Moderating the role of trust toward intention to adopt cloud computing by academic libraries in North-Eastern Nigerian

Abstract

Cloud computing has since been recognized as a robust technology that speeds and simplifies organizational service delivery. But its adoption especially in African countries and academic libraries is still at the nascent stage. This study aims to find the contributing determinants of cloud computing adoption in North-Eastern Nigerian academic libraries using Technological and Organizational variables of Technology-Organization-Environment theory(TOE) and Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DOI). A quantitative approach using a survey research design was employed. Seventy-eight academic libraries in North-Eastern Nigeria formed the population of the study and census enumeration is used which indicates that all the academic libraries are considered. Results revealed that five out of six determinants are significant for the adoption of cloud computing in academic libraries. While moderation effect results revealed that only one determinant is moderated by the adopted moderator. This implies that the significant determinants should be given more consideration when deciding to adopt cloud computing. Equally, the study’s results will guide academic libraries’ decision-makers that include the Chief Librarian, Deputy Librarian and Head of ICT unit who are responsible for deciding on the rejection or accepting innovative technology in the library to make fruitful and realistic decisions when deciding to adopt cloud computing. Theoretically, the results will contribute to the body of knowledge especially in the librarianship field. Finally, the study recommends among others that special attention should be given to those significant determinants when deciding to adopt cloud computing in academic libraries. Future studies should employ more variables and use another factor as a moderator. Equally future studies should cover more areas beyond North-Eastern Nigeria.