Library participation in campus web portals: an initial survey

Abstract

PurposeTo determine the extent and nature of library involvement in campus portal development.Design/methodology/approachCampus technology staff from US colleges and universities participating in the JA‐SIG uPortal open‐source software project were surveyed.FindingsAll respondents indicated having an active campus portal. A majority of respondents had at least one library feature on their campus portal. Some library features included automated display of information specific to the portal user such as library account information. Collaboration between campus and library staff was a common theme among institutions successfully deploying library features.Research limitations/implicationsFindings are based on a small sample of campuses currently deploying portals. Recommended follow‐up studies include surveys of institutions using proprietary portal software and surveys of library staff and end‐users.Originality/valueWhile considerable research has been done on library portals, this paper is unique in its exploration of library participation in broader campus portal initiatives. Portal features discussed and illustrated in this paper might serve as models for libraries interested in developing a presence on their campus portal.