Library mobile applications in university libraries
| Pages | 478-492 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-03-2013-0024 |
| Published date | 02 September 2013 |
| Date | 02 September 2013 |
| Author | Chiao-Chen Chang |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library technology |
Library mobile applications in
university libraries
Chiao-Chen Chang
Department of International Business, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien,
Taiwan, ROC
Abstract
Purpose – This research aims to integrate the unified theory of acceptance and usage of technology
(UTAUT) with task technology fit to explain users’ behavioral intention of using library mobile
applications in university libraries.
Design/methodology/approach – By integrating the unified theory of acceptance and usage of
technology (UTAUT) and the moderator of task-technology fit, this research proposes a library mobile
applications usage intention model. The study data come from a convenience sample of 363
undergraduate and graduate students. A structural equation modelling (SEM) technique was
conducted to identify causal relationships.
Findings – Results showed that the UTAUT model fits the data well. The empirical data reveal that
performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions determine
users’ behavioral intention of using library mobile applications. As a determinant in the UTAUT
model, the moderating effect of task-technology fit is also significant. Moreover, individuals with
different levels of task-technology fit will strengthen or weaken the relationships of determinants in
the intention to use library mobile applications in university libraries.
Research limitations/implications – This study addresses self-reported behavioral intentions as
part of the survey; as a result, the data may have introduced inaccuracies. The implications of the
proposed library mobile applications success model are discussed.
Practical implications – University librarians should reinforce the efficiency of library mobile
applications to influence users’ willingness to use such applications.
Originality/value – This study combines both the constructs of the UTAUT model and
task-technology fit to consider intentions to use library mobile applications in university libraries.
Keywords Library mobileapplications, UTAUT, Task-technologyfit, University libraries,
Mobile technology
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
With the rapid growth and use of the internet, sweeping changes in users’ information
search behavior has been stimulated. Libraries are increasingly dependent on database
and library software vendors for providing mobile software solutions and mobile
access to pre-packaged content (Iglesias and Meesangnil, 2011). The user base for
mobile devices (mobile phones, palmtops, PDAs, etc.) also raises the demand for such
devices to access internet resources. On the other hand, applications in the context of
university libraries should place an emphasis on the content that receives the most use
for off-site users, such as library hours, an online public catalog, research guides, and
directional aids. Therefore, library mobile applications enable users to download and
study materials published by the university library on user mobile devices at anytime
and anywhere.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm
LHT
31,3
478
Received 2 November 2012
Revised 2 January 2013
3 March 2013
25 March 2013
Accepted 27 March 2013
Library Hi Tech
Vol. 31 No. 3, 2013
pp. 478-492
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/LHT-03-2013-0024
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