Technology acceptance among library male and female users of Lahore-based public and private general categories universities

Authors

Qaiser Iqbal, Superior University Lahore PakistanFollow
Tahira Akbar, Gender Studies Punjab University Lahore PakistanFollow
Zaheer Ahmad, UMT Lahore PakistanFollow

Date of this Version

Winter 1-31-2023

Abstract

Abstract

Purpose- The purpose of the study was to assess the usefulness of digital library resources & services, and the value of multidisciplinary databases among postgraduate researchers/ students. This research study is an investigation of technology acceptance behaviours of university library users in Lahore, Pakistan. It also works on user’s perception and usage of digital databases, user’s level of satisfaction, user’s ease of use and usefulness to use digital library databases and identifications of factors affecting accessing digital databases. This research study is based on the TAM model in the context of technology acceptance by postgraduate researchers.

Design/ methodology/ approach-This is a quantitative research study based on the technology acceptance model (TAM) and two basic variables i.e. perceived ease of use (PEOU) and perceived usefulness (PU) adopted to check the acceptance level of library users through an adapted questionnaire-survey of 243 post-graduate students of higher degree-awarding universities/institutes of Pakistan, accredited from Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan.

Findings- The findings of this study discovered that the perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of the system are significant predictors that play the primary role in accepting the particular system. The effect of moderating variables with respect to gender and age impacts the acceptance level. The findings of this research study also show that female researchers use online library databases conveniently and preferably, as compared to male researchers.

Implications- The results of this research study will help out teachers, students, and institutional administration in their academic pursuits. The faculty can get a better idea of how to teach and lead researchers from the available digital information resources and services provided by the university libraries. It will also help in decision-making about the selection or rejection of resources for the library's users/ students.

Originality/value- This research study provides valuable/ important insights into key factors that impact and affect user's perception & intention to use and accept library technological services and digital resources from the Pakistani perspective.