Revamping Digital Access: An Examination of IIIT Library Websites

BackgroundAs of 2021, 89% of the Australian population are active internet users. Although the internet is widely used, there are concerns about the quality, accuracy, and credibility of health-related websites. A 2015 systematic assessment of infant feeding websites and apps available in Australia found that 61% of websites were of poor quality and readability, with minimal coverage of infant feeding topics and lack of author credibility.ObjectiveWe aimed to systematically assess the quality, interactivity, readability, and comprehensibility of information targeting infant health behaviors on websites globally and provide an update of the 2015 systematic assessment.MethodsKeywords related to infant milk feeding behaviors, solid feeding behaviors, active play, screen time, and sleep were used to identify websites targeting infant health behaviors on the Google search engine on Safari. The websites were assessed by a subset of the authors using predetermined criteria between July 2021 and February 2022 and assessed for information content based on the Australian Infant Feeding Guidelines and National Physical Activity Recommendations. The Suitability Assessment of Materials, Quality Component Scoring System, the Health-Related Website Evaluation Form, and the adherence to the Health on the Net code were used to evaluate the suitability and quality of information. Readability was assessed using 3 web-based readability tools.ResultsOf the 450 websites screened, 66 were included based on the selection criteria and evaluated. Overall, the quality of websites was mostly adequate. Media-related sources, nongovernmental organizations, hospitals, and privately owned websites had the highest median quality scores, whereas university websites received the lowest median score (35%). The information covered within the websites was predominantly poor: 91% (60/66) of the websites received an overall score of ≤74% (mean 53%, SD 18%). The suitability of health information was mostly rated adequate for literacy demand, layout, and learning and motivation of readers. The median readability score for the websites was grade 8.5, which is higher than the government recommendations (<grade 8). Overall, 74% (49/66) of the websites obtained a poor rating for interactivity, measuring active control, 2-way communication, and synchronicity. The most common features found on websites were social media links (61/66, 92%), frequently asked questions (48/66, 73%), and videos (44/66, 67%). Only 14% (9/66) of websites presented culturally responsive information.ConclusionsQuality, content, readability, and interactivity of websites promoting health behaviors during infancy ranged between poor and adequate. Since the 2015 systematic assessment, there was a slight improvement in the quality of websites but no difference in the Suitability Assessment of Materials rating and readability of information. There is a need for researchers and health care providers to leverage innovative web-based platforms to provide culturally competent evidence-based information based on government guidelines that are accessible to those with limited English proficiency.

Library websites in higher education institutions help increase competitiveness and reinforce institutions, information media, and library promotion. This study aimed to determine the effect of the quality of the Kandaga website partially and simultaneously on user satisfaction at the Padjadjaran University Central Library. This study used an explanatory quantitative approach by distributing questionnaires to 373 people. The analysis of research data used path analysis. Based on the research results, variables of usability quality, service interaction quality, interface quality, and digital library service quality partially had a significant effect on user satisfaction of the Padjadjaran University Central Library. The quality of the Kandaga website had a significant simultaneous effect on user satisfaction of the Central Library of Padjadjaran University by 87.4%. The quality of the digital library services had the most significant influence on user satisfaction, namely 52.6%. The Central Library o Padjadjaan University needed to prioritize digital library service quality improvements because this variable significantly influenced user satisfaction. The quality of the Kandaga website partially and simultaneously had a significant effect on user satisfaction of the Central Library. Information quality had no significant effect on user satisfaction of the Central Library of Padjadjaran University. Kandaga's information quality variable had the highest value. The study concludes that users of the Kandaga website believe that the quality of information on the Kandaga website currently has met user needs, has a good reputation, is trustworthy, relevant, detailed, and easy to understand.

This research explores the relationships between corporate blogs, social media links and the performance of Fortune 500 companies. Using secondary data from the companies regarding their revenue, profits and ratings on the Most Admired Companies (MAC) list, the study tests the influence of blogs and social media links on performance. Specifically, it compares the performance outcomes of those companies with corporate blogs, those companies with social media links, and those companies with neither blogs nor social media links. The results indicate that those companies with corporate blogs have higher revenues and profits, and score higher on the MAC list than those without. Similarly, those companies with social media links have higher revenues, profits and MAC ratings than those without. The findings confirm the association between corporate blogs and social media links in relation to performance outcomes. As the first study to test such relationships in the social media context, the findings provide valuable insights into the influence of corporate blogging and social media strategies on firms’ financial performance and reputation. The study also provides directions for future research in the social media context.

