Student Perceptions and Usage of Virtual Reading Rooms for Learning and Research at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka

Advancements in technology have led to a rapid expansion of digital resources in higher education, transforming the role of academic libraries beyond traditional print-based services. Academic libraries have increasingly adopted digital strategies to ensure effective access to both print and electronic resources. Within this context, Virtual Reading Rooms (VRRs) have emerged as structured digital platforms that provide organized access to curated scholarly materials (Emory University Libraries, n.d.). In response, the library at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), in collaboration with academic staff, developed faculty-based VRRs using open-access resources to support teaching, learning, and research. This study investigates students’ perceptions and usage of VRRs at KDU, focusing on accessibility, resource utilization, and the influence of faculty-level promotion on student engagement. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining a structured online questionnaire administered to students across all faculties with semi-structured interviews conducted with library professionals to complement and validate the quantitative findings. Using the Krejcie and Morgan Table, a stratified sample of 515 students was selected from a population of 6,304 across all faculties. Students generally perceived faculty-based VRRs as valuable resources that support learning and research through access to digital academic materials. However, a gap persisted between awareness and actual usage, with institutional promotion and curriculum integration influencing student engagement. E-books and course-related materials were the most frequently accessed resources, while technical challenges, limited familiarity, and a preference for printed materials constrained usage. The findings underscore the need for increased awareness, enhanced user support, and greater academic integration to improve VRR utilization.