This study identified the impact of computer self-efficacy (CSES) and computer anxiety (CARS) of dental students at University of Peradeniya Sri Lanka. The sample consisted of a total of 129 undergraduates from two academic years that are 2nd and 3rd years at the Dental Faculty during the second semester in the months of August to December of 2012/2013. Of total sample 77% responded. The Murphy et al.’s CSES was used to determine computer self-efficacy whereas Heinssen et al.’s CARS scale was used to determine computer anxiety of undergraduates. The results indicated that both 2nd and 3rd year undergraduates were self-efficacious. Subjects showed 50 percent of computer anxiety which is moderate level to use computers. Although there were no significant differences among self-efficacy, anxiety, studying year and Z-Score, there was a significant differences shown in age and gender based on frequency of library use. Results of the correlation indicated that studying year and age of the undergraduates have strong and high correlation. The results would be useful to the course designers and dental library staff to redesign of the Information Literacy program based on studying year and age. Furthermore, the hands-on-training of the program would be more effective for further reduction of the anxiety.

Measuring the levels of sources of ICT self-efficacy of undergraduates in Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) of universities especially in Sri Lanka has not been adequately explored. In this study, therefore it is aimed to make an effort to address this important issue. The main objective of this research study was to identify the levels of the factors that are affecting the ICT selfefficacy among the HSS undergraduates in Sri Lanka and the differences between the factors based on the university. The survey research design was employed and final year HSS undergraduates from four universities were selected randomly, out of ten universities where HSS streams are taught. The sample included 604 undergraduates. Data gathered through structured questionnaire was piloted and validated. The data were subjected to descriptive statistics. The results identified four factors affected with the efficacy level of the undergraduates. It indicated that the ICT Self-efficacy levels and ICT Anxiety were varying between less (22%) and highest (50%) across universities. Factors such as ICT Training (27%) and Library Support provided (32%) by the universities were also in the lowest level. The ICT Self-efficacy was low (29%) among students who used the library 'rarely' (< 2 per week) and average level of anxiety 47%. ICT Anxiety and ICT Selfefficacy were the most strongly correlated factors in the study (-0.144, p = 0.01). However, the gender was largely diluted and not correlated with self-efficacy. The introduction of effective Library Support and ICT Training would help reduce the higher levels of ICT Anxiety and improve the ICT

This study was conducted to examine the usage of electronic resources by undergraduates at the University of Peradeniya library (UoP). 384 students in the third and final years were selected as the study sample. The survey research method was adopted for the study and a questionnaire was used as a data collection tool for the study. Descriptive statistics were used in analyzing the data collected. The study revealed that the use of electronic resources by the students in UoP were low. However, they mostly prefer to use print resources, they would prefer to use text-based e-resources as well as audio-visual materials for fulfilling their information needs. HINARI and Oxford Journals are the most preferred databases by students and ‘browse by the title’ is the most preferred search technique. Most of the students preferred to access the e-resources in the library and they perceived that e-resources are helpful for their course work and improve their academic performance. Moreover, the faculties get a high percentage of encouragement to use e-resources through guides and leaflets. Based on the findings the study recommended that the library should organize periodic training on e-resources for students and provides sufficient skills among them for accessing these resources. It is also recommended to provide access to e-resources through the library website while subscribing to more e-journals required for students. Introducing a course in Information Literacy for all students is recommended for enhancing the knowledge for using e-resources.

As it is a requirement to have written policies relating to the library procedures, this paper mainly discusses the sample policies relating to the palm-leaf manuscripts available in the University of Peradeniya. According to the records available at the University of Peradeniya library the amount of the Palm-leaf manuscripts, which are housed in the library, it has the second largest collection in Sri Lanka. The surveys revealed that none of the libraries have a written policy statement for any of the library procedures. Non-documenting of policy statements is the major drawback in the library to manage the palm-leaf collection. This article points out the method of preparation of palm-leaf manuscripts, acquisition, collection management, customer service, reference service and proposed preservation policy statements of the University of Peradeniya. It also highlights preservation policy as the main policy statement among these policies and the none-availability of the trained staff, space, equipment, chemicals, and lack of training programmes are the drawbacks for the implementation of the preservation policy in the library. All the suggestions are given to establish the preservation department/unite and the preventive care that needs to be practiced to preserve the collection with other necessary arrangements. The recommendations highlights from where to get the training for the technical staff regarding the preventive care of the palm-leaf in Sri Lanka.

Abstract