A Study on a Practical Approach to Enhance Computer Literacy of the Non-Academic Library Staff, University of Kelaniya

Abstract

A qualified and well – trained library staff is a major factor facilitating effective library services. As a result of the rapid growth of the computer and technology, the role of the library profession, functions and its image were eventually changed. At present, the majority of non-academic staff attached to the library, university of Kelaniya are digital immigrants who have to fulfill the library requirements of the digital natives. This seems to be rather a challenge in enhancing the quality of the library services in this digital era. On the other hand, as the mission of the library states, the library functions as a ‘learning support service center’ providing a coordinated range of high quality, timely responsive, cost effective library services to its users. To fulfill that task, higher computer literacy of the library staff should be taken into account. Hence, the main objective of the study was to enhance the computer literacy of the staff while evaluating computer literacy of them was the interlinked objective. For this survey, the entire non-academic library staff (i.e. 62) was selected as the sample of the study to gather data through an online questionnaire which basically consisted of computer fundamentals and the use of computer technology in the library environment. Accordingly, the majority (i.e. 36%) of the staff was in a very satisfactory level; 22% - not satisfactory; 18% - satisfactory; 5% - excellent and 19% was absent. The enhancement of computer literacy among library staff is excepted as one main task of the Interactive Media Unit of the library. Therefore, it was decided and permitted to commence a series of workshop named ‘Library Professionals’ Training Series (LPTS) -Part I, II and III’. Accordingly, the entire staff was grouped into 3 sects based on the above evaluation and the program has already been started with a new syllabus and new teaching aids. The practical sessions were the most impressive parts in every program in which their awareness and knowledge on modern technology, technical devices, modern library trends, internet, web and related technologies could be expanded. The duration of each LPTS program is 3 months (6 hours per week). The termination of each program will be marked with issuing certificates.