A Review of Dominant Information Technology Adoption Frameworks and their Relevance to Digital Library Adoption and Usage Studies

Abstract

Information technologies adoption and usage have been studied in great detail by scholars from various fields, especially from information systems. This has led to various theories and models aimed at explaining factors that influence the adoption and usage of technologies. This study which is a part of large research on Digital Libraries (DL), systematically reviewed major theories and models of adoption and usage of technologies and their application in the study of DL. An extensive review of five of the major theories and models (Theory of Reasoned Action, Theory of Planned Behaviour, Technology Acceptance Model, Motivational Model, Diffusion of Innovation) was carried out. The strengths and weaknesses of each of the reviewed theories and models were highlighted. Of all the theories and models that attempt to explain factors responsible for individuals’ decision to either adopt or reject technology, only DOI provided a comprehensive theory that captured DL adoption and usage scenario through its innovation-decision process model. Based on the outcome of the review, the paper recommended an innovation-decision process model for an in-depth understanding of factors responsible for the use and non-use of DL services.