Matara Regional Centre Library

The MRC Library provides convenient borrowing facilities for registered students and staff, subject to applicable library regulations.

• Students: Up to 2 books for 2 weeks.
• Students: Up to 2 course materials for 2 weeks.
• Academic, Academic Support & Administrative Staff: 2 books for 1 month.
• Non-Academic Staff and Temporary Staff: Books may be borrowed for 2 weeks.
• Past Question Papers (PQP) and Reference Materials are available for reference use only and are not available for borrowing.

Students who wish to become members of the MRC Library must submit the required documents and refundable library deposit at the Library Counter.

• Completed Library Membership Application Form issued by the MRC Library.
• Student Record Book.
• Refundable Library Deposit paid at the MRC Library Circulation Counter.
• Passport-size photograph in printed copy or digital JPG/PNG format.
• Library membership will be activated after the required documents and refundable deposit have been submitted.

The MRC Library provides convenient inquiry and support services to help users find information, locate resources, and make effective use of library services.

• Visit the Library Service Desk for personal assistance.
• Email inquiries to mrclib@ousl.lk.
• Connect through the MRC Library Facebook page.
• Call the Library on 041-2018216 for assistance and guidance.
• Library staff are available to help users locate resources and use library services effectively.

The MRC Library’s Inter-Library Loan Service enables eligible users to access library materials that are not available in the MRC Library collection through the OUSL Library network.

• Request books and other eligible materials from libraries within the OUSL Library network.
• Requested books are normally delivered to the MRC Library within one week.
• Borrowed books can generally be kept for two weeks, subject to library regulations.
• Available to eligible registered students and academic staff of the MRC Library.

The MRC Library’s Current Awareness Service keeps students and staff informed about new library resources, services, academic information, programmes, and useful digital resources.

• New arrivals including books, journals, periodicals, and other learning resources.
• Updates about new and improved library services, facilities, and resources.
• Information about library programmes, workshops, exhibitions, and information literacy activities.
• Selected information about useful electronic resources and online learning materials.
• Updates are shared through student email groups, WhatsApp groups, and the OUSL MRC Library Facebook page.

The MRC Library provides a convenient Document Delivery Service to help users access essential academic and study-related documents when they are unable to obtain them directly from the Library.

• Research articles for academic and research purposes.
• Past Question Papers to support examination preparation.
• Selected pages or permitted portions of books.
• Official documents including forms, circulars, and guidelines.
• Study guides, manuals, and other useful academic resources.
• Documents may be provided digitally, subject to availability, copyright restrictions, and Library regulations.

The MRC Library conducts user education workshops to help students and staff develop the knowledge and skills needed to make effective use of library resources, services, and digital information.

• Getting Started with the Library – Introduction to library services, facilities, and resources.
• Library Services for Learners – Making the most of available library support.
• Navigating the Library Website – Finding information and using online library services.
• Library Catalogue (OPAC) Skills – Searching, locating, and accessing library materials.
• Effective Literature Searching – Finding relevant information for assignments and research.
• Online Databases & E-Resources – Accessing and using scholarly electronic resources.
• Academic Research Skills – Developing effective academic information-searching strategies.
• Citation and Referencing Styles – Understanding and applying academic citation practices.
• Zotero Reference Management – Organizing references and creating citations and bibliographies.
• Evaluating Information Sources – Identifying reliable, relevant, and credible information.
• Plagiarism and Academic Integrity – Understanding responsible use of information.

The MRC Library provides research support to undergraduates, postgraduate students, academic staff, and other eligible users throughout the research and academic project process.

• Identifying and locating relevant print and electronic information resources.
• Developing effective literature search strategies.
• Accessing e-books, e-journals, databases, and other scholarly resources.
• Guidance on citation, referencing, and reference management tools.
• Assistance in evaluating the quality and reliability of information sources.
• Support for literature reviews and academic information searching.