Main Library Hosts Awareness Session on the SLASA Toolkit

The Main Library of the University of Colombo successfully conducted an awareness session on the Smart Library, Stocktaking, Auditing and Shelving Assistant (SLASA) Toolkit on 18th June 2026 at the Main Library Auditorium.

The session was facilitated by Mr. Harsha Balasooriya, Senior Assistant Librarian of the Open University of Sri Lanka and the developer of the SLASA Toolkit. The programme introduced participants to the capabilities of the innovative software solution designed to support library stock verification, shelf management, auditing, and collection maintenance activities.

The event commenced with an experience-sharing discussion on current library stocktaking practices and the implications of the recently introduced University Grants Commission (UGC) circular on stock verification. Participants exchanged insights on existing challenges and explored opportunities for enhancing inventory management processes within academic libraries. Mr. Balasooriya then provided a comprehensive overview of the SLASA Toolkit, highlighting its key features and demonstrating how the software can streamline inventory auditing and shelf analytics. The presentation emphasised the role of technology-driven solutions in improving the efficiency, accuracy, and reliability of library inventory management.

A practical hands-on session followed, allowing participants to gain direct experience with the software and explore its functionality in a real-world library context. The programme concluded with an interactive feedback session, during which participants shared valuable suggestions and discussed potential future enhancements to the toolkit.

The awareness session attracted a large number of library staff members, who actively participated in discussions and knowledge-sharing throughout the programme. Organised by the Training and Skill Development Domain of the Library, University of Colombo, the event provided a valuable platform for promoting innovative approaches to library stock management while encouraging the adoption of technology-driven solutions to enhance collection maintenance and operational efficiency in academic libraries.