Requirements of net generation towards university libraries in Sri Lanka.

Abstract

At present academic libraries have a trend to introduce innovative services in par with developing technologies as well as the different aspirations of Net Generation. This study aims to explore the characteristics of Net Generation, their help seeking preferences, information behaviours and their needs and wants towards university library. A survey of freshmen was conducted in 2011 at University of Jaffna, Eastern University and South Eastern University of Sri Lanka. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were carried out. The study found that majority of respondents use internet but they rarely use library web pages and Online Public Access catalogue (OPAC). They have a tendency to move to e-resources and they prefer multimedia information than textual information. They are comfortable in asking help from librarian directly (in- person communication) whilst some of them wish to communicate via e-mail, face book and instant messaging. It recommends that librarians can help students via help-desk, instant messaging, e-mail, chat or ask a librarian services from the library websites. Libraries should initiate action to collect more electronic resources. Information literacy should be included as a course unit.