Janaki Sinnasamy | Sunway University College (original) (raw)

Papers by Janaki Sinnasamy

This paper describes a user survey carried out at Academy of Islamic Studies, University of Malay... more This paper describes a user survey carried out at Academy of Islamic Studies, University of Malaya as an initiative to communicate with library users. Design/methodology/approach: To the academic staff. The questionnaire was distributed online and also in hard copy format. Findings: The results of the study are analyzed. Research limitations/implications: The survey focused on a specific group of users. The survey can be used to study other groups of users such as students and general staff in future. Practical implications: The survey was a good way of communicating with users. The survey results indicated the level of library service quality.

The new millennium with rapid advancement of information and communications technology globally a... more The new millennium with rapid advancement of information and communications technology globally and the appearance of the post millennial net generation library users have created a demanding and competitive environment for academic libraries. On one hand, libraries are competing with virtual google-driven information arena while trying hard to attract users to physically visit the library. Academic libraries are moving towards electronic collection to match the needs of the Net generation. Activities, facilities, and services offered are also revamped as significant library measures to remain relevant. One of the interesting observation of the young library users are their multitasking abilities and their need for a more relaxed atmosphere in contrary to the serious, scholarly milieu of academic libraries in the past. This paper summarizes the open comments on space by library users while answering the User Satisfaction Survey at the University of Malaya, Malaysia. From the open comments, the users' perspectives of library space can be categorized into five areas; library as a place via extended opening hours, increase in the number of plug points and sockets, high speed wireless and internet services, the need for food and café for relaxation, and aesthetic value and comfort while in the library. Although the University of Malaya library had been taking actions within financial constraints and policy restrictions, to meet the users' needs, the comments and suggestions over the years nonetheless continue to be along the same lines of the categories mentioned. It can be concluded that the users' perspectives of the academic library is moving away from the scholarly view to that of library as a third place perhaps due to the availability of electronic books, journals, databases, and resources online.

Kekal Abadi, 2010

The reference collection at the University of Malaya Library was reviewed intensely for the first... more The reference collection at the University of Malaya Library was reviewed intensely for the first time since its inception. It was a major task to review the entire print reference collection which amounted to over 7,000 titles. About RM300,000.00 was allocated for this purpose and a taskforce was setup to update and upgrade the reference collection during the semester break of the 2008/2009 academic session. The collection now consists of materials published in year 2000 and above. However, books of high value despite the age have been retained. The updated reference collection has been relocated to another floor to give it a new appealing image. The planning, implementation and the criteria used in this project are described.

Malaysian Journal of Library & Information Science, 2017

Sinnasamy, J., & Abdul Karim, N. H. (2015). Academic related anxieties: A case study investigatin... more Sinnasamy, J., & Abdul Karim, N. H. (2015). Academic related anxieties: A case study investigating the relationships among library, communication and language anxieties among non-native speakers of English. Malaysian Journal of Library & Information Science, Vol.20, no. 2: 1-12Library anxiety has been identified as one of the academic related anxieties which can affect college students. The Library-Anxiety-Expectation Model indicated innate characteristics of students and environmental variables such as gender, race, and year of study, as possible antecedents of library anxiety. This means that the arousal of library anxiety can be influenced by students' other forms of inherent anxieties. The objective of this paper is therefore to investigate the level of academic related anxieties among final year undergraduates and the relationships among the dimensions of the anxieties. The scope of this study focuses on three anxieties; library anxiety, English language anxiety and communi...

First printing in the Malay language in the Malay Peninsula began in 1817, 300 years after printi... more First printing in the Malay language in the Malay Peninsula began in 1817, 300 years after printing was introduced in England. The Malay secular text books began to be sporadically published in 1836, 1841 and from 1856 onwards. Organized Malay school book printing and publishing began after the Education Department was established in 1872. They were 16 titles of Malay Literature Series (19061920), 50 titles of the Malay School Series (MSS) (1924-1941) and 40 titles of the Malay Home Library Series (1929-1936). During the Japanese occupation (1942 – 1945) many of the MSS were destroyed, lost or scattered all over the Peninsula. This research is an attempt to collect the first complete compilation of 48 titles of the MSS, scattered in the libraries in Malaysia and Singapore. It is very important to preserve and conserve these books in hard copies and digital formats as they are the heritage of the Malay schools during British rule in Malaya. Detailed study of the MSS can be conducted ...

