230 University Library Websites in Kerala: An Analysis (Web Survey) V.S. Swapna Dept. of Library and Information Science, Karpagam University, Coimbatore-641 021, e-mail: swapnabenn@gmail.com A.T. Francis Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur-680656 e-mail: francisaloor@yahoo.com Abstract The article is an analysis of library websites or web pages of the universities in Kerala. Factors like speed, size, downloading time, facilities for information services etc. have been analyzed. The survey was conducted during the period from 14-01- 2013 to 19-01-2013. The study reveals that though the websites provide lot of useful information to the users, further improvement both in contents and management of it is needed in most of the library websites. The study also provided insight to judge the quality of the library websites and information services provided through them. Keywords Library Websites; Website Evaluation; Web Survey; University Libraries; Library Services, Web 2.0. Electronic access The journal is available at www.jalis.in Journal of Advances in Library and Information Science ISSN: 2277-2219 Vol.2. No.4. 2013. pp.230-235 INTRODUCTION For centuries, social and technological changes have been affecting every profession. During the last two decades, specifically for the last five years, rapid technological development has affected library services as well. National Knowledge Commission (2013) 1 recognized the fact that libraries play an important instrument of change for educational, cultural, social and economic development. Presently the world is undergoing a great deal of transformation due to the applications of ICT in the different categories do exist in India. In comparison with the library websites of western countries, the websites of Indian universities / libraries have to be improved considerably. While immense scope is available for information services through websites, the libraries can exploit this technology, especially for delivering services to the off-campus users and also to the users of affiliated institutions (Francis, 2012) 2 . Now the users are not mere information consumers but are content creators also. In this context, libraries have to integrate several technologies in their services in order to effectively attract and satisfy the users. Mahamood and Richardson (2011) 3 found that all the libraries were using Web 2.0 tools for sharing news, marketing their services, providing information literacy instruction, providing information about print and digital resources, and soliciting feedback of users. O’Reilly (2005) 4 is responsible for coining the term Web 2.0 and this is a label attached to new capabilities and services offered by the online collaboration and sharing among users. Blogs, Wikis, RSS (Real Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary), Instant Messaging, Social Networking, Web Podcasting, Mashups, You Tube, Tagging etc. are some Web 2.0 tools used in library services (Library of Congress, 2013) 5 (Anttiroiko & Savolainen, 2011) 6 . Integrating library services through RSS feeds, Sarkar (2012) 7 finds that increase professional understanding of the use of RSS and will guide future librarians in using library websites effectively for providing web based information services thereby enhancing sustainability and service value. Aharony (2012) 8 revealed that the content of academic library websites in the years 2000 and 2010 has much changed over the ten years, presenting an increasing use of e-journals and Web 2.0 applications, as well as a focus on library users and great use of graphics in websites. The John Hopkins University (2013) 9 propagates its Library services through the podcasting about collection, services it offers, user