Content Analysis of Library Websites of Colleges Affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala (India)

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Indira, B.

Affiliations: Reference Assistant, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala – 686560 (E): indirab2812 <2812@mgu.ac.in>

Abstract: Library websites are gateways to academic and scholarly information. They also function as guide to various services offered, and act as one of the principal sources of communication for the users. The study discussed in the present article examines the websites of 68 degree colleges located in four districts of Kerala state (India) which are affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. The survey also investigates what sort of importance has been assigned to the libraries in the websites of the parent institutions. And in this context, the e-resources and web-based services provided (that is, Web OPAC, digital repository and value-added services) have been evaluated. The findings reveal that only 50% of the colleges have active websites with web OPAC and provision of access to online resources. The study suggests that facilities like remote access to e-resources, web OPAC and other utility-based value-added services should be implemented in the websites of college libraries.

Keywords: Content analysis, College library, Website, Web OPAC, E-resources, Digital repository, Value-added services

DOI: 10.18329/09757597/2022/15208

Journal: World Digital Libraries - An international journal, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 121-136, 2022