The Medical journal of Malaysia, 2011

Library profession is specialized and technical in nature, and so industrial training for the lib... more Library profession is specialized and technical in nature, and so industrial training for the library science students must have both the elements of theory and practical skills incorporated. This is becoming more pertinent with the frequent debate lately as to the relevance of libraries in the wake of emerging web technologies. We are at a crossroad in time, when even ALA seems to have difficulty defining librarianship adequately. In Malaysia, four public universities run this program, two for undergraduates and two for postgraduate programs. The industrial training is partly based on the internship model where students undergo training from one to three months. This paper will present students' comments as well trainers' feedback of a training program for LIS students in a public university in Malaysia. A few challenges such as unsynchronized training schedules between school and industry, and varying library systems are identified which calls for more collaborative efforts between library schools and industrial trainers.

The concept of Library Anxiety was formulated by Constance A. Mellon (1986). A quantitative instr... more The concept of Library Anxiety was formulated by Constance A. Mellon (1986). A quantitative instrument to measure library anxiety known as the Library Anxiety Scale was developed by Sharon Bostick (1992). Since then, there had been a significant increase in research studies related to library anxiety both. The recurring factor which prevails in these studies, particularly among non-native speakers of English, is that, barriers with staff and the use of English language are among the important antecedents to library anxiety. The objective of this study is to explore if there is a correlation among library anxiety, communication anxiety and foreign language anxiety. The instruments used are LAS, FLCAS and PRCA-24. It was revealed that there is a correlation among the three anxieties. The strongest relationship was found in library anxiety subscales ‘affective barriers’ and ‘barriers with staff’ with dimensions of foreign language anxiety and communication anxiety.

Descrices briefly a short survey carried out durin three public holidays to find out why users we... more Descrices briefly a short survey carried out durin three public holidays to find out why users were using the library despite the public holidays. A one page questionnaire were distribued at the entrance of the library. The results indicate tha the library plays an importan role in providing a place to read and borrow open-shelf books. The majority came to read newspapers.

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Librarians are expected to equip themselves with knowledge of the various information resources a... more Librarians are expected to equip themselves with knowledge of the various information resources available and tips for efficient search strategies before being given the task of helping out at the Help Desk. For this reason, fresh librarian are often paired with senior librarians when on duty. However, the emergence of multitude online resources and the inherent digital skills of the Net generation seem to have a shrinking effect on the need for academic related types of enquiries. The objective of this paper is to analyse and study the characteristics and changes in the trends of reference enquiries received at the Help Desk particularly in the Sunway Campus Library. All enquiries received either in person, phone, email or via social media are recorded in the Reference Enquiries Database developed by the Automation division. Enquiries received are categorised as Simple or In-Depth enquiries. The Simple enquiries are categorised as; Bibliograph instruction, Directional Questions, Co...

Facilities and services provided by libraries, often if not always, are carried out in isolation ... more Facilities and services provided by libraries, often if not always, are carried out in isolation rather than involving the faculties and users. For users to benefit however, it is crucial that they are at least aware of the library services. Policies and notices in library websites are only accessible when users visit the site. Similarly, brochures, handbooks and posters which libraries have always been fond of, only reach those who are physically in the library or where the posters are. Much information does not reach the absent or remote majority. It is a grave situation where users do not know the benefits they can obtain from libraries. Whilst libraries and librarians can pride themselves with the various continual efforts taken with user satisfaction in mind, it is time to take a step back and view the library and information policies from the users perspective. This papers attempts to study the awareness of the library facilities and services among the academics at the Univers...

