Factors Influencing the Adoption of Electronic Information Resources among Postgraduate Students in Nigerian Universities

Abstract

The advent of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has revolutionised how library resources are made and transmitted to end-users. It has effectively improved the standard of education and research in tertiary institutions worldwide by providing various essential resources, including e-books, journals and databases. However, it has been observed that students still abstain from making the best usage of the digital library, instead using search engines rather than institutional digital libraries. This study investigated the factors influencing the behavioural intention of postgraduate (PG) students to use electronic information resources (EIRs). The Unified Theory of Acceptance of Technology (UTAUT) model was adopted. A cross-sectional research design was used to assess the factors influencing the use of EIRs. A sample of 362 PG students was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation approach. Data were collected from participants via the administration of 400 copies of the questionnaire. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and the Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modelling (CB-SEM) were used to analyse data collected. The findings revealed that performance expectancy (PE) and effort expectancy (EE) were the two constructs that influenced PG students’ behavioural intention to use EIRs. In contrast, social influence (SI) and facilitating condition (FC) did not change the PG students’ behavioural plan to use EIRs. The study recommended the need for adequate training for postgraduate (PG) students on the obligation to accept and use EIRs.