The status of library automation in special libraries of Sri Lanka: The first sixteen years

Abstract

Library automation is a significant mechanism for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the library ope rations . It plays a pivotal role for the functioning of library housekeeping operations such as acquisition, cataloguing, acquisition and serials cont rol. The aim of the study was to investigate the status of library automation in special libraries in Sri Lanka up to the year 2009. The population of the study consisted of seventy six {76} special libraries. Random sampling method was used to select 50% of the population, resulting in thirty eight {38} libraries as the sam ple . A questionnaire was administered to the selected sample. It was found out that 57.14% of the special libraries have automated their library operations and services. Cataloguing was the highly automated operation and Web OPAC was the prominent automated library service in these libraries. In consideration to the use of operating system, Pentium IV and Windows XP were most popularly used. Special libraries in Sri Lanka were rarely experiencing the Core 2 Duo or Dual Core computer types and Windows Vista , Windowsl, LINUX or UNIX operating systems . A total of 57.14% of the special libraries were using library management software. Of this usage, 50% of the special libraries were using WIN/SIS software package. Accordingly, special libraries were gradually moving towards using an integrated library systems. Insufficient funds, administrative policies and regulations, inadequate proper training programs and Jack of proper plan were the most prevailing obstacles in the full automation of special libraries. Provision of sufficient fund a/locations and infrastructure facilities, trained skilled manpower with high quality in-house and professional training , as well as provision of adequate awareness for administrators need to increase in order to cope with the library automation in the near future .