Identification of Obstacles in Implementing the Inter-Library Cooperation among the Sri Lankan University Libraries: A Case Study.

Abstract

Library is place which information, human resource, funds, space, library materials, tools, techniques etc. are necessary for the provision of its services to communities. However, owing to the scarcity of such resources, libraries are compelled to engage with inter library cooperation activities in developed, developing and under-developed countries. Therefore, inter library cooperation has become a universal phenomenon and the principal objective of this paper is to investigate the obstacles faced by the university libraries in inter-library cooperation activity. The survey method was applied for achieving the aims of this research. Primary data collected using questionnaires and interviews. According to the study, three libraries of universities used as a sample. There are, University of Peradeniya, University of Colombo, and University of Kelaniya. Here population categorized as in to two parts. As first part is to choose staff crew in the main libraries of Peradeniya, Colombo and Kelaniya universities. As second part is 75 final year students who are studying in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Management and Faculty of Science covering of all three universities. The data which acquired by questionnaires analyzed using Ms Excel software. The tables, charts and the bar charts presented data. As conclusions, it can be identified there are lot of obstacles such as Each and every university acts as separate independent body. All the university libraries, should not follow a unique procedure. Inter library cooperation is not much efficient and successful. No proper leadership for university libraries. Influence of security principles, followed by librarians. Lack of specialists, who have specific knowledge on new technology in this field. Minimum financial supports for this field. Prevailing in the process of the inter library cooperation.