Factors affecting librarians' attitudes toward IT application in libraries

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors affecting librarians' attitudes toward IT application in libraries. It also aims to identify common underlying factors, which could be used to predict the probable behavior of librarians toward IT innovation in their libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 288 (sample of 682) head librarians working in academic libraries across Pakistan. In total, 76 per cent valid responses were used for factor analysis. Principal components analysis was deployed to extract the underlying factors using SPSS.

Findings

The study found that the intensity of librarians' fears in IT handling, ability to cope with the ever‐changing IT innovations and their level of understanding of IT‐based rules and regulations were good predictors of librarians' attitudes toward information technology.

Practical implications

The findings can be utilized to improve the librarians' attitudes toward IT applications, their role in IT‐related decision making, their ownership of IT application in libraries and for success of library IT projects and innovations.

Originality/value

The study is the first of its type in this region, particularly in Pakistan. The paper provides insight into the people responsible for IT application in libraries.

Citation

Ramzan, M. and Singh, D. (2010), "Factors affecting librarians' attitudes toward IT application in libraries", The Electronic Library, Vol. 28 No. 2, pp. 334-344. https://doi.org/10.1108/02640471011033675