Impact of organisational, environmental, technological and human factors on cloud computing adoption for university libraries

Abstract

Cloud computing has emerged as a transformative technology in many industries, including academia. As large information repositories, university libraries stand to benefit significantly from the increasing use of cloud computing. University library services especially in developing countries have been limited to what can be provided within the physical premises, potentially leading to a less flexible and less accessible information service delivery model. This situation is driven by the existing technology divide and the myriad challenges associated with information technology (IT) adoption, such as political instability, deficiencies in IT infrastructure, regulatory policies, organisational constraints, and government initiatives or support. To enhance the efficient service delivery of university libraries through the adoption of innovative IT, a thorough study to consider organisational, environmental, technological, and human issues is needed because it can be used as guidelines to assist university libraries in leapfrogging their efforts as a motivation for adopting cloud computing technology for efficient service delivery. The present study examines the success factors contributing to the adoption of cloud computing in university libraries. In light of the abovementioned factors, a review of 25 papers was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach for study selection. The review’s findings demonstrate that various factors significantly influence cloud computing adoption in university libraries. Organisational factors, including top management support, training and education, organisational intention, and readiness, speed up the adoption process. Environmental factors, including competitive pressure, regulatory policies, government support, and service provider support, also impact the adoption of cloud computing. Technology-related factors, including relative advantage, compatibility, and complexity, must be considered for successful adoption. Furthermore, the extent to which cloud computing finds acceptance within university libraries is notably shaped by human factors, encompassing elements such as the attitudes and perceptions of staff towards IT change, the internal IT proficiency within the institution, and the prior technological experiences of the staff. Based on the findings, this study recommends formulating a comprehensive framework that considers all these constituent factors to facilitate the wider adoption of cloud computing in university library settings. Such a framework should focus on providing robust top-level management support, enhancing staff education and training, considering the influence of environmental factors, addressing pertinent technological challenges, and cultivating a pro-change mindset among library personnel