Content Analysis Of College Library Websites: A Study

85 International Journal of Advance and Applied Research www.ijaar.co.in ISSN – 2347-7075 Impact Factor – 8.141 Peer Reviewed Bi-Monthly Vol. 6 No. 39 September - October - 2025 Content Analysis Of College Library Websites: A Study Dr. Nitesh Devu Naik1 & Dr. Bala Mandrekar2 1Librarian, Vidya Prabodhini College of Commerce, Education, Computer and Management, Porvorim, Goa 2Librarian, Narayan Zantye College of Commerce, Bicholim, Goa Corresponding Author – Dr. Nitesh Devu Naik DOI - 10.5281/zenodo.17267413 Abstract: The academic library website serves as a pivotal digital gateway, facilitating information discovery and service delivery in the modern educational landscape. This study presents a quantitative evaluation of the availability, accessibility, and scope of library services on the official websites of twenty colleges affiliated with Goa University, India. The selected institutions represent a diverse range of disciplines, including Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, Pharmacy, Law, and Home Science. A structured checklist comprising 16 parameters across three core categories—Basic Information, Resource Discovery & Access, and User Services & Interaction—was employed for data collection. The findings reveal a significant digital disparity. While basic information such as library hours and contact details was universally available (100%), advanced digital services were critically underdeveloped. Notably, the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) (25%), institutional repositories (15%), and online renewal systems (10%) were found to be scarce. The study concludes that academic libraries in Goa's affiliated colleges must prioritize strategic investments in integrated library systems, enhance their digital infrastructure, and adopt a user-centric service model to effectively meet the evolving needs of digital-native patrons and support academic excellence. Keywords: Academic Libraries, Library Websites, Web-Based Library Services, E-Resources, Content Analysis. Introduction: The use of Information and Communication Technologies has fundamentally changed operations of academic libraries. The transition of libraries from traditional to dynamic and hybrid service providers necessitates a strong online presence. In this digital era, the library website has emerged as the important interface, often serving as the first and most frequent point of contact for all users such as students, faculty, and researchers. An effective academic library website contains information about all the resources and services of the library. It is an interactive portal that facilitates seamless access to all the services. These include:  Online Public Access Catalogs for browsing physical collections  Access to databases and e-journals, digital institutional repositories, and old examination papers.  Online book renewal and reservation  Digital reference services (Ask-aLibrarian)  Interactive feedback mechanisms In Goa Higher educational institutes are affiliated to Goa University which presents a unique microcosm of India's higher IJAAR Vol. 6 No. 39 ISSN – 2347-7075 Dr. Nitesh Devu Naik & Dr. Bala Mandrekar 86 education landscape. These colleges cater to a student population increasingly familiar to digital closeness and interactivity. This study aims to critically evaluate the extent to which these affiliated colleges leverage their web platforms to disseminate library resources and services. This research will analyze digital products, such as websites or apps. The goal is to figure out what they're doing well, what's missing, and what can be improved. The findings will then be used to create a plan to help the company's digital tools work better for their users. Literature Review: Singh and Tripathi (2018), in their study evaluates central university libraries, established a strong positive correlation between online services such as integrated discovery tools and user accounts and heightened user satisfaction. Their work describes these features as essential components of a library website. Studies of libraries in different parts of India have found a similar issue: while they have basic digital systems, they are missing more advanced, user-friendly services. A study by Kumar and Kumbar (2020) on engineering colleges in Karnataka found that most had online library catalogs (OPAC) but lacked important features like paying fines online or getting virtual help. Similarly, Jalal and Roy (2017), who studied university libraries in Uttar Pradesh, noted a shortage of digital repositories and organized electronic resources. In Kashmir, a study by Ganaie and Nazir (2016) on college libraries also found a lack of interactive digital services for students. In short, these studies all point to a consistent gap between basic digital infrastructure and the advanced services users need. Objectives of the Study: 1. To audit the availability of essential Information on the college library websites. 2. To evaluate the Resource Discovery tools. 3. To assess the User Services offered. 