Generation Z and intention to use the digital library: does personality matter?

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the role of personality in digital library systems (DLS) adoption intention among Generation Z (Gen-Z) students. The study uses the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology-2 and the five-factor model to investigate personality’s influence on Gen-Z’s DLS adoption intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is a descriptive causal investigation based on primary data collected through a self-administered survey using pre-validated tools. The study uses structural equation modeling to investigate personality dimensions’ direct and moderating effect on the dependent, independent variables and their relation.

Findings

The study results indicate that personality has no significant influence on Gen-Z’s DLS adoption, suggesting the ubiquity and inevitability of technology in current times. Also, only performance expectancy had a considerable impact on DLS adoption among Gen-Z going to college – a deviation from past studies where multiple independent variables have influenced DLS adoption when examined from different technology adoption model angles.

Research limitations/implications

The current research is done on Gen-Z, and thus the results are ideographic to the cohort.

Practical implications

The results of the study can be used to effectively design and communicate technology-enabled information solutions among the Cohort.

Social implications

The results of the study help better understand the factors affecting the technology adoption intentions of Gen-Z. Such understanding can help in better design and implementation of technology-enabled solutions for the cohort, maximizing such system adoption and its effective and efficient utilization.

Originality/value

The study explores the impact of personality on DLS adoption intentions, hitherto unexplored. The research also focuses on Gen-Z – a cohort born in a technology-enabled world whose attitude and preferences towards technology might differ. The study’s findings will help understand the influence of personality on DLS adoption among the Gen-Z and can be used to design, promote and evaluate such systems.

Citation

Sanjeev, M.A., Khademizadeh, S., Arumugam, T. and Tripathi, D.K. (2022), "Generation Z and intention to use the digital library: does personality matter?", The Electronic Library, Vol. 40 No. 1/2, pp. 18-37. https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-04-2021-0082