Prevalence of widget applications on library websites: an analytical study

Purpose - The paper seeks to highlight how academic libraries are harnessing widgets to make library resources easily and conveniently accessible to users. Examining the characteristic features, purposes of use and types of widget applications, the paper aims to measure the degree of implementation of widget among academic libraries in different regions. Design/methodology/approach - A stratified sampling method was followed for selecting four samples of population, each representing one of the four continents (North America, Europe, Australia and Asia) and content analysis was used to collect data along the checkpoints. Findings - Giving a comparative account of widget implementation along the select dimensions, the study focused on relative acceptance of widgets among the continents and emphasized the areas where widget is being applied most. With examples, the study also illustrated the relevance of the different approaches taken by various libraries. Research limitations/implications - The study was confined to selected libraries of higher education institutes among the four continents only. Libraries having non-English websites and restricted or limited access were not included. Originality/value - This unique investigation presented a comprehensive picture of widget implementation among the academic libraries across the world. The findings will serve as a valuable guide for future librarians who wish to incorporate such technologies in library websites. Furthermore, the checkpoints used here may serve as a bedrock for framing questionnaire and interview schedule for conducting future research investigating users' perception of this new web-based tool in order to comprehend fully the practicability and usefulness of widget.