Mapping Cloud-Based Library Services through Library Websites

A Web-Based Content Analysis of Degree Colleges under the University of North Bengal (NBU)

Abstract

The present study investigated the availability of cloud-based services for libraries of the affiliated degree colleges under the University of North Bengal(NBU), West Bengal. The study applied the content analysis method to collect the data of the 28 (54.9%) colleges with operational library websites that use cloud-based services among the 51 affiliated colleges. Besides assessing the availability of library websites, the study also examined other aspects of academic support services, availability of cloud-based and digital library systems, connection in digital library systems, Open Educational Resources (OER), newspaper webpages, consortium-based services like ONOS, and user-centric online services like interactive reference support and membership information. Frequency and percentage methods were employed to analyse the study findings, which were derived from structured Internet observation. From the study findings, it is evident that library websites with functional and user-support services are highly digitally mature with regard to e-resources, remote accessibility, academic support resources, and interactive digital services. However, some of the glaring gaps were identified with regard to Institutional repository access and consortium service exposure. Although the study found that there is an extensive use of cloud-based service delivery by digitally engaged institutions, it is evident that for digital transformation, research preservation facilities and interactive digital networking should be strategically improved.