The library website is a task-oriented webpage(s) that requires regular evaluation. However, analyzing the content and aesthetic qualities of a library website is an essential ingredient for its usability testing. Hence, this study evaluated the content qualities and aesthetic features of university library websites in Southwest Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The unit of analysis comprises undergraduate students from the six selected universities in southwest Nigeria, and their population stood at 99, 939. The study used a simple random sampling technique to select its samples and the sample size for the study is 398. A checklist and questionnaire were used as instruments for data collection. Collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS) version 21. The result of findings indicated that premium is placed more on aesthetic features than content quality and none of the understudy library websites has features for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), list of the new arrivals and space for advert placement. Based on the study analysis, the Kenneth Dike Library website of the University of Ibadan and Covenant University Resource Centre is better in terms of content quality than other university library websites in Southwest Nigeria. Library websites were found to be useful and yet not optimally utilized by the users due to the absence of some content and aesthetic features that tend to improve the usability of the library website. Consequently, the university library needs to prioritize its presence online and as well add features that will engage and elicit feedback from users. They also need to publicize among the users the use of library websites as veritable sources of scholarly information and communication.

Due to the development of Information and Communication Technologies, the scenario has changed in modern library services such as access to electronic or digital collections, web portals, personalized services, online library instruction, e-reference service, online document delivery, helpdesk services and electronic publishing. Today many university libraries in India offer electronic information resources to their users in order to satisfy their information needs. Managing the development and delivery of electronic library services is one of the major challenges for these libraries. The University libraries in Odisha state which is situated at the eastern part of India gradually transformed their traditional library services to e-services. Thus, it is important to understand and conceptualize library service quality in the web-based service environment and how it can be accessed. In this chapter, E-S-QUAL model is adopted to identify the criteria to assess the service quality of library website of Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) University located in Bhubaneswar city of Odisha from the research scholars’ viewpoints. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of E-S-QUAL dimensions such as efficiency, system availability, fulfillment and privacy on user’s perceived value, e-service quality and e-loyalty that influence the digital library services. With an empirical data set including 350 valid questionnaires collected through online survey from the research scholars of SOA community, the result provides a foundation for better understanding research scholars’ perceptions on e-service quality for libraries. This information is also useful to universities’ libraries website designers and service providers and in the management of web-based services.

This study is set out to investigate the challenges to the utilisation of digital library resources and services by Library and Information Science (LIS) students, Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina-Nigeria. In order to achieve this, three (3) research questions were formulated. A survey method was employed in the conduct of this study while the population comprised 590 library and information science students, FUDMA. A well-structure questionnaire was administered to 40% of 590 which is 236 for data collection. The data collected for the study were presented and analysed using descriptive statistics, frequency distribution tables and simple percentages for the data analysis. It was found that FUDMA Digital Library apps, KOHA Digital management software, online databases (open and closed access), Calibre E-library management software and DSpace were the type of the available Digital Library Resources and services respondents were aware of, and were being utilized by LIS respondents. LIS students search and utilized Digital Library Resources and services through library website, search through OPAC, Institutional Repositories and through FUDMA Digital Library apps. Slow Internet connectivity in the institution, lack of wireless network on campus, lack of computer literacy skills, erratic power supply were the major challenges faced by the respondents in using the FUDMA Digital Library Resources and Services. Hence, the study recommended that the university management should take a leading role to address the issue of power supply and Internet connectivity across the university community and in order to increase the level of utilization of FUDMA Library resources and services, that, the management should organize more sensitization training and workshop on use and customization of FUDMA digital library.

Challenges for the next 25 years

Purpose. The development and usage of digital library services have accelerated. Many libraries have expanded their digital services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The physical locations were closed or operated with reduced capacity and libraries continued to provide services digitally. The physical locations of many libraries have reopened but the development of digital services persists. Most libraries offer a wide variety of services digitally and many libraries are expanding their digital services. It is, therefore, relevant to explore how librarians perceive the digital public library services offered at their institutions and how the digital services supplement or replace services in the physical library. Approach/methodology/design. This study presents the findings of an interview-based study with five librarians from different public libraries across Denmark. Findings. The findings show that librarians perceive the physical and digital services as means to the same end while carefully considering the content, target audience and platform when offering services to their users. They see the digital services as a critical aspect of the raison d’etre of the library and means to attract new users. Research limitations. It is important to note that this study is based on a small sample. Practical implications. The implications for digital public library services are discussed and recommendations based on this study are considered. Originality/value. While many studies have explored librarians’ perceptions of the value of public libraries, this study focuses on librarians’ perception of the value of digital libraries and how these services supplement or replace the physical library.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to share the experience of a university library in response to the COVID-19 pandemic since early March 2020. The paper describes the library’s position during the crisis and illustrates the uncharted challenges that the pandemic has posed to its digital services. Furthermore, it details how the library has adapted some existing services into a digital format and explored new initiatives/practices to support the university’s full online teaching and learning since March 23, 2020.Design/methodology/approachThis paper describes the library’s various digital services that are used to meet the needs of its end-users during the COVID-19 pandemic. The approaches used are the authors’ personal experiences working at an academic library, observations of the library’s responses with regards to its digital services, as well as their reflections on what can be considered for development now and in the future. It highlights the current initiatives and best practices for digital library services during a public health crisis.FindingsThis paper aims to make other university libraries aware of what the library has implemented with providing digital services to its teaching faculty and students during the pandemic. It also describes the challenges and implications for the library professionals working in-house and remotely.Originality/valueThis paper is of great value in providing insights and practical solutions responding to the global health crisis for other libraries that are coping with the similar challenges for digital library services.

