University of Colombo e-Repository

UCER (University of Colombo Electronic Repository) is a collection of scientific research publications by researchers at the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. This e-Repository serves to manage, preserve and make available the academic works of the faculty, postgraduate students, and research groups. The collection includes faculty publications, master's and doctoral theses abstracts. This repository is updated regularly, and new works are added to collections on a continuous basis

Guidelines

Authors are responsible for obtaining copyright permission from the publisher and submitting the signed declaration to ir@lib.cmb.ac.lk.

Recent Submissions

From Collections to Connectivity: Students’ Perceptions and Awareness of Academic Library Resources, Services, Systems, and Facilities at a Sri Lankan University
(University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka, 2026) Perera, W.P.G.L.; Johoran, S. Shabnam; Ayomi, P.M.; Adhikari, H.I.S.M.
This study was conducted as part of ongoing efforts to enhance service quality at a state university in Sri Lanka, focusing on students’ perceptions of the library’s services and resources. Understanding users’ perspectives is essential to ensure that library services align with users’ academic and informational needs. The study was conducted under the purview of the Library Quality Assurance Cell (LibQAC), with a specific focus on user services and feedback. The research employed a random sampling method, targeting both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires distributed via Google Forms, and the analysis was conducted using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The survey examined five key areas: perceptions of the library information management system, electronic resources, physical and digital collections, library training programmes, and infrastructure facilities. Findings identified that students generally held a favourable view of the library’s services and infrastructure. The library information management system and electronic resources, such as e-books and e-journals, were well received. However, awareness of the Institutional Repository and the International Monetary Fund collection was notably low. Similarly, students were satisfied with the physical collections and staff support, except for resources for visually impaired students, which require further development. The study also highlighted a need for improved promotional strategies for library training programmes and digital services, particularly the library website. The results underscore the importance of continuous user engagement, awareness initiatives, and system enhancements to ensure inclusive, accessible, and effective library services. The study provides actionable insights for library administrators seeking to strengthen the alignment of services with user expectations in a rapidly evolving academic environment.
Leveraging Google Analytics to Enhance User Engagement: A Case Study of a State University Library Website in Sri Lanka
(University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka, 2026) Senanayake, S.G.N.C.; Liyanage, R.D.; Ramanan, T.
This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a university library website using Google Analytics, which tracks and analyses website traffic and user behaviour to inform performance optimisation. With the Global Site Tag integration, data were collected over a twenty-four-month period from July 2022 to July 2024. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were employed to examine user behaviour patterns, traffic sources, and engagement metrics. The analysis revealed approximately 46,000 users, of whom approximately 44,000 (94.9%) were new users, indicating that a high proportion of visitors were first-time users. Engagement metrics included an engagement rate of 61.06% and an average engagement time of 1 minute and 53 seconds. The website also recorded a bounce rate of 42.7%, which warrants consideration alongside other engagement indicators. Correlation analysis identified significant relationships between selected variables. A moderate positive correlation was reported between device category and average engagement time (r = .560, p = .002), while strong positive correlations were observed between new users and sessions (r = .925, p < .001), event count and average engagement time (r = .780, p < .001), and engaged sessions and average engagement time (r = .926, p < .001). The findings indicate that device type, user interactions, and session characteristics were significantly associated with website engagement. The recommendations include (i) mobile optimisation for the substantial mobile user base, (ii) enhanced search engine optimisation strategies to increase organic traffic, (iii) website redesign with improved navigation, (iv) targeted marketing initiatives, and (v) continuous performance monitoring through Google Analytics. Overall, the study demonstrates the value of web analytics in informing data-driven decisions to enhance digital library service effectiveness.
Evaluating outreach engagement practices of public libraries in the Kalutara District, Sri Lanka, with special reference to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
(University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka, 2026) Perera, K.K.N.L.; Gamage, C.K.
