Evaluation of YouTube Channels in the field of Library and Information Science based on Popularity Reach Indicator (PRI): A proposed Popularity Indicator

Abstract

In the current digital age, video platforms like YouTube have become the most widely used educational resource for online learners. YouTube as a leading video platform offers verities of contents including tutorials, lectures, topic discussions, test series, and other resources in the discipline Library and Information Science (LIS). The purpose of this study is to investigate the YouTube platforms to identify dedicated channels with quality content that can help learners prepare for competitive examinations, jobs, and academic degrees in LIS. A total of 20 dedicated popular YouTube channels with more than 1,000 subscribers were selected as a sample based on their relevancy and scope. In this research the researcher has proposed a quality indicator called the Popularity Reach Indicator (PRI) for evaluating video channels' popularity. Each channel was evaluated based on their PRI Score which is calculated through specific parameters such as subscriber count, total views, number of videos, and channel age. The study finds that the popularity of any video channel can be expressed through their PRI Score. The study recommends Library Science by Target Abhi, Vineeta Chauhan LIS Classes, Library Science by SLC classes and OSI For Library Science as highly popular dedicated channels in the field of LIS with their PRI Score 308.06, 243.61, 220.19 and 202.91 respectively. The study also finds that these four channels provide all types of content, such as Topic-Based Tutorial, MCQ and Test series, Interview Guidance, and Live Classes to support LIS learners in preparing for UGC-NET and job-oriented examinations.