Enhancing Mobile Library Applications: A Study on Usability and Effectiveness among Postgraduate Students in Theni District

Abstract

As technology continues to shape our world, mobile library applications have become essential tools for postgraduate students conducting research. This study explores how well these apps are meeting the needs of students at arts and science colleges in Theni. We surveyed 287 postgraduate students to understand how frequently they use these apps, how easy they find them to use, and how satisfied they are with the resources they provide. Our findings show that many students use mobile library apps regularly, though there are differences in usage patterns between those in urban and rural areas. Most students find the apps user-friendly and well-designed, but technical glitches still pose a challenge. Overall, students are generally pleased with how these apps support their research, although there is room for improvement in areas like resource availability and search functionality. Interestingly, our study also uncovered differences based on gender and locality. While both male and female students report similar levels of satisfaction, those from urban areas tend to have a better experience compared to their rural peers. Additionally, there is a noticeable interest in more interactive features, such as live chat support and virtual librarians. This research offers valuable insights into the current state of mobile library applications and suggests ways to enhance these tools to better support postgraduate students. Our recommendations aim to improve app features and address technical issues, ultimately making these digital resources more effective and user-friendly.