Understanding User Acceptance of Digital Libraries: What are the Roles of Interface Characteristics, Organizational Context, and Individual Differences?

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, Vol. 57, No. 3, pp. 215-242, 2002

28 Pages Posted: 4 Jan 2012

See all articles by James Y.L. Thong

James Y.L. Thong

HKUST Business School

Weiyin Hong

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Kar Yan Tam

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Date Written: January 3, 2012

Abstract

Digital library research efforts originating from library and information scientists have focused on the technical development. While millions of dollars have been spent on building 'usable' digital libraries, previous research indicates that potential users may still not use them. This study contributes to understanding user acceptance of digital libraries by utilizing the technology acceptance model (TAM). Three system interface characteristics, three organizational context variables, and three individual differences are identified as critical external variables that have impact on adoption intention through perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of the digital library. Data was collected from 397 users of an award-winning digital library. The findings show that both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are determinants of user acceptance of digital libraries. In addition, interface characteristics and individual differences affect perceived ease of use, while organizational context influences both perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of digital libraries.

Keywords: digital library, technology acceptance model, system interface, organizational context, individual differences

Suggested Citation

Thong, James Y.L. and Hong, Weiyin and Tam, Kar Yan, Understanding User Acceptance of Digital Libraries: What are the Roles of Interface Characteristics, Organizational Context, and Individual Differences? (January 3, 2012). International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, Vol. 57, No. 3, pp. 215-242, 2002, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1978690

James Y.L. Thong (Contact Author)

HKUST Business School ( email )

Clear Water Bay
Kowloon
Hong Kong

HOME PAGE: http://jthong.people.ust.hk/

Weiyin Hong

University of Nevada, Las Vegas ( email )

4505 S. Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89154
United States

Kar Yan Tam

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology ( email )

Clear Water Bay, Kowloon
Hong Kong

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