4. To determine if a significant association exists between the category of a library service and its availability. Research Methodology: This study used a quantitative content analysis research design. This method is suitable for the systematic assessment of content on websites. A purposive sample of twenty colleges affiliated with Goa University was selected to ensure representation across key disciplines and geographic distribution within the state. Data collection was conducted through a meticulous evaluation of each college's official website. A structured checklist was developed, comprising 29 dichotomous parameters (Present=1, Absent=0) categorized into five domains. The collected data was tabulated and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) to illustrate the prevalence of each service. An inferential analysis was conducted using the Chi-Square Test of Independence in SPSS (v.28) to determine if a significant association existed between the type of service category and its availability. Data Analysis and Findings: The analysis of the twenty college library websites revealed a significant disparity in the types of services offered. The data has been categorized and presented in five distinct tables to provide a granular view of the findings. IJAAR Vol. 6 No. 39 ISSN – 2347-7075 Dr. Nitesh Devu Naik & Dr. Bala Mandrekar Table 1: Basic Information about the Library (N=20) Sr. No. General Information No. of Library Websites Percentage 1 About us 20 100% 2 Library hours and rules 20 100% 3 Membership details 20 100% 4 Library staff details 12 60% 5 Library news & events 8 40% 6 Contact information (email, phone) 20 100% 7 Photo Gallery 14 70% The table No. 1 demonstrates that all colleges have successfully established a minimal digital footprint by providing essential operational information. The universal availability (100%) of core details like 'About us', library hours, membership details, and contact information indicates that libraries understand the fundamental need for a static, informative online presence. The slightly lower percentages for staff details (60%) and photo galleries (70%) suggest these are considered secondary but still important for personalizing the library's web space. However, the low number of libraries with a dedicated news and events section (40%) points to a missed opportunity for dynamic communication with users. Table 2: Resources Discovery and Access (N=20) Sr. No. Resources No. of Library Websites Percentage 1 Link to/availability of OPAC 5 25% 2 List of print journals and magazines 16 80% 3 Links to subscribed e-databases 12 60% 4 List of e-journals 12 60% 5 Links to open-access resources 6 30% 6 Access to digital institutional repository 3 15% 7 Access to past examination question papers 10 50% Table No. 2 highlights a significant technological gap. While most colleges list their traditional print holdings (80%), modern resource discovery tools are severely lacking. The low availability of OPAC (25%) is a critical finding, as it means three-quarters of the libraries are failing to provide a fundamental tool for remote browsing of their physical collection. The scarcity of institutional repositories (15%) indicates minimal investment in digital archiving and open-access initiatives. Similarly, the fact that only 30% of websites link to open-access resources suggests that libraries are not fully leveraging free scholarly content to supplement their collections. 87 IJAAR Vol. 6 No. 39 ISSN – 2347-7075 Dr. Nitesh Devu Naik & Dr. Bala Mandrekar 88 Table 3: User Services and Interaction (N=20) Sr. No. User Services No. of Library Websites Percentage 1 Facility for online book renewal 2 10% 2 Online book reservation/hold facility 0 0% 3 Online reference request form 0 0% 4 Online feedback/suggestion form 0 0% 5 Library news and announcements section 8 40% Table No. 3 shows an almost complete absence of interactive, user-centric services. Online reservation, reference requests, and feedback forms were found to be completely unavailable (0%). The online renewal facility was present on only two websites (10%). This stark deficiency underscores a static, one-way communication model, where the website functions as a passive noticeboard rather than an interactive service portal. This fails to meet the expectations of a digitally-empowered user base that is accustomed to performing transactions online. Table 4: Information about library collection (N=20) Sr. No. Library Collection No. of Library Websites Percentage 1 Books 20 100% 2 Journals 16 80% 3 E-Books 12 60% 4 E-Journals 12 60% 5 Project Reports/Dissertations 10 50% Table No 4 provides a clear picture of collection visibility on the websites. All libraries mention their book collection, which is expected. The high percentage for print journals (80%) and the moderate percentage for e-books and e-journals (60% each) show that libraries are actively promoting a portion of their digital holdings. However, the fact that only half of the websites list their project reports and dissertations (50%) is a significant oversight. These are unique, valuable resources that showcase institutional scholarship and should be prominently featured. Table 5: Links to E-resources (N=20) Sr. No. Links to E-resources No. of Library Websites Percentage 1 Subscribed E-Books 12 60% 2 Subscribed E-Journals 12 60% 3 Open Access E-Books 6 30% 4 Open Access e-Journals 6 30% 5 Institutional Repository 3 15% Table No. 5 further breaks down the availability of e-resources. While a majority of colleges provide links to their subscribed eresources (60%), the promotion of open-access IJAAR Vol. 6 No. 39 ISSN – 2347-7075 Dr. Nitesh Devu Naik & Dr. Bala Mandrekar 89 materials is considerably lower (30%). This is a missed opportunity for libraries to enhance their resource base at no cost. The data