Academic related anxieties are of relevant concern to libraries and librarians because substantia... more Academic related anxieties are of relevant concern to libraries and librarians because substantial funds are spent annually to provide adequate information resources, services and facilities for students while the optimal use can be hindered by anxieties faced by students. Furthermore, a large portion of the print and electronic resources procured by the libraries are inevitably in the English language. Students in Malaysia who are non-native speakers of English are diversified in their competency of English language. At the University of Malaya, all undergraduates are required to register and pass the Information Skills Course since 1998. The mission is to produce quality graduates who are equipped with the relevant information skills for lifelong learning. Studies however, reveal that the students are more concerned with locating materials listed in their reading lists and favored internet sources, and only then the sources in the library. Why students do not optimize the use of l...

Information Development, 2016

This paper attempts to highlight the factors causing anxiety among non-native speakers of English... more This paper attempts to highlight the factors causing anxiety among non-native speakers of English when using academic library resources, services and facilities. This is crucial now that academic libraries worldwide are increasingly building up their collections of electronic journals and databases, which are predominantly in the English language. Findings from studies among non-native speakers of English reveal that they are susceptible to anxiety factors, which are rarely reported in studies in the native English-speaking countries. Some of these barriers include: insufficient resources, language, retrieval, lack of library skills, technology, network, environment and services, computer and physical comfort, and emotional barriers. A search was conducted to analyze the literature published in Library and Information Science s ( LISA) from 1986 until 2014 using the keyword ‘library anxiety’. The sample selected was limited to literature on non-native speakers of English. The distin...

The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 2014

This study examines the correlation of the dimensions of foreign language anxiety and library anx... more This study examines the correlation of the dimensions of foreign language anxiety and library anxiety among undergraduates at a public university in Malaysia. The Malay translated versions of the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) and the Library Anxiety Scale (LAS) were completed by 147 students pursuing a Foundation in Science course. Analysis revealed a significant correlation in all the dimensions of library anxiety with three of the dimensions of foreign language anxiety, namely speaking anxiety, self-evaluation anxiety, and learner anxiety. The findings in this study will enable librarians to be aware of the anxieties faced by students which can help in the planning and delivery of services and instruction.

This paper describes a user survey carried out at Academy of Islamic Studies, University of Malay... more This paper describes a user survey carried out at Academy of Islamic Studies, University of Malaya as an initiative to communicate with library users. Design/methodology/approach: To the academic staff. The questionnaire was distributed online and also in hard copy format. Findings: The results of the study are analyzed. Research limitations/implications: The survey focused on a specific group of users. The survey can be used to study other groups of users such as students and general staff in future. Practical implications: The survey was a good way of communicating with users. The survey results indicated the level of library service quality.

The new millennium with rapid advancement of information and communications technology globally a... more The new millennium with rapid advancement of information and communications technology globally and the appearance of the post millennial net generation library users have created a demanding and competitive environment for academic libraries. On one hand, libraries are competing with virtual google-driven information arena while trying hard to attract users to physically visit the library. Academic libraries are moving towards electronic collection to match the needs of the Net generation. Activities, facilities, and services offered are also revamped as significant library measures to remain relevant. One of the interesting observation of the young library users are their multitasking abilities and their need for a more relaxed atmosphere in contrary to the serious, scholarly milieu of academic libraries in the past. This paper summarizes the open comments on space by library users while answering the User Satisfaction Survey at the University of Malaya, Malaysia. From the open comments, the users' perspectives of library space can be categorized into five areas; library as a place via extended opening hours, increase in the number of plug points and sockets, high speed wireless and internet services, the need for food and café for relaxation, and aesthetic value and comfort while in the library. Although the University of Malaya library had been taking actions within financial constraints and policy restrictions, to meet the users' needs, the comments and suggestions over the years nonetheless continue to be along the same lines of the categories mentioned. It can be concluded that the users' perspectives of the academic library is moving away from the scholarly view to that of library as a third place perhaps due to the availability of electronic books, journals, databases, and resources online.

