Prior experiences of library usage of the new entrants: with special reference to Bachelor of Arts undergraduates, University of Peradeniya

Abstract

This study was conducted among the undergraduates of Bachelors of Arts new entrants 2015 of the University of Peradeniya. Objectives of this study were to study the prior experiences of using the school library, to find the reasons for not using the school library, to inquire into the sources of information they used, to find out the experience of information seeking skills on new entrants andto identify the barriers to use the Main Library, University of Peradeniya. Methodology used in this study was a survey research design and the survey strategy was carried out in January 2015. Total number of 706 new entrants of the Bachelor of Arts who were registered at the Main Library voluntarily participated in this survey. A questionnaire was administered to a targeted group to gather information on library usage. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistical method and SPSS. The study findings indicated that the majority of the new entrants have used and obtained the experiences of using the library and 89% students have borrowed books, 78% students have used the library for studying purposes. The findings highlight that the teachers have instructed the students how to use the library. The study revealed that the new entrants of the Bachelors of Arts of University of Peradeniya have basic skills of library use. There is a need to create an awareness of the new library technologies and services to new entrants. User education is the important role for these new entrants and it must be incorporated into the curriculum of the first year to final year syllabuses