Factors influencing librarian adoption of ChatGPT technology for entrepreneurial support: A study protocol

Abstract

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a revolutionary force in the constantly evolving technology landscape, transforming many industries, including libraries. Libraries have been focusing on experimenting with emerging AI technologies to innovate their services, especially for supporting entrepreneurs. Generative AI, for instance, ChatGPT, holds immense potential for libraries by enabling them to provide advanced support to entrepreneurs, for instance, meeting the business needs of the entrepreneurs, or strengthening entrepreneurial education programs. By concentrating on the adoption of generative AI, librarians will be encouraged to experiment and use their expertise in current generative AI technologies to test out future ones and adopt the more useful ones.

Method and analysis

The objective of the research is to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of ChatGPT technology by librarians in their provision of support for entrepreneurs. The research aims to provide insights that can help formulate the strategies for the successful adoption of ChatGPT technology in library settings to enhance their support for entrepreneurs. To achieve the research objective, the research study adopts a correlational research design that will empirically test the hypothesis- the relationship between latent variables affecting the three stages of technology adoption. Surveys will be administered to librarians actively engaged in assisting entrepreneurs, aiming to capture data on various factors influencing their adoption decisions, and hence aiding in empirical validation of the formulated hypothesis. Before commencing data collection, participants will be provided with a detailed informed consent sheet outlining the research's purpose, procedures involved, the voluntary nature of the participation, and potential risks involved. Only after participants have explicitly provided their consent are they granted access to the survey questionnaire. This ensures transparency and ethical compliance throughout the research process. To safeguard participant confidentiality and maintain data integrity, all research data will be securely stored in password-protected cloud storage platforms, such as University OneDrive. Strict data handling protocols will be followed, with access limited to authorized research team members. Moreover, participants' personal information will not be collected, ensuring anonymity and privacy. Stringent quality assurance measures will be implemented to ensure the reliability and validity of the research findings. Before survey administration, a pilot test will be conducted to refine the survey instrument and identify any ambiguities. The pilot testing will adhere to ethical guidelines and principles, including the mandatory nature of informed consent, as well as protocols for data storage, handling procedures, and safety considerations outlined for the main research study. Continuous monitoring and peer review processes will be employed to mitigate individual biases and errors, thereby enhancing the overall robustness of the research outcomes. Data cleaning procedures, including outlier detection and imputation techniques, will further reinforce the integrity and completeness of the dataset. Additionally, member checking with participants will ensure the accuracy and alignment of research interpretations with participants' perspectives, bolstering the credibility of the study findings. Through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the collected data will undergo rigorous analysis using the SmartPLS 4 software version, validating the complex relationships between different constructs of the theoretical model.

Discussion

The research will have both theoretical and practical contributions. Theoretically, it seeks to identify factors influencing ChatGPT adoption among librarians supporting entrepreneurs, enriching our understanding of technology adoption dynamics in library services. Practically, the findings offer actionable insights for librarians, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders supporting innovation. By uncovering adoption drivers and barriers, librarians can develop dynamic capabilities to experiment with emerging AI technologies, foster co-creation with patrons, and thereby strengthen entrepreneur support services. The results will also have greater implications for the countries where libraries are yet to be positioned as innovation actor supporting entrepreneurship.