Kekal Abadi, 2010

The reference collection at the University of Malaya Library was reviewed intensely for the first... more The reference collection at the University of Malaya Library was reviewed intensely for the first time since its inception. It was a major task to review the entire print reference collection which amounted to over 7,000 titles. About RM300,000.00 was allocated for this purpose and a taskforce was setup to update and upgrade the reference collection during the semester break of the 2008/2009 academic session. The collection now consists of materials published in year 2000 and above. However, books of high value despite the age have been retained. The updated reference collection has been relocated to another floor to give it a new appealing image. The planning, implementation and the criteria used in this project are described.

Malaysian Journal of Library & Information Science, 2017

Sinnasamy, J., & Abdul Karim, N. H. (2015). Academic related anxieties: A case study investigatin... more Sinnasamy, J., & Abdul Karim, N. H. (2015). Academic related anxieties: A case study investigating the relationships among library, communication and language anxieties among non-native speakers of English. Malaysian Journal of Library & Information Science, Vol.20, no. 2: 1-12Library anxiety has been identified as one of the academic related anxieties which can affect college students. The Library-Anxiety-Expectation Model indicated innate characteristics of students and environmental variables such as gender, race, and year of study, as possible antecedents of library anxiety. This means that the arousal of library anxiety can be influenced by students' other forms of inherent anxieties. The objective of this paper is therefore to investigate the level of academic related anxieties among final year undergraduates and the relationships among the dimensions of the anxieties. The scope of this study focuses on three anxieties; library anxiety, English language anxiety and communi...

First printing in the Malay language in the Malay Peninsula began in 1817, 300 years after printi... more First printing in the Malay language in the Malay Peninsula began in 1817, 300 years after printing was introduced in England. The Malay secular text books began to be sporadically published in 1836, 1841 and from 1856 onwards. Organized Malay school book printing and publishing began after the Education Department was established in 1872. They were 16 titles of Malay Literature Series (19061920), 50 titles of the Malay School Series (MSS) (1924-1941) and 40 titles of the Malay Home Library Series (1929-1936). During the Japanese occupation (1942 – 1945) many of the MSS were destroyed, lost or scattered all over the Peninsula. This research is an attempt to collect the first complete compilation of 48 titles of the MSS, scattered in the libraries in Malaysia and Singapore. It is very important to preserve and conserve these books in hard copies and digital formats as they are the heritage of the Malay schools during British rule in Malaya. Detailed study of the MSS can be conducted ...

The Medical journal of Malaysia, 2011

Library profession is specialized and technical in nature, and so industrial training for the lib... more Library profession is specialized and technical in nature, and so industrial training for the library science students must have both the elements of theory and practical skills incorporated. This is becoming more pertinent with the frequent debate lately as to the relevance of libraries in the wake of emerging web technologies. We are at a crossroad in time, when even ALA seems to have difficulty defining librarianship adequately. In Malaysia, four public universities run this program, two for undergraduates and two for postgraduate programs. The industrial training is partly based on the internship model where students undergo training from one to three months. This paper will present students' comments as well trainers' feedback of a training program for LIS students in a public university in Malaysia. A few challenges such as unsynchronized training schedules between school and industry, and varying library systems are identified which calls for more collaborative efforts between library schools and industrial trainers.

The concept of Library Anxiety was formulated by Constance A. Mellon (1986). A quantitative instr... more The concept of Library Anxiety was formulated by Constance A. Mellon (1986). A quantitative instrument to measure library anxiety known as the Library Anxiety Scale was developed by Sharon Bostick (1992). Since then, there had been a significant increase in research studies related to library anxiety both. The recurring factor which prevails in these studies, particularly among non-native speakers of English, is that, barriers with staff and the use of English language are among the important antecedents to library anxiety. The objective of this study is to explore if there is a correlation among library anxiety, communication anxiety and foreign language anxiety. The instruments used are LAS, FLCAS and PRCA-24. It was revealed that there is a correlation among the three anxieties. The strongest relationship was found in library anxiety subscales ‘affective barriers’ and ‘barriers with staff’ with dimensions of foreign language anxiety and communication anxiety.

