Library Circulation Patterns among Social Sciences and Humanities Students: A Case Study at Rajarata University of Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study aims to explore the Circulation Patterns within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) at Rajarata University in Sri Lanka. The problem identified is the lack of knowledge about the circulation patterns and user demand for different subjects within the library. It seeks to address the existing research gap about the Library user circulation pattern among students associated with the above faculty level. The study specifically investigates the period from 2015 to 2019, taking into account the progressive growth and diversity of the Library collections. The rest of the objectives of the study are to determine the user demand for different subject disciplines and to assess the circulation trends. To achieve these objectives, the primary data was gathered from the Report Module of the Integrated KOHA Library Management System of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, and the retrieved data was then analyzed statistically by Microsoft Excel. The findings of the study offer valuable insights into Library circulation and the book usage patterns of students. The research reveals a significant demand for Textbooks in the field of Social Sciences among students, retrieving huge hits for the main subject disciplines such as Religion, Philosophy, and Psychology instead of the disciplines such as Computer Science, Information Technology, and General Works. It is recommended that the Library allocate additional resources and prioritize budget allocation toward the Social Sciences field. This would involve acquiring popular books that cater to the diverse needs of students and faculties across various disciplines, ultimately contributing to the development of a comprehensive collection that effectively addresses the requirements of individuals from diverse backgrounds.