Functionality and university library buildings in Sri Lanka

A university library plays a pivotal role in storing and providing knowledge and education in a country. Library buildings should be structured as to meet its functions and services. Specifically, it seeks to identify the problems and shortcomings which adversely impact the functionality of library building complexes in the university libraries in an attempt to present measures and steps that can be taken to improve their functionality. The overall findings indicate that the staff and the users are satisfied with the situation of the current library buildings. But there is room for further improvement in the functionality status of the library buildings, surmounting the prevalent shortcomings. Also, before planning a library building, the librarian, and another library professional staff should pay more attention to the location of the building, construction, landscaping, interior arrangement, lighting, furniture, and equipment. Presentation of a proposal by a Librarian for planning a new library complex presupposes the need for him / her to be well ¿ served in the library functions, working capacity, space, the combination of duties, staff needs and user needs.