Factors Influencing Cloud Libraries Adoption for Information Service Delivery in University Libraries: The Study of Public University Libraries in Kano State

Abstract

Cloud libraries, also known as online libraries, consist of collections of digital resources and services that are stored, managed, and accessed through cloud computing infrastructure. This infrastructure includes the hardware, software, networking, storage, and other resources delivered over the internet to provide computing services. As a result, users can navigate and access a wealth of information without the need to for libraries to own or maintain physical servers, which traditionally limits close access to information service delivery. Instead, they benefit from the collaborative synergy of cloud technology and library management. Libraries play an active role in organizing, managing, and ensuring the accessibility of digital resources and services within this cloud-based environment, facilitated by cloud service providers. Cloud libraries help reduce costs while providing increased accessibility, reliability, and flexibility. This study employed a quantitative approach to identify the factors influencing the adoption of cloud libraries, utilizing a questionnaire survey developed by the researcher. Data were collected from 103 academic librarians across three public university libraries and analyzed using descriptive statistics and percentages. The results revealed a significant positive relationship between the attributes of innovation—specifically relative advantage and compatibility—and the adoption of cloud libraries. Conversely, complexity was found to have a negative relationship with adoption. Additionally, personal characteristics of librarians, such as their innovativeness, as well as positive attitudes towards information service delivery via cloud libraries, facilitated adoption. Finally, internal factors such as regulatory policies, budgetary allocations, technological readiness, management support, and the involvement of librarians in decision-making processes also significantly influenced the adoption of cloud libraries.