Applying an integrated acceptance model and using technology to accept virtual library (A case study of Kerman University of Medical Sciences)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 MSc Student in Medical Library and Infoemation Sciences, Faculty of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

2 Associated Professor, Department of Library and Medical Information, Faculty of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (*Corresponding author)

3 Assisstant Professor, Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Faculty of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

4 Associate Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Purpose: One example of emerging information technology in universities is the virtual library. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to determine the status of technology acceptance and use integration for virtual libraries among faculty members at Kerman University of Medical Sciences.
Method: This applied study employed a cross sectional descriptive analytical survey design. The statistical population consisted of all faculty members working at Kerman University of Medical Sciences during the 2023–2024 academic year. A stratified random sampling method was used. Based on Morgan’s table, the initial sample size was determined to be 220 participants. The sample was then proportionally allocated to each faculty according to the number of faculty members in each department. Data were collected using a questionnaire based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model developed by Venkatesh et al. (2003). The questionnaire included demographic questions and 21 items measuring six constructs: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, behavioral intention to use, and actual use. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation). To test the research hypotheses, path analysis within a structural equation modeling (SEM) framework was applied. Data were analyzed using SPSS and SmartPLS software.
Results: The results of the structural equation modeling indicated that performance expectancy and facilitating conditions had a positive and significant effect on faculty members’ intention to use the virtual library (p < 0.05). In addition, behavioral intention to use and performance expectancy had a positive and significant effect on the actual use of the virtual library (p < 0.05). However, effort expectancy and social influence did not have a significant effect on faculty members’ intention to use or their actual use of the virtual library (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that faculty members’ acceptance and use of the virtual library are strongly influenced by performance expectancy and facilitating conditions. In contrast, effort expectancy and social influence do not significantly affect their intention or behavior toward using the virtual library. Therefore, improving system performance and providing adequate facilitating conditions are essential for increasing the acceptance and effective use of virtual library systems among faculty members.

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References

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Sciences and Techniques of Information Management
Volume 11, Issue 4
December 2025
Pages 164-183

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