Abstract:
Abstract
Purpose - This paper aims to discuss the present status of using new generation web
technology, social media and Web 2.0 features among the technological university library
websites in south India. It assesses the library websites as a primary platform and one-stop
portal for information services and examines as to how much library websites are effective in
providing web-based information services.
Design/Methodology/Approach - The library websites of the technological universities in south
India were evaluated on the basis of a relative weight checklist. The criteria for the checklist was
drawn on the basis of availability of websites for library, resource discovery tools, access to
scholarly content and Web 2.0 tools. The various issues and challenges in adapting new web
technologies in academic environment are discussed.
Findings - Using the current web development technologies and deploying for mainstream web
information services is not widespread as web information services are yet to take off widely in
academic libraries. The majority of university libraries are found to be working in the
conventional library settings and the diffusion rate of web information services is relatively low.
Originality/value - As this is an assessment of the existing online information infrastructure
facilities of the engineering universities in south India, the awareness of web-based information
services, their viability, and service values can be enhanced. More emphasis is underlined to
improve upon the current learning, online educational facilities and benchmarking electronic
information services for sustainability is highlighted.
Paper type – Case study