SPECIAL LIBRARY REQUIREMENTS OF EMPLOYED STUDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION: A STUDY OF UNDERGRADUATES AND POSTGRADUATES AT THE INSTITUTE OF HUMAN RESOURCE ADVANCEMENT

Abstract

Various employee education programmes have been introduced worldwide to provide higher educational opportunities for employed individuals. The Institute of Human Resource Advancement, affiliated with the University of Colombo, was established in 1975 to facilitate higher education opportunities for employed people in Sri Lanka. This study examines how students at IHRA utilise the library, compares patterns of library use between undergraduate and postgraduate students, and explores whether employed students have specific user needs. This study was conducted using a descriptive research design. Data were collected primarily through a structured questionnaire. Significant gaps were identified between students’ high awareness and relatively low utilisation of library services, as well as between their high levels of satisfaction with the online catalogue and digital resources and the comparatively low use of these services. Students also recognised several structural and resource-related challenges, including insufficient availability of materials, limited space, and difficulties with time and location. Based on these findings, the study proposes strategies to improve library use among employed students, including enhancing remote access to electronic resources, introducing structured library instruction sessions, adopting more targeted and interactive communication strategies, and regularly reviewing and updating library collections. Collaboration between the library, academics, and institute administration is essential to identify the specific challenges faced by employed students and to develop learner-centred services that support the academic success of both undergraduate and postgraduate students.