A well-designed library website can be a powerful tool for promoting a library's services and resources and communicating its mission and values to its users. The study aims to investigate the current status, contents, and features of private university library websites (PULWs) in Bangladesh that are used for user communication. Selecting thirty (30) private university libraries with dedicated websites aims to ensure inclusivity and provide insights into best practices for designing and managing library websites in the private university context. To ensure the accuracy and dependability of the data, an interview method and checklist of sixty (60) items separated into eight (8) categories were used. The study reveals some important areas where still a need for improvements like liquid layout, mobile friendliness, Web-OPAC, online tutorials, newsletter, website update, project consultancy, vendor links, advertising, website appearance, library general information, jobs-related issues, etc., and certain challenges for library website maintenance and removing professional gap. The study recommends valuable suggestions for effective content, features, and maintenance issues of PULWs. In addition, the findings suggest that while most PULWs provide basic communication features such as email, phone, and chat support, there is significant room for enhancement in terms of user engagement and interaction. This study will be beneficial for academic librarians and information specialists who work on building and maintaining library websites.
Keywords: Contents and Features, Library Website, Academic Library Website, User Communication.Website Content Library Resources, User Engagement,User Experience
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61921/kyauj.v06i01.007
31-Aug-2024
