Assessing The Impact Of Digitalized Repositories On User Experience In Southern Government Engineering College Libraries In Tamil Nadu: Awareness, Satisfaction, And Challenges

Abstract

Purpose: This study assesses the impact of digitalized repositories on user experience among students and faculty in government engineering college libraries across the southern districts of Tamil Nadu. It specifically measures levels of awareness, user satisfaction, and the primary challenges encountered.

Methodology: A descriptive survey research design was employed. Using stratified random sampling, 450 respondents (360 students and 90 faculty members) were drawn from six government engineering colleges in Madurai, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari districts. A structured questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale and open-ended responses was used for data collection. The response rate was 86.4% (n=389).

Findings: Results indicate moderate to high awareness (mean=3.8/5) of digital repositories (DRs), with faculty showing significantly higher awareness than students. Satisfaction levels are moderate (mean=3.4/5), driven mainly by 24/7 accessibility and quick retrieval. However, major challenges include slow internet bandwidth (58%), lack of advanced search training (47%), and inconsistent metadata (39%). A statistically significant positive correlation (r=0.62, p<0.01) was found between awareness and satisfaction.

Originality/Value: This is the first comprehensive study focusing on the user experience of digital repositories in the under-researched context of southern Tamil Nadu’s government engineering college libraries, providing actionable insights for library administrators and policymakers