Enhancing Access To Digital Collections Through University Library Websites: An Evaluation Study

الملخص

University library websites in Algeria serve not only as information systems but also as digital communication platforms that connect academic institutions with students and researchers. However, they face challenges in providing effective and user-centered access to digital collections. This study aims to evaluate 15 Algerian university library websites in terms of providing access to digital collections. Using a checklist based on usability and international accessibility standards, the evaluation focuses on navigation, search functionality, and access to digital resources. Findings reveal that most websites are well-organized and easy to navigate but lack multilingual support, advanced search features, and varied content formats such as e-books and multimedia. Additionally, essential services such as virtual assistants and interactive tools are largely absent, which limits online engagement and academic visibility. Recommendations include enhancing accessibility, adding Web 2.0 functionalities, and expanding digital collections. Future work should incorporate automated accessibility testing tools, such as the WAVE tool to address technical barriers on these platforms.