An Information Audit at the Main Library, Eastern University Sri Lanka (original) (raw)

2012, NACLIS 2012 Conference Proceedings

This paper covers the relevance and quality of library collection in terms of user satisfaction and the need to providing electronic resources and related services at the main library of Eastern University, Sri Lanka. It is very conspicuous that libraries are struggling between stringent budget cuts and voracious, complex user demands and ever-growing information media. Meanwhile, there is a noticeable transition of conventional to digital materials prioritized in the information business. In this regard, the researchers assessed the quality of the stock and its relevance by using ‘information audit’ model that was devised by Henczels. The study utilized survey methodology which included both quantitative and qualitative measures to analyze the data elucidated from questionnaires, interviews (focus group), and secondary information sources. It received 84.48% of the response rate for the questionnaire administration, whilst, focus group interviews elucidated data for qualitative assessment. The results revealed that there are issues to be taken care of, though the collection attained a reputation for updated editions in majority of the subjects, thus the user satisfaction in that aspect is high. However, the information audit process drew that the collection is not completely utilized by the users, which in turn, questions about the rationalization of expenditure on acquisition. It is found that users don't contend with the physical space of the library, which is insufficient to perform their reference services, and they demanded more electronic resources and their services. Therefore, the gaps should be narrowed to enhance the service quality of the library, for which the researchers proposed measures along with a well-refined collection development policy.