Acceptance of E-Resources by Students in Zimbabwe State Universities’ Libraries: A Consumer Behavior Perspective

Abstract

E-resources have a significant contribution toward students learning in universities, but their adoption has not reached its full potential in Zimbabwe. The major purpose of this study was to explore the acceptability of e-resources in Zimbabwe state universities’libraries by students. A survey study involving a sample of 233 respondents was done to measure the preparedness of undergraduate and postgraduate students to adopt e-resources. Structural equation modelling was used ascertain the results. Results from structural model revealed that performance expectancy and hedonic motivation had no statistically significant influence on behavioral intention to adopt e-resources while effort expectancy and facilitating conditions had a negative and insignificant impact on behavioral intention. However, there was sufficient evidence indicating that social influence, price value and habit had a statistically significant and positive influence on behavioral intention to adopt e-resources. Academic and managerial insights were drawn from this study and theoretical and practical recommendations in line with findings were suggested.