Abstract
In the University of Jaffna Medical Library, one hundred and twenty randomly selected medical students who had overdue books were surveyed using a questionnaire with the objective of identifying reasons for keeping borrowed library books overdue; to find out how they perceive the eight given measures against overdue books; and for seeking methods to reduce number of overdue books. A majority of the books which were overdue had been borrowed for reading for clinical classes. Being overdue was fairly high in the subject of orthopedics, followed by microbiology. Results revealed that the major reason for keeping books overdue is students being unable to finish reading. The books on high demand were overdue since the numbers of copies available in the library were not enough to satisfy students' needs. Students were in favor of sending reminder notices as a means of discouraging overdue books, followed by providing renewal opportunities. Students suggested increasing number of copies of demand books, extend the opening hours of the library and extend the loan period as feasible solutions. The need for an extended loan period and increasing the number of copies will require further investigation. Purchasing e-books is another alternative for some textbooks.Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka. Vol.13 (Issue 1). 2009 1-11
Highlights
Medical Faculty Library of University of Jaffna was established in 1978 along with the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine of this University
Questions relating to the issues identified during the literature review were drawn up and pre-tested on ten MBBS students with overdue books as a pilot study (These students were later excluded from the study)
The fairly high percentage of overdue books in orthopaedics, microbiology and pathology indicated a need to purchase additional copies of books, which can be done after a follow up evaluation study of the book collection of these areas
Summary
Medical Faculty Library of University of Jaffna was established in 1978 along with the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine of this University. It is a branch of the University main library. Library has about 13,000 books, 2800 bound volumes of periodicals and 21 current periodical subscriptions. Most of the latest editions of medical textbooks are housed in the overnight lending section of the library. As of November 2008, the library had 744 registered readers, comprising 652 students studying for the Bachelor of MedicineBachelor of Surgery (MBBS), 26 students following allied health science course comprising nursing, medical laboratory technology and pharmacy, 12 post graduate students and 54 teaching and non-teaching staff members. Of the 652 MBBS students, 293 (45%) were females and 359 (55%) were males
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