Enhancing Public Library Services in Anuradhapura District: A Comprehensive Analysis of Library Services during COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected public library services globally, including the Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka. This study explores the challenges public libraries faced during the pandemic and identifies strategies implemented to sustain services. All 34 public libraries in the A were purposively selected for the study, with data collected through a self-administered and semi-structured questionnaire administered to public librarians or a library staff member who represents the librarian. The response rate for the questionnaire was 91.1%, representing 31 public libraries, with three public libraries not responding. Data collected using the questionnaire were quantitative and analyzed using Excel software. The findings reveal that while most libraries experienced reduced patronage (90.3%) and operational challenges such as unavailability of adequate facilities to introduce alternative library services during the pandemic (77.4%) and travel difficulties faced by the staff (71.0%).
A minority adopted innovative methods such as providing scanned reading materials via WhatsApp (45.5%) and conducting awareness sessions on social media (36.4%). Lack of technical infrastructure (48.3%), inadequate staff training to provide services using new technologies (41.4%) and lack of Internet facilities (34.5%) were prominent barriers to service continuity, with 93.6% of libraries unable to adopt new technological means. Despite these constraints, libraries employed adaptive measures such as roster-based attendance (74.2%), flexible working hours (71.0%), and waived patron fines (87.1%) to address operational challenges. Notably, only 29.0% of libraries collaborated with external institutions during the pandemic, highlighting missed resource-sharing opportunities. The study underscores the need for digital transformation, improved staff training on using technological means when providing library services, and policy frameworks to enhance library resilience during future disruptions. Evidence-based recommendations include increasing digital resource allocations, fostering collaborations, and equipping staff with technical competencies to deliver hybrid library services. By implementing these best practices, public libraries can ensure equitable and uninterrupted access to information, even during unprecedented times of crisis.