Analysis of Automated Circulation Data Patterns in Academic Libraries

A Case Study from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The study aimed to examine the automated circulation services, features, and patterns in the University of Sri Jayewardenepura library. A key issue identified was a significant disparity in students’ knowledge and experience of library circulation services across faculties. Circulation data covering the period from May 2024 to April 2025 was retrieved from the university library management system and quantitatively analysed to address the objectives of this study. A total of 36,575 circulation records were analysed during the review period, and findings revealed that students from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences accounted for most of the circulation activity, representing approximately 55.6% of the total. University staff accounted for 15.3%, and the Faculty of Management and Commerce ranked third at 10.1%. Monthly usage trends indicated peak circulation activity among students in January, February, March, October, and November. In contrast, staff members consistently borrowed and returned throughout the year. The top ten most borrowed items were predominantly Sinhala-language academic texts, reflecting localised academic needs in disciplines such as social science, economics, and history. Based on these findings, the study recommends enhancing faculty-specific resource allocation, expanding digital access, targeting outreach to underutilised groups, and optimising calendar-aligned services. These insights support evidence-based decision-making to strengthen the library's role in advancing institutional teaching and learning goals.