check-in/out machines powered by RFID technology. Insufficient funds, interrupted power supplies, and poor infrastructure facilities are the most prominent difficulties for the automation process. Most of the libraries proposed increasing the library allocation as a solution to overcome the obstacles of the automation process. Frequent studies are recommended to identify updates in the automation process of libraries in Sri Lanka. Keywords: Library automation, University libraries, Koha OSS, RFID, Sri Lanka2023-01-01T00:00:00ZUse of digital information resources and digital assistive devices by the undergraduates with visual impairmentsLankathilake, M.A.Ramanan, T.http://archive.cmb.ac.lk:8080/xmlui/handle/70130/72542023-11-29T04:16:43Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Use of digital information resources and digital assistive devices by the undergraduates with visual impairments
Authors: Lankathilake, M.A.; Ramanan, T.
Abstract: Visual impaired undergraduates (VIUs) mostly rely on digital information resources (DIR) for
accomplishing academic tasks with the help of assistive devices and technologies (ADT). Despite the
availability of latest technologies and devices, accessing such DIR by the VIUs was affected by many
other factors. Technological improvements make digital devices more accessible to the VIUs.
Accordingly, the nature of the use of DIR also changed. Therefore, it is important to investigate the use
of DIR and ADT under the present circumstances that created new challenges. Previous research studies
on this topic focused only on the responses of the VIUs, but finding out the observations of other related
parties is equally important. This study aimed to find out the use of DIR and ADT by the VIUs and
investigate the challenges faced when accessing DIR and using ADT. The study adopted a qualitative
research approach and interviews were conducted to collect data. The study population (n=77) was the
VIUs in three state universities in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Additionally, selected teachers of
VIUs, and library and special center staff who support them were interviewed. Descriptive statistics and
thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. Qualitative data were visualized using NVivo 10.
Google and other search engines (52.7%) were mostly used to get information, followed by social
media. Smartphone (83.8%) was the mostly used device. Laptop or desktop with a screen reader was
ranked the second highest-use device by VI students. The lack of subject-related audiobooks, followed
by poor Internet connectivity and the cost of mobile data were the key issues faced by them. The lack
of compatibility of screen readers with some websites and PDF documents, and the inability to employ
screen readers to access Sinhala text was the second most prevalent issue encountered by the
respondents when using assistive devices. The most challenging factor was the high cost of assistive
devices which prevents them from using them unless provided by libraries or disable-units. Devices
such as smart phones and laptops were frequently used compared to traditional assistive devices. Access
to the Internet and online information resources has increased as devices are more user-friendly to the
VI in accessing the Internet although certain challenges need to be addressed. It is recommended to
conduct training to enhance IT and language skills, andto develop self-confidence in learning new
technologies. Institutions have to provide the required facilities and resources.2023-01-01T00:00:00ZIdentification of Information Needs of Local Herbal Industry Using Critical Success Factors ApproachAbeysekara, K.H.T.Gamage, Ruwanhttp://archive.cmb.ac.lk:8080/xmlui/handle/70130/72532023-11-15T07:33:03Z2013-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Identification of Information Needs of Local Herbal Industry Using Critical Success Factors Approach
Authors: Abeysekara, K.H.T.; Gamage, Ruwan
Abstract: Aim of this study was to identify information needs of local herbal industry through
identifying CSFs pertaining to the local herbal industry. This was a qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with the
industrialists selected on the purposeful sampling method. Three local herbal manufacturing
institutions were selected and from each institution a manager from general management,
production / research and development and marketing were selected as the data collection
must traverse entire organization and altogether nine interviews were held.
After refining the data collected from the interviews, raw data statements were identified
and they were converted to Activity statements. The identification and creation of the
activity statements takes the raw data and transformed them into manageable statements ...2013-01-01T00:00:00ZUse of GIS Technology as a Tool for Locating Public LibrariesSiyambalapitiya, S.C.D.Gamage, Ruwanhttp://archive.cmb.ac.lk:8080/xmlui/handle/70130/72522023-11-15T07:20:09Z2021-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Use of GIS Technology as a Tool for Locating Public Libraries
Authors: Siyambalapitiya, S.C.D.; Gamage, Ruwan
Abstract: Due to its versatile nature, GIS provides a vast platform for the managers in decision making. GIS can be
used in the management of public libraries too. Public libraries play a major role in the development process
by upgrading educational levels in general and the literacy level in particular. Sri Lanka has 1199 public
libraries. However, the public libraries must be correctly located in order to cater to the society at large
with the notion that no any segment of the society could be marginalized in terms of access to information,
and each citizen has the right to access information without being discriminated. It is believed that public
libraries are publicly utilized when they are located in the correct places wherever deserved. This paper is
aimed at analysing some key literature findings which forms only a part of a bigger research area,
addressing the question whether public libraries are accessible to the population in local authority domain
areas of the Uva province. The study fulfilled this knowledge vacuum by using GIS technology in locating
public libraries. The Uva province was selected for the study considering its socio-economic status with the
minimum provincial population in education attainment, low literacy rate and poverty incidence. Through
this study, the service areas of public libraries in the Uva Province were identified and this will help most
of the users to use this service qualitatively.2021-01-01T00:00:00Z