The computer age began in Sri Lanka in 1967. By the end of 1982, there were about 180 computer installations in the country of which 100 of them were microcomputers. The minicomputer purchased for the Sri Lanka Scientific and Technical Information Centre (SLSTIC) was the first computer installed for bibliographic data processing in Sri Lanka. It started operating in January 1983.

Compilation of a computerized union catalogue was the first project initiated by SLSTIC. By computerizing its activities, SLSTIC intended to strengthen its capabilities and thereby to improve its performance. But even today after 18 years the SLSTIC have not succeeded in achieving its second objective because the majority of libraries only paid attention to automating their cataloguing function and maintaining bibliographic databases and did not pay attention to automating other complicated functions.

As SLSTIC was the first organisation engaged in bibliographic data processing in Sri Lanka it had to encounter a number of great difficulties. Among the difficulties the following could be considered as major problems:

1. Non-availability of library software compatible with the SLSTIC’s computer. Even though the software package MINISIS which was developed by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) was readily available for SLSTIC, they could not make use of this offer because MINISIS needed special hardware.

2. Lack of staff knowledgeable in bibliographic data processing. As bibliographic data processing required knowledge of information handling in addition to electronic data processing SLSTIC had to develop the necessary human resources using its own staff.

3. Limitations of the minicomputer that was acquired by the SLSTIC. It had only a BASIC compiler and 5MB storage for an integrated file. Due to inadequate storage for a bibliographic database, record length had to be limited and data was packed into common fields.

As mentioned in the above non-availability of suitable library software could be considered as one of the major reasons for the slow growth of computerized library systems. The introduction of CDS/ISIS (Computerized Documentation System/Integrated Set of Information Systems) software by UNESCO in 1986 and the designation of SLSTIC as the national distributor for the software in 1987 has changed the scenario.

It had an enormous impact on library automation in Sri Lanka. A microcomputer was made available to SLSTIC by UNESCO for ISIS work. In 1987 out of 40 libraries, only 3 libraries used non-ISIS software. This clearly demonstrates that the growth of computerization was mainly due to the availability of ISIS.

UNESCO continuously improved ISIS and the version 2.3 was officially released in 1989. The shortcomings in the first version were removed in version 2.3 and many advanced features had been added. Version 3.0 was issued in 1992 and that supported the LAN system. The further improved 3.07 version was released in 1993. The Windows version of ISIS named WINISIS (version 1.3) was officially released in 1998.

The MARGA Institute, a private multidisciplinary research organisation acquired a computer for its network in 1986. With the financial assistance of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) the Development Information Network for South Asia (DEVINSA) was launched in 1986 at the Marga Institute. The Marga Institute also acted as the coordinating centre for the network. INMAGIC 7.0 software was used to start the master database for DEVINSA but in 1990 with 8000 records the database was changed to Mini-micro CDS/ISIS version 2.3.

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) established a fully automated database in 1986. IIMI also, used INMAGIC to build up the Irrigation Management Information Network (IMIN). However, since 1991, except for the cataloguing, IIMI uses CDS/ISIS to automate all other library activities such as circulation, serials control, acquisitions, provide CAS, SDI services and to produce administrative reports.

The Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) which is a statutory body began to computerize its library operations in 1986 with a small microcomputer with 256K memory and a 10Mb Winchester. At the beginning they automated their circulation system using a database package known as PCDB. Subsequently ITI installed a UNISYS minicomputer with 300 KB hard disk with two terminals in 1988 This was a customized integrated library system designed using Informix 4GL standard engine database and included most library operations. With the addition of another terminal a complete online circulation system was operated at the ITI in 1990. It is noteworthy to state here that this was the only library which had a fully automated circulation system until very recently in Sri Lanka.

This mini system was in operation until 1996 and when the operating system became outdated the package was converted to run on an eight-user LAN, using a SCO UNIX platform. This continued its operations until 1999. The ITI had to find alternatives when the Y2K problem arose in 2000 and Messars. Informatics (Pvt.) Ltd. designed a total integrated system for library operations. With the new system ITI had been able to automate their library operations from the ordering to the final retrieval stage. Although the ITI library does not use ISIS for their operational systems they use ISIS to develop small databases.

