Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
2021
Abstract
Highly qualified and sufficient numbers of human resource are an essential element for public libraries to successfully continue services towards the nation. Therefore, this study examines the demographic profiles, skills and training needs of public library human resources in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. A survey strategy was adopted using a self-administrated questionnaire distributed among all the staff members of the public libraries in the Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. Descriptive statistics were performed to achieve the objectives. The findings indicated that there were 48 Librarians, 255 Library Assistants and 121 other staff categories working in public libraries in the Eastern Province. It was noted that a substantial percentage of staff members (95.3%) had G.C.E Ordinary and Advanced level qualifications. Around 60.3% of the staff was professionally qualified in Library & Information Sciences. The findings revealed that the employees required to improve skills in information technology (M = 2.41), communication (M = 2.74), and bringing innovations (M = 2.88). Further, the chi-square test confirmed that there was a statistically significant association (p<0.05) between skill level and qualifications. The highest percentage of Librarians preferred to have training on Library Automation. However, the majority of the Library Assistants preferred to have training in basic computer skills. The study recommends that the authorities should take immediate actions to fill the available cadres with qualified persons, develop blended training sessions to facilitate frequent training to develop competencies of the employees.