User perceptions on newly introduced Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) to the library of the University of Moratuwa (UoM), Sri Lanka

Abstract

Librarians always try to provide better solutions to their users to optimally utilize the available resources. The user attractive Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) is one of the solutions for making access to resources. Library of the University of Moratuwa (UoM) recently customized its OPAC through KOHA open source software and it is observed that mostly used by its user community. Therefore, this study made an attempt to evaluate user perceptions towards the newly migrated OPAC service via KOHA in the UoM. The study adapted the survey research strategy with a structured questionnaire. Stratified random sampling was employed as faculties and 335 online questionnaires were administered. The response rate of the study was 59.71% and most of the students were from the Faculty of Architecture. According to the findings, although students’ participation for library education programs is relatively better and overall awareness of the changes in the OPAC is low. However, more than 50% of 4th year students are aware of the changes. More than 50% of students believe new OPAC can use easily access to library resources. Experience in using OPACs and having instructed on use of OPACs are the helpful factors in successful use. Finally, majority of the respondents’ perceptions on the novel OPAC is more attractive, user friendly, easy to use and efficient than previous one. Based on the findings recommendations were made to conduct regular user education programs on advantages that can received through KOHA-OPAC of the UOM.