Virtual Presence of Academic Libraries: A Content Analysis of Library Websites/Webpages of Western-Zone NIRF (2024) Ranked Pharmacy Institutions of India

This study focused purely on the web content analysis of library websites of western-zone pharmaceutical institutes that were listed in 2024 in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) adopted by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The study was confined to examining only 21 library websites out of 24; the other three were eliminated from the study due to the non-availability of dedicated webpages/websites or having general information about libraries within a few lines. Based on earlier research, a standard set of parameters was shortlisted and framed as a checklist for an online survey of websites. The major findings of the study revealed that three libraries (Parul University, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, and L. M. College of Pharmacy) used content management systems (CMS) such as Google Sites to further develop their library websites. Still, the majority of the websites lack basic information about libraries and services, as well as the application of Web 2.0 technologies on their respective websites. This study assists librarians and web developers in optimizing their websites so that users can quickly locate relevant resources, services, and information in general.