Students’ satisfaction with library services and facilities at three regional center libraries of the Open University of Sri Lanka

Abstract

The study was carried out to examine the user satisfaction of library facilities, services, and resources of three regional center libraries; Kandy (KRC), Matara (MRC) and Anuradhapura (ARC) of the Open University of Sri Lanka, which functions as an open and distance learning (ODL) education institute. Data was collected using a survey questionnaire, from a sample of 350 library users dispersed among the three centers. The study found that the users were satisfied with the physical facilities in the libraries but they were unsatisfied with the library collection and computer facilities provided by the libraries. Findings of the study can be used to reinforce the services with which the users were satisfied, focus on services that need more improvement according to user concerns, and to take steps for resolution of identified problems to gain users' satisfaction.

Exploring the usage and Developments of the Collection of the Ceylon Room at the Library in University of Sri Jayewardenepura

“…A study on factors affecting user satisfaction by Kaushamalika and Weerakoon (2020) suggests that there is equal importance to all complementary services, just as the quality of the content available in the library. These factors include seating capacity, lighting, cleanliness and also photocopy services.…”

Users’ Satisfaction of the Academic Library facilities and Services in Swamy Vipulananda Institute of Aesthetic Studies, Sri Lanka

“…The success of any information system depends considerably on how best the close and accurate understanding of the user" (Nawarathne & Singh, 2013 pp 103) [4] . User satisfaction refers to whether user get the desired information resources facilities and services at the library (Kaushamalika and weerakoon, 2020) [2] likewise importance of the library facilities is described by Tahir (2008) [5] upgrading facilities and improving services to efficiently meet the information needs of clients. As academic libraries in Sri Lanka have been considering to upgrading the library facilities to academic community and expect to develop the education programee, it is necessary to conduct a study to determine how the library facilities and services impact on the user's needs.…”

Performance evaluation of service quality and user satisfaction in selected Zimbabwe university libraries.

“…Library management must thoroughly understand users' needs through periodic assessments (Kaushamalika and Weerakoon, 2020). Okewale (2017) stresses that librarians should be competent in all aspects of librarianship, which include basic foundational knowledge in librarianship, readers' services, information and communication technologies (ICTs) handling and use, reference services before library professionals can adequately and effectively market library services and information products, librarians must be knowledgeable, skilled and must possess good attributes or disposition in these core aspects of librarianship.…”

“…(Srirahayu, Anugrah and Layyinah, 2021). Kaushamalika and Weerakoon (2020) believe that customer satisfaction refers to whether users obtain the desired information resources, facilities, and services at the library and how users judge the services of a library. The purpose of a library is defeated if its users are not satisfied with its resources and services.…”