Sri Lanka–Maldives Distance Education Program in Library and Information Science Conducted by the SLLA: A Historical Narration

Abstract

This research paper presents a chronological account of the initiation, implementation, and conclusion of the joint Sri Lanka-Maldives distance education program in library and information science. The three-tier diploma course started in 1996 and was officially completed in 2003. Tier one was repeated in 2003 but was not continued to other levels. This study explores the program's origins, implementation, outcome, and challenges. The research method was toanalyze the publicly accessible Annual Reports of the Sri Lanka Library Association (SLLA) from 1995 to 2005. The results of the content analysis were presented in anarrative style. This is the second stage of a multi-stage research which includes an in-depth literature review on published research, administrative documents of partner organizations, and interviews with selected participants. Although there was a significant enrollment of students initially in 1996, the pass rate was relatively low. The program took more time to complete due to financial challenges. As a result, it prolonged for a duration of 8-9 years for delivery instead of3 years. The narration reveals the course organizers' and participants' tiring efforts throughout the project. It is a unique historical case for an international library and information science capacity-building initiative.