Abstract:
The need for management of change has become apparent to achieve the library
objectives and to be congruent with the University objectives. The technological
development has created information explosion with a large amount of information
resources that a single library camiot provide access. Most of the information resources
are published electronically. Library functions are being computerized. Changing needs
of information and information seeking behaviors of the sophisticated library user are
forcing libraries to advance the services with new technologies. The limited library funds
have to be utilised effectively to provide an efficient service.
This study attempts to identify types of changes applied, and the factors that influence
these changes at university libraries in Sri Lanka. How the application of management
strategies would affect the successful change was also examined. Focus was also given to
the investigation of how change management in university libraries affects the
effectiveness of their services. It was also aimed to understand the problems faced by
university libraries in Sri Lanka during the management of change.
The survey method was utilized as the method for the study. The instrument used for
gathering of data from 35 University Libraries was a structured questiomiaire. 28 libraries
responded with data. Data analysis was completed with quantitative means such as
percentage analysis and Likert scaling and qualitative descriptions using graphical
presentation wherever needed.
According to the findings of the study university libraries in Sri Lanka are in the process
of implementing technological changes and most of them are successful to some extent.
Sociological forces, economic forces and technological forces are influencing university
libraries to change. Limitation of available funds for library expenditure and inadequate
appropriate staff were identified as some of the problems with regard to management of
change at university libraries. Medium positive impact of change management on
effectiveness of library services was reported from most of the university libraries, were
as, some libraries had high positive impact. The strategies that need attention for
successful implementation of changes at university libraries in Sri Lanka were identified
as; establishing a shared motivating vision, commitment of the library senior
management, appropriate training and coaching for people involved, appropriate staffing,
monitoring and controlling after implementation, empowering the staff to act on the
vision defined, creating an open communication and collaboration culture, obtaining
approval from the administrators, establishing a sense of urgency and early involvement
of people being affected by change.