ICT Infrastructure and Library Applications: A Case Study of the Central University of Tamil Nadu Library, Thiruvarur (India)

ABSTRACTInformation and Communication Technology (ICT) has transformed academic libraries by enhancing access toinformation, automating library operations, and facilitating user-centric services. This study evaluates the ICTinfrastructure, ICT-based library applications, users’ utilization patterns and satisfaction, and challenges associatedwith ICT implementation at the Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN) Library, Thiruvarur, India. A descriptivesurvey research design was adopted, and two structured questionnaires were used to collect data.13 questionnaireswere administered to library staff to assess ICT infrastructure, network facilities, ICT applications, and libraryautomation. At the same time, the second questionnaire was distributed to 241 library users through personal visitsand email. A total of 225 valid responses were received, yielding a response rate of 93.36%, with respondentsselected through simple random sampling. The findings reveal that ICT infrastructure has strengthened libraryoperations and enhanced the delivery of ICT-based services. Users' satisfaction with ICT facilities and services isstatistically significantly positive at the 1% level, 157 (69.8 %) respondents visited the library daily, 145 (64.4 %)users time spent more than one hour in the library, Cataloguing, Circulation and OPAC were reported as fullyautomated by 100 % respondents, ICT based lending services obtained the highest mean score (M = 4.62, SD =0.71). However, significant challenges were identified in ICT implementation, particularly inadequate budget andshortage of skilled staff. Internet connectivity and cybersecurity were also identified as prominent challengesaffecting effective ICT implementation. The study provides empirical evidence on the status of ICT infrastructureand library applications in a central university library. It highlights the need for systematic ICT planning,infrastructure development, and continuous upgrading of ICT facilities and services.