Outreach Community Services Of University Libraries In Sri Lanka: A Review Of Literature

University libraries in Sri Lanka have increasingly recognized their role in extending beyond academic institutions to engage with the broader community. Outreach services have emerged as a critical component in bridging gaps between higher education resources and societal needs. This review examines the existing body of literature on the outreach services provided by university libraries in Sri Lanka, with the aim of identifying trends, challenges, and best practices. The review highlights the growing significance of these services in promoting literacy, lifelong learning, and social empowerment, particularly in imperfectly developed regions. The literature search was carried out across the following databases EBSCO host, Emerald Insight, JSTOR, and Research Gate. Peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and published in 2000-2024. The findings suggest that while significant progress has been made, there is a need for more structured programs and sustainable models to enhance the efficacy of outreach initiatives.