User Satisfaction and Challenges in It-Based Library Services: A Study of Autonomous Engineering Colleges

ICT adoption has reshaped how academic libraries deliver services, widening access to scholarly content and lifting operational efficiency across engineering institutions. In autonomous engineering colleges, IT-enabled resources — digital collections, the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), and remote access platforms — now underpin teaching, learning, and research. Drawing on a descriptive survey with a quantitative design, this study examines user satisfaction and the obstacles encountered when engaging with these services. Structured questionnaires were administered to 345 respondents from 30 autonomous engineering colleges. Most users access IT-based library services daily or several times a week. Digital resources such as e-journals, OPAC, and online databases are used frequently and are broadly viewed as convenient and valuable. Satisfaction is also shaped by staff responsiveness and intuitive software. Despite these strengths, recurring problems persist — most notably poor internet speeds, system instability, a limited digital catalogue, and uneven user competence with digital tools. The findings point to the need for upgraded digital infrastructure, broader user training, and stronger technical support. Sustained investment in service development is required to keep pace with user expectations and maintain service quality. The study offers practical guidance for library practitioners, institutional administrators, and policymakers working to advance IT-based library provision in higher education.