Comparative Contents Analysis of Selected Nigerian University Libraries' Websites

Abstract

The study underscored the need to periodically conduct contents analysis of Nigerian university library websites. Content of websites is supposed to be dynamic and episodic analysis assists in overcoming their weaknesses and challenges which ensure improved quality that meets web ranking metrics. Therefore employing qualitative research approach and case study methodology, 42 (25%) Nigerian university library websites were purposively and proportionately selected for the study using stratified sampling technique. Using a modified checklist of Mehta and Trivedi (2015) prepared from quality models and WCAG, data was collected directly from the websites. The data collected was analyzed using ATLAS for Window and Mac Qualitative Data Analysis Software. The results of the data analysis show that although significant number of the selected Nigerian university library websites are well structured and possessed basic information yet there are still many features and information that are absent in many of the websites. Also many of the websites are small and limited in scope, with most consisting of a single webpage or two to four interlinked pages, presenting their messages up-front instead of encouraging navigation through the sites. The research recommends among others the need for Nigerian university libraries, while improving their websites so that users may get requisite information without facing any inconvenience.