As a digital space hosting accessible resources, the Queens College Library (QCL) website combines various systems, such as WordPress, Springshare LibGuides, and Primo OneSearch, to create a unified user experience using library digital services, including browsing library webpages, accessing databases, navigating research guides, and searching for multiple resources. The study uses Tableau dashboards to visualize data collected from disparate sources, highlighting the trends and changes in the QCL’s digital services usage over multiple years. The study concludes with a discussion about the implications of the findings and insights for promoting academic libraries’ digital services with practical measures.

Introduction. The use of library websites has begun to be used massively by libraries as a source of digital library information. This study aims to analyze the quality of the vocational school library website and identify the factors that influence the quality of the website. &#x0D; Data Collection Methods. Using quantitative methods with a population of all vocational high school students in Yogyakarta. Data were obtained using a questionnaire on 357 students from three schools.&#x0D; Data Analysis. Data analysis techniques were performed using WebQual Index (WQI) and Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) analysis.&#x0D; Results and Discussion. The results of this study found a WQI value of 0.87 on the library website of SMKN 1 Bantul, the library website of SMKN 1 Godean of 0.85 and of SMKN 2 Yogyakarta of 0.81. The quality of the library website at SMKN 1 Bantul is the library website with the best quality based on user perceptions. There are five factors that are important for users, namely a positive experience when visiting the website, reliable information provided by the website, personal data security, personalization features, and website manager information.&#x0D; Conclusion. In general, the quality of the vocational high school library website in Yogyakarta is good based on three aspects, namely usability, information quality and interaction service quality.

A Review of:&#x0D; Chua, A. Y. K., &amp; Goh, D. H. (2010). A study of Web 2.0 applications in library websites. Library &amp; Information Science Research, 32(3), 203-211. &#x0D; &#x0D; Objective – To determine the prevalence and use of web 2.0 applications in library websites and to determine whether or not their presence enhances the quality of the sites.&#x0D; &#x0D; Design – Content analysis.&#x0D; &#x0D; Setting – Public and academic libraries in North America, Europe, and Asia.&#x0D; &#x0D; Subjects – A total of 120 academic and public library websites in English.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods – This study identified and selected library websites from academic and public libraries using a combination of directories, ratings reports, and ranking lists from three geographic regions. Over a four-month period in 2009, three coders conducted a three-step content analysis of the selected library websites. This analysis was conducted after having established inter-coder reliability using Cohen’s Kappa and analytic procedure familiarity, using a randomly selected pilot set of 30 library websites. The remaining 90 websites were evenly distributed among the three coders for analysis. They determined whether web 2.0 applications were present, examined how those applications were used, and gave an overall appraisal of website quality. Coders inspected library website links, conducted site searches, used search engines, and searched within major social networking sites to determine the presence of web 2.0 applications. A quality framework classification scheme was used during coding to identify how the web 2.0 applications were being used within library websites. This framework was established around four dimensions of library services: information acquisition (blogs and wikis), information dissemination (Rich Site Summary, or “RSS”), information organization (social tagging), and information sharing (social networking and instant messaging). A five-point Likert scale was also used in concert with a website quality evaluation framework to assess the quality of the library websites. This framework included three aspects of website quality: system quality, information quality, and service quality. A combination of statistical techniques such as Chi-square analysis, Cramer’s V, analysis of variance, Tukey’s statistic, and multiple regression were then used to analyze the findings.&#x0D; &#x0D; Main Results – Web 2.0 applications have been adopted by libraries across North America, Europe, and Asia. The most popular web 2.0 applications were blogs (56.6%), RSS (50%), and instant messaging services (46.6%) while less prevalent were social networking services (20%), wikis (16.6%), and social tagging applications (16.6%). The extent of libraries’ adoption of web 2.0 applications also varied according to region. North American libraries used all web 2.0 applications most consistently and were more attuned to heavier users, particularly with regard to information sharing applications (e.g., instant messaging, social networking). European libraries lagged behind those in Asia in embracing information acquisition applications (e.g., blogs, wikis) but were comparable to other regions. Social networking services and instant messaging were strongly associated with region; RSS, blogs, and social tagging showed moderate to moderately strong associations; and only wikis did not demonstrate a statistically significant association with region. &#x0D; &#x0D; This study also identified how web 2.0 applications were being used. Blogs were used to generate interest, engage users, and endear users to library personnel, while wikis culled resources from users thematically. RSS feeds communicated news, events or resource updates, and were also used in combination with library blogs. Social tagging invited users to save, organize, and share information, while some websites used librarian-generated tags for search and discovery or included them as tag clouds in library blogs. Instant messaging was used to assist users synchronously during scheduled timeslots; meanwhile, social networking sites offered alternate channels to communicate and build connections with users.&#x0D; &#x0D; The authors found a relationship between website quality and the presence of web 2.0 applications based on the criteria presented in their quality evaluation framework. Applications facilitating information sharing (i.e., social networks and instant messaging) had a stronger influence on a website’s overall quality than those being used for information acquisition and dissemination (i.e., RSS, wikis, and blogs). Web 2.0 applications among academic and public libraries shared a similar level of presence on the library websites; therefore, the type of library is not associated with the quality of the library website. North American websites tended to be higher in quality than European or Asian library websites, and differences in quality between European and Asian sites were insignificant.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion – This study reveals that libraries in various geographic regions adopt web 2.0 applications differently. Web 2.0 applications in library websites enhance users’ experience with library resources and support their interests. Library websites are implementing web 2.0 applications in a myriad of ways, including using these applications in concert with one another to increase user engagement. The presence of web 2.0 applications strongly affects service quality but only weakly influences information quality.

