Abstract:
This paper analytically investigates the Current Status of the Knowledge Classification in the
Public Libraries of Sri Lanka with the perspectives of its problems and future directions as a case
study within the Anuradhapura District. The major objective of the study was to gain an
understanding of the current classification systems in Sri Lanka's public libraries and other
objectives of the study were to determine the root causes of not using formal classification systems
in these libraries if so and finally to guide the authorities for the further implementation about the
productive classification systems. A survey method was used for this research. All the 30 public
libraries in the Anuradhapura district of the North Central Province (NCP) were used as the
population for the research and a questionnaire was distributed among the librarians of those
libraries to cover the entire population. Duly filled 24 questionnaires were returned (Response rate
= 80%) and from them, the primary data were collected. The data were computerized through
Excel software and the final results were analyzed. Tables, graphs and diagrams were used to
present the information uncovered in the research. Secondary data for the study were collected
from the annual reports, websites and the Department of Census. In the observation of the study
results, it was mainly revealed that the knowledge classification system implemented in the public
libraries of the North Central Province is at a successful level. However, it was observed that about
65% of the respondents used colour codes to identify the books in an informal way. Using separate
colours for species classes belonging to the same Dewey taxonomy revealed no uniformity among
libraries. The majority of the respondents stated that there is no formal guideline for classifying
knowledge. At the end of the study, it was revealed that the methods used to classify knowledge
in public libraries should be monitored from a scientific background. For this purpose, it was
recommended that relevant local government bodies and policy-making bodies should act directly
on the library profession.
