Library and Information Science

Spatial Variability Studies of Selected Soil Properties for Crops Land Management in Ellapamaruthankulam

Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Spatial Variability Studies of Selected Soil Properties for Crops Land Management in Ellapamaruthankulam Kulendran, D.; Loganathan, P. Soil management systems play an important role in sustainable agriculture and environmental quality. Management practices have greater effect on the direction and degree of changes in soil properties. The objective of the study was to assess the spatial variability of some selected soil chemical properties within the Crops Land area of 2.04 square km situated in Ellapamaruthankulam area, Vavuniya DS Division, Sri Lanka using ordinary kriging. A total of 30 georeferenced soil samples were collected using random sampling method. Selected soil samples were collected at 0-30 cm depth at an interval of 300 – 400m. CEC, EC, pH, Available Nitrogen (N), Available Phosphorus (P) and Available Potassium (K) were analyzed using Ammonium extract method, 1:2.5 Suspended method, 1:5 Suspended method, Kjeldal method, olsen method, and flame photometric method respectively. Geostatistical analyses were applied to examine the within-field spatial variability using kriged maps. Kriged maps for each property were prepared using Geostatistical software (ArcGIS 10.2 version). The produced spatial kriged maps showed that the entire Ellapamaruthankulam area has high CEC, non- saline EC. 89% of the land had, Neutral pH, 71% of the area had high Nitrogen level. the entire crop land had low phosphorus and potassium level. This study recommended the need for a site specific approach in managing agricultural land particularly with regard to Phosphorus and Potassium nutrient management for farmers.

A Study of Information Needs and Information Seeking Behaviour of Senior Secondary School Students Zonal Education Office, Vavuniya North, Sri Lanka

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

A Study of Information Needs and Information Seeking Behaviour of Senior Secondary School Students Zonal Education Office, Vavuniya North, Sri Lanka Shanmugathasan, S. This study examines the information needs, information-seeking behaviour, and library usage of senior secondary school students in the Zonal Education Office, Vavuniya North. A quantitative research approach with a descriptive survey design was employed to investigate how students’ access and use information for academic and personal purposes. The study population consisted of 487 students from four schools, representing different grades and academic streams. Using Krejcie and Morgan’s sampling method, a stratified random sample of 214 students was selected. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, and the responses were analyzed using SPSS. Ethical standards, including voluntary participation and confidentiality, were maintained throughout the study. The findings reveal that students primarily seek information related to academic activities, entertainment, general knowledge, current affairs, and daily life. Websites, social media, and noticeboards were identified as the most frequently used information sources due to their accessibility and convenience. Although school libraries are mainly used for reading and studying, their usage remains limited. Several barriers affecting effective information seeking were identified, including outdated library systems, limited borrowing facilities, slow internet connectivity, and inadequate ICT skills among students. The study highlights the important role of school libraries in supporting students’ learning and information needs. It recommends improvements such as implementing digital cataloguing systems, enhancing internet access, providing information literacy and ICT training, and increasing awareness of available library resources. These measures would improve students’ access to information and promote more effective information-seeking behaviour.

User Perception of Academic Library Service Quality: A Special Reference to University of Vavuniya, Sri Lanka

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

User Perception of Academic Library Service Quality: A Special Reference to University of Vavuniya, Sri Lanka Shanmugathasan, S. The Study “User Perception of Academic Library Service Quality: A Special Reference to University of Vavuniya” investigated the relationship among Place for Learning, Library Services, Library Resources, and Library Staff. A standardised questionnaire with a Likert scale was used to collect data from 214 respondents, who included students and academic staff. The majority of users frequently visit the library and rely on electronic devices to access information, according to descriptive analysis. With the exception of Library Resources (α = 0.428), reliability tests revealed that the majority of variables had good internal consistency (α > 0.7). Strong positive correlations between all of the studied variables were shown via correlation analysis. The findings suggest that improvements in the physical learning environment, quality of library services, staff support, and resource availability collectively enhance user perception of library service quality. This study provides valuable insights for academic libraries seeking to optimize user experience and foster effective learning and research environments.

The Influence of Career Development on Organizational Performance: The Mediating Role of Job-Related Attitudes among University Library Professionals of Sri Lanka

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The Influence of Career Development on Organizational Performance: The Mediating Role of Job-Related Attitudes among University Library Professionals of Sri Lanka Shanmugathasan, S. Career development is a critical human resource practice that ensures the professional growth and retention of employees while supporting organizational success. In the context of university libraries, career development opportunities play a pivotal role in shaping the job-related attitudes of library professionals, which in turn influence institutional performance. This study aims to examine the impact of career development on organizational performance, with job-related attitudes acting as a mediating factor. Literature has been reviewed to cover all the variables depicted in the conceptual model, with theories, quotations and research findings in the appropriate places supporting the arguments. A quantitative approach and structured questionnaire were administered to 146 library professionals across seventeen state university libraries in Sri Lanka, with 132 valid responses (90%) collected. Findings reveal that career development initiatives significantly influenced job-related attitudes (β=0.423, p < 0.000, R2= 0.179), and organizational performance (β=0.220, p =0.005). Job-related attitudes significantly influenced organizational performance (β=0.494, p < 0.000) with integrated describing for 38.4% of the variation R2 0.384. The findings reveal that Career development has a significant positive impact on library professionals' organizational performance, both directly and indirectly through job-related attitudes about their work. Overall the study explores that providing career development programs and encourages job related attitudes are two major strategies for enhancing organizational performance in University Libraries.