Transforming Academic Resource Accessibility Understanding the Role of N-LIST Programme with Special Reference to Bishop Heber College, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu: a Case Study

Abstract

This study attempts to investigate faculty awareness, access patterns, satisfaction, and barriers to accessing N-LIST e-resources. This study adopted case study method, and a structured questionnaire was administered to college faculty members. A total of 169 valid responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and hypotheses testing to know the variations in demographics, HA behaviors and factors affecting the awareness levels of respondents. Nearly half (49.1%) access N-LIST once a month, while 59.2% spend at least one hour per week on e-resources. Self-learning (40.2%) is the most common mode of learning to use N-LIST. Respondents use simple and advanced search strategies and consider Indian journals, Cambridge University Press, and E-Library e-books as the most useful resources. Restricted access emerged as a major problem (34.3%). Hypothesis testing shows no significant difference between gender and awareness levels. However, significant differences were observed across age groups, teaching experience, access frequency, time spent, search strategies, and challenges faced. Users of 31–35 age group, who access N-LIST twice a week, and spending two to three hours weekly demonstrated higher awareness level. This study highlights the need for enhanced training, improved ICT infrastructure, and continuous user support to optimize N-LIST usage.