dc.description.abstract |
Digitization is the present hot topic in the library and information profession in
Sri Lanka. However, almost all the librarians of Sri Lanka talks about automation of the
library activities until last few years. Lot of guidelines and procedures for the library
collections have developed in the field of digitization over a period of last few years in
the world. However, for variety of reasons, digitization of library materials in Sri Lanka
is fraught with many difficulties. Several workshops, training programs have already
been launched to introduce digitization for libraries in Sri Lanka at present time.
However, building a good library digital collection is a challenging task for libraries.
This study describes some digitization initiatives in university library and special library
sectors in Sri Lanka.
This study attempts to understand and compare the present situation in
digitization of library resources. The main aim of this study was to find out the current
and planned digitization practices; obstacles and potentials, policies in use, digitization
objectives, materials being digitized, nature of the digital content, funding sources and
collaborative activities and to introduce suggestions which can be used to improve the
current situation of digitization in university libraries and special libraries in Sri Lanka.
Structured questionnaire was used as the main instrument for gathering of data
from the sample. A total of 73 libraries were selected in this study. 35 university libraries
and 38 special libraries were selected and questionnaires were sent to librarians of each
selected library in order to gather data from them. However, 54 survey responses were
received. 28 special libraries out of 38 had responded to the questionnaires while the
university libraries respondent rate was 26 out of 35. The overall response rate to the
survey was 74%.
This study investigated that most of the university libraries and special libraries in
Sri Lanka have some kind of necessary equipment and skillful staff members to start
digitization practices. However, 53.8% university libraries and 42.9% special libraries of the library systems in Sri Lanka have involved in some kind of digitization activity. In
addition to that 26.9% of university libraries expect to be involved in digitization
practices in the next year and 7.7% beyond next year. But, 28.6% of special libraries are
willing to be involved in digitization practices in the next year and 21.4% beyond next
year.
In addition, this study revealed that the journal articles are the most common
material to be digitized by university libraries and special libraries in Sri Lanka. It is also
revealed that the significant obstacle for digitizing library materials in Sri Lanka is lack
of funds.
Digitization of Sri Lanka’s vast and rich collections for access and
preservation need very special attention. Sustaining the present efforts and continuing
digitization activities in university libraries and special libraries will need special efforts
by the decision makers, librarians and the information specialist.
This survey discloses that university libraries and special libraries in Sri Lanka
have sufficient amount of resources acquired. Yet the adoption of digitization for library
services is poor. In comparison, university libraries relatively involve with digitization
more than special libraries. However, attention should be drawn by relevant authorities to
build library collections and organizing digital libraries in Sri Lanka. For that, island
wide approach is essential to be solved the existing obstacles of digitization. |
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