This study is a description of how university students perceive digital library services, or the integration of digital library elements within the traditional or hybrid library services in academic libraries. These services were identified through a preliminary study that evaluated the digital services offered by twenty university libraries. The top five university libraries with most services offered were selected. Qualitative method of data collection using ten focus groups consisting of 81 postgraduate students was employed. Overall, the focus group discussions reveal that digital services are very well received by users. The most popular being access to online databases, e-journals and e-books. Users almost unanimously request for more online help to assist in search for information and improve their information seeking skills. The results have implications for academic libraries providing digital services in a networked environment and recommendation made include providing better guidance to users, and solicit feedback to make evidence-based decisions on digital library service delivery.

Purpose Despite the availability of web accessibility guidelines, inaccessibility of library websites remains a challenge. This paper aims to explore students with visual disabilities’ experiences in accessing university library websites to access digital information resources. Design/methodology/approach This study followed an exploratory case study design and qualitative research approach. The social model of disability informed the study. Purposive sampling was used to select study sites, while snowball was used to select participants. Data was collected from Kyambogo and Makerere University libraries in Uganda. The authors interviewed 28 students with visual disabilities, and 12 observations and accessibility tests were carried out. The authors thematically analysed the data in Atlas ti v.7.5.7. Findings One of the library websites implemented some accessibility features such as descriptive link text, text labels, and auditory instructions. In both libraries, however, students with visual disabilities are excluded from accessing the websites to access digital information resources and library services. Inaccessibility was caused by navigation difficulties, incompatibility with access tools, and inadequate labelling of links, inadequate awareness of the library website’s existence and access skills. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study exploring the experiences of students with visual disabilities in accessing library websites in Uganda’s university libraries. The findings are valuable to designing inclusive library websites. They also demonstrate the need for university libraries to raise awareness of the availability and benefits of library websites to students with visual disabilities in Uganda and generally, Africa.

The development of libraries from conventional to digital-based libraries has brought significant impacts on the way library services are provided and accessed by users. However, along with its benefits, digital libraries face new challenges related to data security and user privacy such as effective protection of personal data. This research aims to analyze security and privacy threats in digital library services and identify the implementation of security technologies and privacy policies in this context. This research uses the narrative literature review method to analyze 12 references relevant to the topic of information security and user privacy in digital library services. This research has security and privacy risks involved in digital library services, how security technologies are implemented, and how privacy regulations and policies impact the situation. Results show that virus attacks and brute force attacks are some of the security threats of digital libraries. To protect sensitive user data, the use of security technologies such as data encryption and the use of firewalls are also very important. Privacy regulations and policies such as GDPR go a long way in helping digital libraries maintain the privacy of their users. This analysis enhances our understanding of the problems and solutions in data security management and user privacy in digital library services. Thus, this research highlights the importance of managing information security and user privacy in the context of digital library services to ensure optimal protection of sensitive user data.