Continuous usage intention for digital library systems among students at higher learning institutions: moderating role of academic involvement

Abstract

PurposeThis research work aims to study the continuous usage intention of students for digital library systems in higher learning institutions (HLI). Additionally, keeping in mind the lack of focus on academic involvement of students in existing studies, this research work attempts to examine the moderating role of academic involvement in making up the continuous usage intention for digital library systems among students at HLI.Design/methodology/approachCross-sectional survey design is used in this study. Target population is students pursuing postgraduate studies and using digital library systems at private universities in the state of Uttarakhand, India. The Stratified random sampling method is used wherein each private university forms one stratum.FindingsThe results suggest that the students' continuous usage intention for digital library systems is significantly influenced by dimensions of digital library system quality, mediated by user satisfaction. Further, the level of academic involvement of students exerts moderating impact between dimensions of digital library system quality and user satisfaction; however, it d oes not exist between user satisfaction and their continuous usage intention.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to the literature on academic involvement of students by highlighting its importance in the process of continuous usage intention. It also proposes a holistic conceptual framework for continuous usage intention for digital library systems among students and moderating impact of academic involvement. Being cross-sectional survey-based research, this study has certain limitations. Since responses were obtained at a single point in time, variation in respondents' behaviour could not be captured.Practical implicationsThe findings of the study can be helpful to the HLI, academic librarians, teachers, digital library systems service provider companies and government regulatory authorities. HLI need to put more effort into procuring subscriptions to reputed publications of e-books, e-research papers, e-magazines, e-reports, etc. for making digital library systems more beneficial for the students. Academic librarians need to be effortful towards building students' satisfaction through constantly upgrading software and systems and active interaction with students. Digital library systems service provider companies can also collaborate to customize their digital resources for different types of academic programs. The government can partnership with private companies for providing digital library systems in HLI.Originality/valueThis research work is the first of its kind in terms of studying the role of academic involvement of students for purpose of evaluating continuous usage intention for digital library systems among students studying in Indian HLI.