Reimagining Academic Library Websites: A Strategic Planning Framework for Inclusive and User-Centric Digital Infrastructure
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Date
2025-12-02
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
INFLIBNET Centre Gandhinagar
Abstract
Library websites have become essential gateways to institutional knowledge and services in
the contemporary academic landscape, shaped by rapid digital transformation. However,
many Indian higher education institutions still exhibit a disconnect between user expectations
and digital service delivery. Numerous library portals suffer from outdated designs, limited
accessibility, and weak alignment with evolving pedagogical and technological demands.
These limitations restrict libraries from functioning as strategic partners in advancing research,
learning, and inclusion. This study presents a five-phase strategic planning framework tailored
to the Indian context, emphasizing user-centred design, accessibility, and continuous
improvement factors often overlooked in institutional planning. The framework is structured
around Assessment, Design, Integration, Implementation, and Evaluation and draws on
established usability and accessibility standards, including Web Content Accessibility
Guidelines (WCAG 2.1). It aligns with national priorities such as the National Education
Policy (2020) and quality benchmarks like the National Institutional Ranking Framework
(NIRF). Developed through literature synthesis, national case studies, and benchmarking
against global best practices, the model remains flexible and scalable, accommodating diverse
institutional capacities. Core components include Accessible Rich Internet Applications
(ARIA) labels for screen-reader navigation, beta testing for usability validation, and Jakob
Nielsen’s heuristics for interface quality. The proposed approach repositions the academic
library website from a passive repository to an inclusive, adaptive platform central to digital
engagement, advocating a shift from fragmented digital services toward holistic, user-driven
ecosystems that ensure equitable access and long-term relevance
Description
14th International CALIBER 2025, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, November 17-19, 2025
Keywords
Academic Libraries, Accessibility, Digital Infrastructure, Library Website Design, National Education Policy - India, Strategic Framework, User Experience