Collaboration and Sharing Resources and Services among Institute Libraries of the National Universities in Sri Lanka: with recommendations for improvement.

Abstract

The need for resource sharing among libraries has become even more important today with constraints of finance, space, and manpower. Specific objectives of this study were to develop a database / directory on the resources available in the institute libraries, to find out the strengths and weaknesses of the institute libraries and librarians in the University sector and to help each other to overcome the weaknesses. Study used a multi strategy approach called ‘triangulation’ to collect data. Literature review, questionnaires, interviews and the documents generated by the organizations were used as study instruments. This study delineates the ways of collaboration and web-based library cooperation with the conclusion that the automation of libraries and effective formation of country consortium can only promote the effective library cooperation for access to worldwide information and global resource sharing. Current study also recommends that the government or UGC should take up development projects to provide appropriate digital library databases and provide ICT training at global standard. Further, the study recommends that the libraries should seek for workable partnership efforts. Therefore the benefits derivable will help them to optimize information services delivery. Partnership among libraries and related institutions should be strengthened by the leaders of the organizations through understanding. The partnering parties should cope with changes through professional development, so that they can adapt to their new roles. Institute libraries should develop alternative sources of funding than depending solely on their parent institutions.