Offering Web-based Tools via Library Websites for Academic and Research Progression: An Analytical Study

The purpose of the present study is to explore the possibility of integrating various online tools and apps with the library website and to identify the issues and benefits of implementing these tools. Quantitative online survey method was used using Google form in the present study to investigate the perception of the academic community involving students, teachers, and research scholars across higher education institutes in West Bengal, India about the online tools and apps and how they respond while interacting with these tools. Based on the responses to a series of questions, the study analyzed user observation and found purposive involvement of the academic community with various online tools and apps. The study identified the areas requiring improvements to maximize the usability of the tools and illustrated the usefulness of these tools in academic and research progression. The study also presented a schematic diagram of possible benefits and major constraints while implementing these tools. The research provides an overview of various online tools and apps facilitating academic and research progression and makes an attempt to convince librarians towards the informed selection of tools and highlights the utility of these tools among the academic community.