The Sri Lanka National Library and Documentation Services Board (NLDSB) started its automation by computerizing the ISBN directory in 1989 using CDS/ISIS. In 1996 NLDSB started computerizing its union catalogue. The NLDSB also started using WINISIS with the establishment of the Devolution of Power and Ethnic Conflict (DEPEC) database. They used Access to create a Conference Index database.

The library of the Open University of Sri Lanka (OU) started its automation by computerizing its catalogue in 1991 with CDS/ISIS. In 1993 the OU computerized their circulation system and in 1995 computerized acquisitions with Dbase. They started to use WINISIS in 1999.

Library networks in Sri Lanka focused more on computer applications in order to encourage the utilization of information technology in participating libraries. The Environmental Library Network (ENLINET), the Agricultural Information Network (AGRINET), the Health Literature Library and Information Services (HELLIS) and the Health Systems Research (HSR), the Development Information Network for South Asia (DEVINSA) and the Cultural Information Network for South Asia (CINSA) are among library networks that use ISIS to compile common databases.

The National Library and Documentation Services Board (NLDSB) converted its National Union Catalogue (NUC) into a bibliographic database in 1996. 61 libraries participated in this project at the end of 2000. NLDSB also use ISIS to develop NUC. Participating libraries send data electronically to NUC using ISIS, WINISIS, Microsoft Word and other text formats.

AGRINET (Agricultural Information Network) developed an integrated library system in 1997. The aim of this system was to provide a low cost, integrated system for automating library functions in small and medium size libraries. AGRINET decided to use ISIS for the development of this integrated system. The first version of PURNA, which was the integrated system developed by AGRINET was released in 1997. It has all the major modules for library operations such as Circulation, Serials control, Current Awareness, Acquisition operations, Cataloguing operations and the Selective Dissemination of Information Services. In addition to these a module on OPAC is also included. PURNA (dos version) which was marketed by NSF is used by more than 30 libraries.

The version 2 of PURNA which based on WINISIS (Windows ISIS) was released in January 2000. Currently nearly 30 libraries use the PURNA Windows version. Purna also maintains a Union Catalogue (P-cat) by merging monograph records of the Purna Backup database. P-Cat is hosted by the National Science Foundation (NSF). P-cat became the first Sri Lankan Union Catalogue on the Internet. (http://www.nsf.ac.lk/purna/news.html)

The Save the Children Fund library uses Cardbox and Papermaster software packages. The Library of USAID has used a software package called Microdis (Microcomputer based Development Information System) to automate their library activities. Microdis is an integrated library software package developed by the Centre for Development Information and Evaluation of the USAID/Washington. This was developed to assist USAID Mission Information Centres in managing and accessing their development information resources.

The British Council had fully automated its circulation system by in 1997 using a commercially available integrated library software package named Libsys, which was developed in India.

The Library of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka used ISIS to develop its databases until its destruction in 1996. Thereafter, since 2000 they have started to use Libsys for their automation.

The Sri Lanka National Library and Documentation Services Board (NLDSB) and the Charted Institute of Management Accounts (CIMA) of Sri Lanka had switched from ISIS to another Indian software package named Alice for Windows.

The universities of Kelaniya, Colombo, Sri Jayewardenapura, Open University, Peradeniya and Moratuwa had recently switched from ISIS to other software packages respectively LibSuit, Alice and Libsys.

It is important to state here that the usage of software is undergoing a transitional with many librarians preferring to switch to more user-friendly, integrated, tailor-made information systems.

The survey results showed no significant development in library automation during the period 1983-1986. The situation improved after 1992 mainly due to the availability of microcomputers for a low cost and the availability of CDS/ISIS software.

Libraries use following types of software: CDS/ISIS, WINISIS, PURNA, Inmagic, Dbase, Access, Alice for Windows, Libsys, LibSuit, Cardbox, Informix, Papermaster and other in-house developed software to automate their library functions. According to the results DOS or Windows version of CDS/ISIS (WINISIS) is widely (82%) used in libraries. The main reason for the popularity of CDS/ISIS is its availability free of charge. The survey results further revealed that nearly 15% of libraries had started to use the locally developed, integrated library software package called PURNA. One library used INMAGIC for their cataloguing purposes and ISIS for all the other library functions. About 25% of libraries that use ISIS for their library operations also use Dbase and Access mostly for the functions of circulation and acquisitions.

