Determinants and Impacts of Digital Library Engagement: Evidence from Research-Based Universities in Malaysia

Abstract

Over the years, libraries spent million to subscribe to digital library resources. However, recent studies show that the usage of digital library resources is underutilized. Subsequently, the negative feedback on digital library engagement can be associated with the issue of user deterrence from engaging themselves with the online resources provided by their local university libraries. Therefore, this study attempted to investigate digital library engagement concerning its determinants and impacts. A theoretical model consisting of 14 variables was proposed and categorized into 5-second order constructs. This study adopted a quantitative research methodology to answer the research problem. Data were collected among university students in peninsular Malaysia, specifically postgraduate students from Malaysian research-based universities. We received 492 valid responses and analyzed them based on descriptive and inferential using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The study's conclusion provides solid evidence of the interrelationship between the constructs; the determinants (technological, individual, and contextual) influenced digital library engagement positively, and subsequent digital library engagement was also found to predict perceived benefits. The study also found that contextual, individual, and technological factors are important but not good enough to increase Perceived Benefits. Thus, there is a compelling need to improve the Contextual, Individual, and Technological Factors within Malaysian research universities.

Keywords

• contextual factors
• digital library engagement
• individual factors
• perceived benefits
• technological factors
• malaysia