This paper discusses the outreach and engagement activities conducted by officers in charge of public libraries (PLs) in the Kalutara District of Sri Lanka and their alignment with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The main objective was to identify and analyse the outreach activities conducted by officers in charge of PLs in the Kalutara District. The study also examined the associations between the level of outreach activities and the designation categories and educational qualifications of the officers in charge of these PLs. A structured questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. The entire population of PLs (N = 64) was included in the study, and the response rate was 67% (n = 43). Both thematic and statistical analyses were used. Six themes of outreach activities emerged: (i) Reading Promotion and Literacy Engagement, (ii) Health Awareness and Wellbeing Outreach, (iii) Skill Development and Livelihood Support, (iv) Mobile Library and Inclusive Community Services, (v) Cultural and Community Engagement Programs, and (vi) Environmental Awareness Initiatives. These themes aligned with activities and the educational qualifications of the officers in charge of PLs (χZ = 0.88, SDGs 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 15. No significant association was found between the level of outreach activities and the designations of the officers in charge of PLs (χZ = 3.77, p = .583). Moreover, no significant association was found between the level of outreach p = .927). It is recommended that outreach activities be integrated into a structured framework aligned with the SDGs, supported by capacity-building programmes, targeted training sessions, short courses, impact-assessment initiatives, monitoring indicators, institutional support mechanisms, sustainable funding pathways, and stronger community partnerships to standardise community outreach activities in the study sample.
A Qualitative Approach to User Satisfaction on Websites of University Libraries in Myanmar
(Sri Palee Campus, University of Colombo, 2026) Swe, T. M.
This study investigates user satisfaction with university library websites in Myanmar by exploring users’ experiences, expectations, and perceptions. The research involved users from six academic libraries and adopted a qualitative methodology using focus group discussions and individual interviews to identify key themes related to website satisfaction. Data were gathered through indepth interviews, and theoretical saturation was reached after interviewing 12 participants. A grounded theory approach was applied to organize and analyze qualitative data, while thematic analysis was conducted through an inductive research process. The findings revealed that user satisfaction plays a significant role in improving the performance, usability, and effectiveness of university library websites while also strengthening relationships between libraries and their users. Through qualitative analysis, ten major factors influencing user satisfaction were identified, and their effects on university library website services were examined based on users’ feedback and experiences. The study provides valuable insights for improving the quality and functionality of university library websites in Myanmar. Furthermore, the findings contribute to meeting user satisfaction needs and supporting the transformation of digital education services within Myanmar’s higher education sector.
Exploring the Use of Online Dictionaries Among Undergraduates in Sri Lanka
(Sri Palee Campus, University of Colombo, 2026) Silva, M. A. S. S.; Senevirathna, B. M. P. U. K.
It is common knowledge that the digital revolution in the 20th century transformed electronic and mechanical technologies into digital electronics. Online dictionaries, which explain word meanings via the internet, became a part of these digital electronics. Renowned for their convenience, they altered the use of printed volumes to dynamic and interactive digital resources. This study aimed to identify the use of different types of online dictionaries by Sri Lankan undergraduates, based on their purposes, and how much they help them more than printed volumes. An investigation was conducted into the problem, “How frequently do Sri Lankan undergraduates use online dictionaries?”, answering the research question, “Do they prefer online dictionaries over printed ones, and what are those types?”. To examine this premise, a quantitative research approach was applied by selecting a sample of 150 undergraduates from seven state and two private universities in Sri Lanka, using an online survey through a structured questionnaire. Its reliability was tested using Cronbach’s alpha, and it was pilot-tested by an English teacher, a journalist, and a native English speaker. Everett Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory, which explains how and why new ideas or technologies spread through a population, was applicable to this adoption of online dictionaries by the students, even over printed volumes, due to the relative benefits and compatibility. Hence, the findings revealed that 69% of undergraduates use e-dictionaries daily and several times a week, mostly for their academic work (80%). 84% have positively responded to the statement that “Online dictionaries help to improve language skills,” and 138 of them agree that they provide accurate definitions. 79.3% preferred online dictionaries over printed ones. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) and Google built-in dictionary are the most used dictionaries, at 29.3% and 24.2%, respectively. Ultimately, combining native language with the text and speech data, providing examples from different contexts, and adding games to practice language were recommended as plausible developments.