Understanding the Role of Library Anxiety and Attitude as Determinants of Intention to Use a Digital Library System

There are growing calls to understand the determinants that can enhance the use of digital library systems within universities. Addressing factors related to library anxiety can potentially enhance the end-user experience of using digital library systems. The study aimed to understand the role of library anxiety and attitudes as determinants of the intention to use a digital library system. A quantitative research approach used a survey method to collect data from 316 students at a public university in South Africa. Inferential statistical analysis was used to test associations between variables. The findings showed that impediments such as a) barriers with staff, b) affective barriers, c) comfort library barriers, d) knowledge of the library, e) mechanical barriers, and f) resource barriers affect attitudes towards usage of digital library systems. Further, these identified impediments affected attitudes and intentions to use digital library systems. Based on the findings, implications and suggestions are made on enhancing end-user experiences for digital library systems usage. The study's findings show that a precursor to this is primarily the need to address library anxiety barriers.