Activities of Vavuniya Public Library and Its Challenges: A Survey Research

Abstract

Public libraries are the best contributors to the community. In this way, Vavuniya Public Library is also providing its services to the community. This study is based on the Activities of the Vavuniya Public Library and its challenges. The descriptive study was selected by a random sampling method based on the population. Data were collected through research tools such as questionnaires, discussions, and documentations. Questionnaires were administered to 100 readers randomly selected from the total readers and the Chief Librarian. Data were analyzed with the adaption of the percentage system, rating scale and the MS Excel software. The results were presented in the form of tables, diagrams etc. The results state that the library faces challenges in their service providing and the readers are dissatisfied with the library activities. Current information sources and services of the library seem scarce. Students and higher education students are found to be dissatisfied with the infrastructure facilities of the library. Inappropriate and lack of staff appointments also cause the perception of unsatisfactory services of the library. It is revealed that the significant challenges of the Vavuniya Public Library are inadequate fund allocation, lack of reader-based information resource mobilization, less prominence for electronic information and braille section, and finding difficulties in the provision of essential social information services to the readers. There should be a clear awareness to be adopted among local government officials about the significance of public libraries.