Computer self-efficacy as predictor of librarians' perceived ease of use of automated library systems in Nigerian university libraries

Abstract

Purpose—The paper seeks to examine computer self-efficacy as predictor of librarians' perceived ease of use of automated library systems in Nigerian university libraries. Design/methodology/approach — The paper uses the ex-post-facto design type of a survey approach to determine self-efficacy as predictor of the librarians' perceived ease of use of the automated library systems. Findings—The investigation shows that majority of the respondents were fairly or moderately self-efficacious about computer use. Also, there was a significant positive relationship between computer self-efficacy and perceived ease of use of computer-based libraries by the library staff. This was inspite of their moderate level of computer self-efficacy. However, the moderate level of the staffs computer self-efficacy is one major setback arising from the study. Practical implications—Generally, librarians, IT researchers, university management, system administrators will find this paper beneficial to them. This is because it educates them about the fact that the library staffs moderate level of computer self-efficacy does not completely discourage them from using automated systems. This is because of their imperativeness when compared with the manual systems. Originality/value— Not much has been done in Nigeria to explore the relationship between computer self-efficacy and use of information system; this paper contributes towards filling that gap thereby adding to the literature in the area.

Keywords Computers, self-efficacy, librarians, university libraries, Nigeria, use of automated systems.