However, according to the survey results there can be seen a shift from ISIS to other software from the end of 1998 onwards. After the introduction of Alice and Libsys to Sri Lanka in 1998, there has been a decline of nearly 10% in the use of ISIS among the 82% of libraries that used this software in the beginning. The libraries that shifted from ISIS to other software claim that ISIS is not capable of handling their library functions especially the large volume of circulation and acquisitions. However, it is observed that the features and facilities in WINISIS and PURNA are similar to those in Alice and Libsys; i.e. modules, data security, standards, searching, OPAC, Web OPAC.

Even though 100% of libraries use software for cataloguing this does not imply that all of these libraries have fully computerised, functioning library catalogues. 60% of the libraries just maintain a computer database with many records while 22% libraries are in the final stages of inputting their entire collection. Only 18% of libraries had input their entire collection into the computer database. This includes some university libraries, postgraduate institute libraries, special libraries and a government library.

Out of the total sample, 46% of libraries had automated their circulation system. The major reason for that is the lack of knowledge of computerization and library automation among library personnel and their reluctance to change to IT based systems. It is essential to point out here that even though the integrated library software package PURNA provides the module to automate circulation, only 38% use it.

Out of total sample of 52 38% have automated serials control system. As disclosed by the data, the usage of software for serials control is also low.

Out of the total sample only 21% have automated their acquisitions system. Although an automated acquisition system can save hours by providing shortcuts for materials selection, budgeting and ordering 78% of libraries have not automated acquisitions.

Current Awareness Services (CAS) & Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) Services

Out of the total sample 27% provide CAS and 10% provide SDI services. 72% do not use software for CAS while 90% do not use software for SDI services. This can be attributed to the fact that library personnel are more concerned with technical and housekeeping functions than extending the advantages and benefits of automation to provide specialised services to the end-user.

84% of libraries do not use software for other housekeeping functions such as inventory control, stock maintenance, budgetary control, and generating statistical reports. Dbase is the mostly widely used software for house-keeping functions.

The most widely used function (50%) next to cataloguing is maintaining other databases. Libraries use software mostly to maintain bibliographic databases rather than other functions. Librarians use software mostly for conventional library functions and do not seem aware of the effectiveness of library automation in strengthening other functions such as circulation, acquisitions and extending facilities to the end user.

Cataloguing is the library function for which software was used widely (100%). Usage of software for other functions is very low. Libraries use software mainly for conventional functions i.e. to create and manage bibliographic databases other than for sophisticated technical functions like circulation, acquisitions, and serials control.

The majority of libraries (75%) have not automated all the functions apart from cataloguing due to staff problems such as (a) not enough staff members and (b) the available staff not being capable at handling the task or being incapable of using the software. Available staff is not competent enough to use ISIS for complex library functions other than creating databases for cataloguing purposes. Other reasons for that are as follows: incapability of ISIS to handle all the library functions, lack of managerial support given to libraries for infrastructure development, feeling that it was easy to handle those functions manually, consideration that some functions are not worth automating as those functions are rarely performed.

Although librarians claim that their staff did not have proper training it is observed that all librarians had staff trained in ISIS which is the most widely used library software in Sri Lanka.

Despite the high levels of staff trained in ISIS, it was observed that this software was not effectively utilised by libraries. Inefficient use of the software could be attributed to the following reasons;

• 94% of library personnel have attended short-term courses and workshops. ISIS is a complicated, difficult and non-user friendly software which poses difficulties for library personnel with little or no knowledge in computer systems. Therefore, it is apparent that these types of short-term courses and workshops are not adequate for them to acquire more knowledge in ISIS than what is required for data entry and basic searches.

• The personnel who underwent training do not handle the automation in the library (in most cases only the librarians go for training programmes especially, overseas programmes).
• Due to managerial shortcomings, the staff with knowledge in handling software have not been assigned the appropriate tasks.

Daily Mirror. 26-03-2001. Informatics helps ITI for country’s first interactive library.

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