News
Jaffna e-library impeded by lack of staff
View(s):Insufficient staff is a big setback for Jaffna Public Library’s e-library project, according to the Chief Librarian Anusiya Sivakaran.
“Limited staffing has slowed the e-library’s progress. Users will have to wait longer to access the remaining 11 sections — counter, periodical, lending, children, Indian corner, computer, archive, reference, special youth and Ceylon Collection,” Ms. Sivakaran said.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake launched the e-library website (jaffna.dlp.gov.lk) and smart card system on September 1.
The focus of the project is on digitalising frequently used materials from the Ceylon Collection of books by Sri Lankan writers that are free from copyrights.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake launched the e-library website (jaffna.dlp.gov.lk) and smart card system on September 1.
Books are accessible to users within the country and abroad. Materials are available in English, Tamil, and Sinhala, while there are resources in Japanese, Chinese. “The Ceylon Special Collection is the backbone of the Jaffna library,” said Ms Sivakaran.
Since 2006, the scanning process has been ongoing with support from the Noolaham Foundation, but only 1,200 books have been digitalised so far due to funding and equipment limitations.
“The library has decided to continue the project independently,” she said. 
About 117,199 books and ‘olai chuvadigal’ (palm-leaf manuscripts) are available in the Jaffna Public Library.
Ms. Sivakaran also said there are Braille books for visually impaired users and that wheelchair access is available. Library employee Mr. Sivakumar, educated at Laila College, India, has installed the NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) software on library desktops.
The software supports 55 languages, pronouncing the letters that are being typed and it also reads full sentences upon completion, assisting visually impaired users. Also, mobile services are used to raise community awareness about the facilities and materials available for the less-abled.
Ms. Sivakaran said that when Rs. 100 million was allocated for the project from the 2025 budget, moral support was provided by the Northern Province, Provincial Council, and Jaffna Municipal Council to ensure the funds were used wisely. The smart card online form is also ready, but not yet open to the public. Simultaneously, it will be provided in person to existing members (4,000–5,000) and new members.
The Jaffna Library IT unit uses a system to protect data, prevent cyber-related issues, and restrict access to irrelevant content. Materials can also be printed.
The librarian believes the uploading can be completed by 2026. Staff will be trained to handle the workload. Any potential issues with scanners, the server room, or other equipment will be resolved through proper maintenance, as assured by the government.
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