Descrices briefly a short survey carried out durin three public holidays to find out why users we... more Descrices briefly a short survey carried out durin three public holidays to find out why users were using the library despite the public holidays. A one page questionnaire were distribued at the entrance of the library. The results indicate tha the library plays an importan role in providing a place to read and borrow open-shelf books. The majority came to read newspapers.

To be included in the mailing list, please send the name of your organisation and address to

Librarians are expected to equip themselves with knowledge of the various information resources a... more Librarians are expected to equip themselves with knowledge of the various information resources available and tips for efficient search strategies before being given the task of helping out at the Help Desk. For this reason, fresh librarian are often paired with senior librarians when on duty. However, the emergence of multitude online resources and the inherent digital skills of the Net generation seem to have a shrinking effect on the need for academic related types of enquiries. The objective of this paper is to analyse and study the characteristics and changes in the trends of reference enquiries received at the Help Desk particularly in the Sunway Campus Library. All enquiries received either in person, phone, email or via social media are recorded in the Reference Enquiries Database developed by the Automation division. Enquiries received are categorised as Simple or In-Depth enquiries. The Simple enquiries are categorised as; Bibliograph instruction, Directional Questions, Co...

Facilities and services provided by libraries, often if not always, are carried out in isolation ... more Facilities and services provided by libraries, often if not always, are carried out in isolation rather than involving the faculties and users. For users to benefit however, it is crucial that they are at least aware of the library services. Policies and notices in library websites are only accessible when users visit the site. Similarly, brochures, handbooks and posters which libraries have always been fond of, only reach those who are physically in the library or where the posters are. Much information does not reach the absent or remote majority. It is a grave situation where users do not know the benefits they can obtain from libraries. Whilst libraries and librarians can pride themselves with the various continual efforts taken with user satisfaction in mind, it is time to take a step back and view the library and information policies from the users perspective. This papers attempts to study the awareness of the library facilities and services among the academics at the Univers...

Academic related anxieties are of relevant concern to libraries and librarians because substantia... more Academic related anxieties are of relevant concern to libraries and librarians because substantial funds are spent annually to provide adequate information resources, services and facilities for students while the optimal use can be hindered by anxieties faced by students. Furthermore, a large portion of the print and electronic resources procured by the libraries are inevitably in the English language. Students in Malaysia who are non-native speakers of English are diversified in their competency of English language. At the University of Malaya, all undergraduates are required to register and pass the Information Skills Course since 1998. The mission is to produce quality graduates who are equipped with the relevant information skills for lifelong learning. Studies however, reveal that the students are more concerned with locating materials listed in their reading lists and favored internet sources, and only then the sources in the library. Why students do not optimize the use of l...

Information Development, 2016

This paper attempts to highlight the factors causing anxiety among non-native speakers of English... more This paper attempts to highlight the factors causing anxiety among non-native speakers of English when using academic library resources, services and facilities. This is crucial now that academic libraries worldwide are increasingly building up their collections of electronic journals and databases, which are predominantly in the English language. Findings from studies among non-native speakers of English reveal that they are susceptible to anxiety factors, which are rarely reported in studies in the native English-speaking countries. Some of these barriers include: insufficient resources, language, retrieval, lack of library skills, technology, network, environment and services, computer and physical comfort, and emotional barriers. A search was conducted to analyze the literature published in Library and Information Science s ( LISA) from 1986 until 2014 using the keyword ‘library anxiety’. The sample selected was limited to literature on non-native speakers of English. The distin...

The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 2014

This study examines the correlation of the dimensions of foreign language anxiety and library anx... more This study examines the correlation of the dimensions of foreign language anxiety and library anxiety among undergraduates at a public university in Malaysia. The Malay translated versions of the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) and the Library Anxiety Scale (LAS) were completed by 147 students pursuing a Foundation in Science course. Analysis revealed a significant correlation in all the dimensions of library anxiety with three of the dimensions of foreign language anxiety, namely speaking anxiety, self-evaluation anxiety, and learner anxiety. The findings in this study will enable librarians to be aware of the anxieties faced by students which can help in the planning and delivery of services and instruction.