.

Digitization of resources in Sri Lankan

libraries

R.P.R.N. Premarathna
Librarian
Brandix College of Clothing Technology
No.157, Galle Road, Ratmalana South
CONTENT

CONCEPTUAL DEFINITION
BACK GROUND
INTRODUCTION
PROBLEM STATEMENT
AIM OF THE STUDY
POPULATION AND SAMPLE
METHODOLOGY
DATA ANALYSIS
CONCLUSION
RECOMMENDATION
 cont…
CONCEPTUAL DEFINITION
Digitization:
The process of converting data to digital format for processing by
a computer. In information systems, digitization usually refers to
the conversion of printed text or images (photographs, illustrations,
maps, etc.) into binary signals using some kind of scanning device
that enables the result to be displayed on a computer screen.
(ODLIS, 2007)
Preservation:
Prolonging the existence of library and archival materials by
maintaining them in a condition suitable for use, either in their
original format or in a form more durable, through retention
under proper environmental conditions or actions taken after a
book or collection has been damaged to prevent further
deterioration. (ODLIS, 2007)
 cont…

Library collection:
The total accumulation of books and other materials owned by a
library, cataloged and arranged for ease of access, often
consisting of several smaller collections (reference, circulating
books, serials, government documents, rare books,
special collections, etc.). (ODLIS, 2007)

Microform
A generic term for a highly reduced photographic copy of text
and/or images stored on a translucent medium (microfiche or
microfilm) or on an opaque medium such as card stock (
microopaque or aperture card). Microforms can be original
editions or reproductions. Reader-printer machines are
required to view and make hard copies. (ODLIS, 2007)
Accessibility:
The ease with which a person may enter a library, gain access to
its online systems, use its resources, and obtain needed
information regardless of format. In a more general sense, the
quality of being able to be located and used by a person. In the
Web environment, the quality of being usable by everyone
regardless of disability. (ODLIS, 2007)

Retrieval:
The act of finding again, recovery, retrospective searching and
security of documents. The act of going to a specific location or
area and returning there from with an object or document.
(Harrod’s Librarian’s glossary)
BACK GROUND
Microfilming is used as a popular and better method for document
preservation
Although microfilming is used as a preservation method there are
some difficulties when retrieve the information

There can’t be seen development of these forms and accessible

devices

Lot of digital devices can be seen in the world

Information are stored in this digital devices in digital format

Retrieving of information through this digital device is very fast and

easy
INTRODUCTION

Information which contain in any media can easily be converted in

to digital format

As all media are in one format through this digitization can be

preserved and accessed easily

Today many government institutes and private institutes in the

world are involving to digitize their document with the purpose of
providing ease of access and preservation as well

Digitization is being done in Sri Lanka government institute and

private institute also.

Digitization has been attempted to library materials also

PROBLEM STATEMENT

Is digitization used as a solution for library resources

preservation and accessibility in Sri Lankan libraries?
AIM OF THE STUDY
To find out that to which extend digitization is used for library
resources preservation and accessibility in Sri Lanka Libraries

To identify that which types of materials are being digitized

To identify the techniques that they are using to digitize

To identify how do they organize digitized resources

To identify how do they provide access for digitized resources

To identify the barriers associated with the digitization

To identify the methods that they use to preserve digitized materials

POPULATION AND SAMPLE
Sri Lanka National Library and Documentation Centre

Department of National Archive, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka National Museum Library

Colombo Public Library

Sri Lanka University Libraries

American Centre

British Council

Information centers (NSF, NARA, ITI, IWMI etc.)

METHODOLOGY

Primary data: Two structured questionnaires

Structured Interview

Secondary Data: Sources of each institute (Annual

report, proposals etc.)
DATA ANALYSIS
Using cross tabulation method to analyze the data
which collected by two questionnaires

- To identify the growth of the accessibility

Represented by percentage values

Represented by Tables and Diagrams

 cont…
CONCLUSION
Digitization of library resources for preservation and
accessibility can be seen to some extent in above some
selected libraries

There is no co-operative programme regarding this

digitization among the organization

Some institutes are in proposal stage with regards this

digitization

There is no any possibility to build up the budget by

organization itself

Lack of skilled, technical and qualified personnel

High cost of the capture capability

Lack of sufficient technical equipment

Restriction of copyright law to digital copies

Rapid change in hardware and software configuration

Upgrading of software in the future

Possibility to break down the whole system by minor damage

RECOMMENDATION
To form a co-operation among each organization to develop the digital
collection

To build up co-operative policy

There must be a rules and regulation when providing access
- To define which type of materials should be provided priority
- Selection of materials by each organization
- Which type of document can be copy or download
- Using password and username
- Using IP range
Currently functioning library network can get priority for this digitization task

There is a possibility to get international support through this cooperation

( From IFLA, UNESCO, Microsoft)
 THANK YOU

HAVE A NICE DAY