Factors affecting the adoption of e-books by information professionals

Abstract

One of the innovations that information technology has presented within information organizations is the phenomenon of e-books. This study seeks to explore information professionals’ attitudes towards e-books adoption. The current study uses the Technology Acceptance Model, a well-known theory for explaining individuals’ technology behaviors (Davis, 1989; Venkatesh and Morris, 2000), as well as personal characteristics such as motivation and cognitive appraisal as theoretical bases from which we can predict factors that may influence information professionals adopting e-books within their organizations. An empirical study was conducted in which 169 participants took part. Using structural equation modeling, we confirm that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, personal innovativeness and other personal characteristics, are predictors of behavioral intention to use e-books. Results highlight the importance of individual characteristics when considering technology acceptance. Implications for research and practice are discussed.