Content Analysis of Academic Library Websites of Sri Lanka: With Special Reference to State Universities

Abstract

In the era of digital scholarship, the quality and usability of academic library websites are significant and play several roles. Academic library websites function as critical interfaces for delivering information resources and services to students, faculty, and researchers enabling a vast access to information supporting the teaching learning process and fulfilling research objectives of higher education institutions. This study presents a systematic content analysis of academic library websites across 17 state universities in Sri Lanka, with the objective of evaluating the content user-oriented features, and alignment with international best practices. Using a structured evaluation checklist, consisting of nine (09) major parameters with 53 indicators, the study assessed general information, digital resource provision, user support services, accessibility features, and site navigability. The results indicate considerable variation in website quality and comprehensiveness among the surveyed institutions. The University of Kelaniya achieved the highest score (75.47%), followed by the University of Peradeniya (71.70%), the Universities of Colombo, Sri Jayewardenepura, and the Open University of Sri Lanka, each scoring 69.81% . Universities which were established later such as University of Vavuniya and Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine ranked lowest, with 20.75% and 35.85% respectively. Most universities clustered in the moderate performance range (50–70%), signifying a moderate level of content provision and digital service implementation but also highlighting persistent gaps in areas such as accessibility, user guidance, and regular content updates. The findings show the need for strategies to elevate the standard of academic library websites, including the adoption of benchmarking practices, staff training, and regular usability assessments. The study offers actionable strategies for policy makers and practitioners, for continuous improvemen