ශ‍ර ලකව පසතකල නමවල සහ තරතර සග‍රහ - Library Directories and Information Bulletins in Sri Lanka

Directories of libraries or librarians could be used as a valuable source of information in making decisions and given information related to various aspects of librarianship. However, the usability of such directories becomes limited due to the lack of coverage of all libraries or librarians concerned and not being up to date. In such situations, decisions taken based on such sources of information become problematic or unjustifiable. This researcher has identified the need to examine the directories compiled so far as a preliminary step in compiling a new directory of librarians/Library professionals in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the objective of the study is to introduce to the library professionals the concept of the library directories and the need for keeping them up to date. It also aimed to convince them that furnishing of individual information to compile library directories as one of their responsibilities. Information on each directory condensed and presented separately under each title. This research article is presented based on a study of twenty-six (26) directories published from 1980 to 2018 under the theme. Print copies of library directories held in the Academic and Research divisions of the National Library Services Board, the Colombo Public Library, D.S. Senanayaka Memorial Public Library and the Library of Sri Lanka, National Achieves and Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration have been used for data collection. In addition, website of the Sri Lanka Library Association and the Directory of ULA members published on the website of the University Librarians’ Association of Sri Lanka perused. The contents of directories verified with the use of secondary sources information for evaluation. Certain directories were compiled with just mentioning the name, address and phone numbers of the library, while some others have included information related to the library, such as library resources, services, library users, software used, library staff, library infrastructure, annual budget allocations etc. With the advent of Information and Communication Technologies in libraries it was observed to provide more systematic directories. The compilation of library directories is not a simple task. In order to give a subjective approach, a great amount of dedication, involvement, and cooperation is essential. Although it is difficult to publish library directories in print form, publishing them on electronic form is not that difficult. However, it is to be stressed here that continuous revision and updating is essential.