Comparative Analysis of Digital Resource Accessibility in Public and Academic Libraries

Thesis Abstract

Digital resource accessibility has become a critical determinant of information equity and user engagement within modern library services. Despite the increasing digitization of library collections, disparities persist between public and academic libraries in terms of digital resource availability, usability, and user access modalities, which may influence users’ ability to benefit from electronic collections effectively. This study seeks to conduct a comparative analysis of digital resource accessibility in public and academic libraries, aiming to identify the differences, similarities, and underlying factors that affect accessibility levels within these two types of institutions. The specific objectives include (1) assessing the extent of digital resource collections in public versus academic libraries; (2) evaluating the accessibility barriers faced by users; (3) examining the influence of organizational policies on digital resource access; and (4) proposing recommendations to enhance digital resource accessibility across both library sectors. The research employed a mixed-methods design, integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to obtain comprehensive insights. The population comprised twenty public libraries and twenty academic libraries within the metropolitan region, selected through stratified random sampling based on size and user volume, resulting in a total sample of 400 library users (200 from each sector). Data collection instruments included structured questionnaires adapted from the Digital Library Accessibility Scale (DLAS) for quantitative data, and semi-structured interview guides developed for qualitative insights from twenty library staff members (one from each selected library). Validity was established through expert review, while reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.87 for the survey instrument. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics to profile digital collections and accessibility issues, chi-square tests to examine differences between sectors, and multiple regression analysis to assess the influence of organizational factors on accessibility levels. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data to elucidate user and staff perspectives on barriers and facilitators of digital access. Findings are expected to reveal that academic libraries, owing to dedicated funding and significant institutional support, possess larger and more diverse digital collections than public libraries. However, public libraries may encounter greater challenges related to infrastructure limitations, policy deficiencies, and digital literacy deficits among users. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) results are expected to demonstrate statistically significant differences in accessibility metrics between the two sectors (p < 0.05). Regression models are hypothesized to identify key organizational factors—such as policy framework, staff expertise, and technological infrastructure—that significantly predict the level of digital resource access, with organizational policies being the strongest predictor. Qualitative insights are anticipated to highlight user frustrations over usability issues, inconsistent platform interfaces, and insufficient outreach on digital resources, thereby providing contextual understanding of quantitative findings. This study contributes to the field of library and information science by filling a gap in comparative empirical evidence on digital resource accessibility across different library sectors, guided by the Social Inclusion Theory and Resource-Based View Theory, which posit that organizational resources and policies fundamentally influence user access equity. The anticipated results will offer evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and library administrators aiming to improve digital access equity, such as investing in infrastructure, standardizing accessibility standards, and enhancing user training initiatives. Overall, the research underscores the necessity for strategic collaborations and policy reforms to bridge accessibility gaps, thereby promoting inclusive access to digital information resources across both public and academic sectors. The study concludes that targeted interventions and sustained organizational commitment are essential for realizing equitable digital resource access in contemporary library environments.