Availability of Library Catalogues in School Libraries in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The library catalogue is one of the major system that users can search the resources available in the library. To develop a library catalogue, and individual must have training and knowledge. However, there are some libraries struggling to develop and maintain their catalogues due to various reasons. Hence, the objective of this study is to identify the availability of library catalogues in school libraries in Akuressa educational zone, Sri Lanka. Randomly drawn 50 school libraries in Akuressa educational zone, Matara district, Sri Lanka was selected as the sample of the study. Primary data of this study were collected using both qualitative and quantitative methods. A paper-based questionnaire was posted through regular mail to teacher librarians in the selected libraries. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data. The response rate for the questionnaire was 72%. Majority of respondents are representing Maha Vidyala (18) and Kanishta Vidyala (11). A large majority of school libraries (34) do not have a library catalogue in their libraries. Lack of resources and lack of knowledge about cataloguing are the major reasons behind not having library catalogues. A large majority of school librarians are willing to introduce catalogues to their libraries and gain knowledge about cataloguing by participating in workshops based on theoretical and practical training. School libraries are managed by the Government of Sri Lanka and Ministry of Education. Hence, they have a responsibility to provide sufficient resources and training to school libraries and teacher librarians to enhance the performance of school libraries in Sri Lanka.