also reconfirms the critical scarcity of institutional repositories (15%), a foundational element of a modern digital library. Discussion: The findings show a significant digital divide among the affiliated colleges of Goa. The pattern aligns with previous national studies within the Goan higher education ecosystem. The basic information suggests that libraries have successfully established a minimal digital footprint. However, the scarcity of institutional repositories and Online Public Access catalogues shows a technological gap. The complete absence of interactive user services is the most another concerning finding of the study. It shows a services has not yet evolved to embrace a user-centered model. In an age where users expect to perform transactions online from renewing books to seeking expert help, this lack of functionality reduces the library's relevance and accessibility. It is notable that even professional colleges, which often have more specialized resources, showed no advantage in offering interactive web services. This digital difference suggests that few institutions are going ahead and making development. But majority of the colleges are lagging behind and has not shown much progress. This creates an discrimination in the quality of academic support available to students across the state. The role of the academic library as a collaborative academic hub is not properly tapped which reduces their perceived value to that of a passive warehouse of information. Conclusion and Recommendations: This study finally concludes that websites of college libraries are predominantly underutilized. They function as digital brochures. They are not dynamic service portals. Library websites shows basic information which is being well-represented. In this study the following recommendations are proposed: 1. Strategic Integration and Advocacy: Library Department should clearly highlight library page on college website. 2. Investment in Library Management Systems : Academic libraries should make investment in web-integrated LMS to enable essential remote services like OPAC and online renewal. Opensource solutions like Koha for LMS and DSpace for institutional repositories offer cost-effective starting points. 3. User-Centric Services: Libraries must implement simple, web-based forms for core interactive services, including book renewal, reservation, reference queries and feedback collection. 4. Creation of Discipline-Specific Portals: Libraries should maintain list digital resources such as e-journals, databases, open-access resources which are tailored to the specific academic programs. 5. Adoption of a website Policy: A formal policy should be developed to assign responsibility for regular updates of news, announcements, and new acquisitions, ensuring the website remains a current and relevant resource. IJAAR Vol. 6 No. 39 ISSN – 2347-7075 Dr. Nitesh Devu Naik & Dr. Bala Mandrekar 90 References: 1. Ganaie, S. A., & Nazir, T. (2016). Availability of E-Resources on College Library Websites in Kashmir Valley: An Analytical Study. Journal of Advances in Library and Information Science, 5(4), 323–327. 2. Jalal, S. K., & Roy, B. K. (2017). Web-based library services in university libraries: A study of the State of Uttar Pradesh. Annals of Library and Information Studies, 64(4), 259–264. 3. Kumar, S., & Kumbar, B. D. (2020). Web-Based Library Services in Selected Engineering College Libraries of Karnataka: A Study. International Journal of Information Dissemination and Technology, 10(3), 112–115. 4. Singh, S. P., & Tripathi, M. (2018). Evaluation of Library Websites of Central Universities in India. DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology, 38(5), 334– 340. AppendixI Sr. No Name of College Website URL 1 S.S. Dempo College of Commerce & Economics, Panjim https://dempocollege.edu.in 2 St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa https://xavierscollegegoa.ac.in 3 Dnyanprassarak Mandal’s College & Research Centre, Assagao http://dmscollege.ac.in 4 Government College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Khandola https://khandolacollege.edu.in 5 Narayan Zantye College of Commerce, Bicholim https://zantyecollege.ac.in 6 VidyaPrabodhini College of Commerce, Education, Computer and Management, Porvorim https://vidyaprabodhinicollege.edu.in 7 Fr. Agnel College of Arts & Commerce, Pilar https://www.fragnelcollege.edu.in 8 VikasParishad’sMandre College of Commerce, Mandrem http://www.mandrecollege.ac.in 9 SridoraCaculo College of Commerce & Management Studies, Mapusa https://caculocollege.ac.in 10 Government College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Sanquelim https://gcascs.ac.in 11 Padre Conceicao College of Engineering, Verna https://pccegoa.edu.in 12 Goa College of Pharmacy, Panaji https://gcp.goa.gov.in 13 Rosary College of Arts and Commerce, Navelim https://rosarycollege.ac.in 14 Carmel College of Arts, Science & Commerce for Women, Nuvem https://carmelcollegegoa.org 15 GovindRamnathKare College of Law, Margao https://www.grkarelaw.edu.in 16 G.V.M.'s College of Commerce & Economics, Ponda https://gvmcommercecollege.ac.in 17 MES College of Arts and Commerce, Zuarinagar http://mescollegegoa.org 18 Cuncolim Education Society’s College of Arts and Commerce, Cuncolim https://cescollege.ac.in 19 Government College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Quepem https://www.gcq.ac.in 20 Goa College of Home Science, Panaji http://gchscp.ac.in