Abstract:
The need for management of change has become apparent to achieve the library
objectives and to be congruent with the University objectives. The technological
development has created information explosion with a large amount of information
resources that a single library cannot provide access. Most of the information resources
are published electronically. Library functions are being computerized. Changing needs
of information and information seeking behaviors of the sophisticated library user are
forcing libraries to advance the services with new technologies. The limited library funds
have to be utilised effectively to provide an efficient service.
This study attempts to identify types of changes applied, and the factors that influence
these changes at university libraries in Sri Lanka. How the application of management
strategies would affect the successful change was also examined. Focus was also given to
the investigation of how change management in university libraries affects the
effectiveness of their services. It was also aimed to understand the problems faced by
university libraries in Sri Lanka during the management of change.
The survey method was utilized as the method for the study. The instrument used for
gathering of data from 35 University Libraries was a structured questionnaire. 28 libraries
responded with data. Data analysis was completed with quantitative means such as
percentage analysis and Likert scaling and qualitative descriptions using graphical
presentation wherever needed.
According to the findings of the study university libraries in Sri Lanka are in the process
of implementing technological changes and most of them are successful to some extent.
