Abstract:
The main objective of the study is to explore how the G.C.E Advanced Level Learning Resource Center is utilized by the students and to identify the challenges that the students face when utilizing the Learning Resource Center. This study is a field study with quantitative and qualitative data. 205 students were selected on a random sampling method from 1AB and 1C schools in Sandilipay Divisional Education Office and all the teacherlibrarians working in these schools were selected as samples for this study. The questionnaire, focal group discussion, and observation tools were instrumental to collect data from students, and personal interviews were also held to collect data from teacher librarians. Data were analyzed with the adaption of the MS Excel software. The results were derived from the percentage system and presented in the form of tables, diagrams etc. It was revealed that the dissatisfaction with the availability of information resources
by students during the use of the learning resource center was 56.7% (n=97), lack of updated books was 20.5% (n=35), lack of opportunity to use the internet in the learning resource center was 70.8% (n=121), learning resource center building was used for some other purposes 35.1% (n=97), lending facilities to access only during the subject period of the learning resource center was 63.7% (n=109), lack of internet access was 81.9% (n=140), disorganized books was 25.7% (n=44), and over control in the learning resource center was 83% (n=142). These are the challenges faced by the students. It is recommended that action has to be taken to send the students regularly to the Learning Resource Center to develop the use of the Learning Resource Center. Besides, awareness is to be created for the students about the benefits and importance of the Learning Resource Center. Availability of Books and non-books materials for the Learning Resource center should also be ensured through social assistance. Further, using the learning resource center for some other purposes should be prohibited and training programs
