{"title":"User and service provider assessment of technology readiness of library commons in selected universities in Ghana","authors":"Dinah Koteikor Baidoo, Williams E. Nwagwu","doi":"10.1108/lm-12-2023-0132","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<h3>Purpose</h3>\n<p>This study assessed the technology readiness of library commons in selected universities in Ghana from the perspectives of both clients and service providers.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\n<h3>Design/methodology/approach</h3>\n<p>A sample survey research design was used to carry out the study, and the study consisted of quantitative and qualitative approaches. The data were collected from 157 of the 430 commons’ users and six library directors/commons librarians, using a questionnaire and an interview schedule respectively. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis with SPSS Ver. 22, and structural equation modelling with AMOS Ver. 23.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\n<h3>Findings</h3>\n<p>The study found significant relationships between the availability of learning resources and users' experience, use and satisfaction with the commons. Additionally, there were significant relationships between the readiness of the commons, users' perceptions and their satisfaction levels. The library/commons managers identified key preparedness issues, including inadequate planning and poor space allocation. Furthermore, the study revealed negative feelings among library/commons managers, such as insecurity, resistance and low confidence.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\n<h3>Practical implications</h3>\n<p>The academic libraries in Ghana should evaluate their commons following the findings of this study, and use other readiness implementation tools to identify and address the gaps in their implementation of the commons.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\n<h3>Originality/value</h3>\n<p>This study was based on the opinions of the users and operators of the commons and focused primarily on technology-related factors. However, it is essential to evaluate other readiness factors, such as change and services, and institutional factors, using frameworks such as Hess and Ostrom’s (2005) Institutional Development Framework, to provide complementary results that can guide better implementation of the commons and improve the quality of services.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->","PeriodicalId":46701,"journal":{"name":"Library Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3000,"publicationDate":"2024-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Library Management","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1108/lm-12-2023-0132","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q2","JCRName":"INFORMATION SCIENCE & LIBRARY SCIENCE","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose
This study assessed the technology readiness of library commons in selected universities in Ghana from the perspectives of both clients and service providers.
Design/methodology/approach
A sample survey research design was used to carry out the study, and the study consisted of quantitative and qualitative approaches. The data were collected from 157 of the 430 commons’ users and six library directors/commons librarians, using a questionnaire and an interview schedule respectively. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis with SPSS Ver. 22, and structural equation modelling with AMOS Ver. 23.
Findings
The study found significant relationships between the availability of learning resources and users' experience, use and satisfaction with the commons. Additionally, there were significant relationships between the readiness of the commons, users' perceptions and their satisfaction levels. The library/commons managers identified key preparedness issues, including inadequate planning and poor space allocation. Furthermore, the study revealed negative feelings among library/commons managers, such as insecurity, resistance and low confidence.
Practical implications
The academic libraries in Ghana should evaluate their commons following the findings of this study, and use other readiness implementation tools to identify and address the gaps in their implementation of the commons.
Originality/value
This study was based on the opinions of the users and operators of the commons and focused primarily on technology-related factors. However, it is essential to evaluate other readiness factors, such as change and services, and institutional factors, using frameworks such as Hess and Ostrom’s (2005) Institutional Development Framework, to provide complementary results that can guide better implementation of the commons and improve the quality of services.
期刊介绍:
■strategic management ■HRM/HRO ■cultural diversity ■information use ■managing change ■quality management ■leadership ■teamwork ■marketing ■outsourcing ■automation ■library finance ■charging ■performance measurement ■data protection and copyright As information services become more complex in nature and more technologically sophisticated, managers need to keep pace with innovations and thinking in the field to offer the most professional service with the resources they have.