Status of university library automation in Sri Lanka: a survey

The automation in libraries has changed the development of the library services. It has changed the library's day to day activities and its functionality in to a speedy process. Patrons do not need to visit each and every section or shelf to find information instead they need just sit in front of a computer with internet. This article will discuss about the status of automation through findings of a survey. The objectives of this study are to identify the status of university library automation in Sri Lanka and identify the problems associated with current automation process and thereby provide effective suggestions to overcome the existing problems. Fifteen (15) main university libraries and 18 faculty libraries were selected other than departmental and institutional libraries. Questionnaire was used to collect primary data from the sample. It was found that (35%) of libraries operated successfully with automated systems. (18%) of libraries had considerably appropriate automated system. Moderately acceptable level of automation process is existing among 37% of the libraries. Ten percent of libraries were poor in executing the automated system. Because of obstacles, some university libraries are far behind from leading universities. To overcome the issues and challenges, the government should endorse providing financial aid and other facilities. Universities also should have plans with a proper vision to achieve realistic goals in future.