The development of a model for decision-making for the adoption and maintenance of the next generation integrated library systems at South African public universities

Abstract

The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) has influenced all academic libraries in higher education institutions, and Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals who have accrued their skills and experience over decades are still facing challenges in managing a variety of print and digital resources with limited resources and budgets. It has become imperative in all academic libraries that there is a disparity in the emerging technologies and skills required by LIS professionals in managing library systems. The aim of this doctoral study was to explore the nature and extent of adoption and maintenance of the next generation ILS in academic libraries, to develop a model for the adoption and maintenance thereof. The theoretical frameworks Technological Acceptance Models (TAM), Unified Theory Use of Technology Acceptance Model (UTAUT), Gardner Hype Cycle model, and Siguenza-Guzman framework were used to examine competencies, skills and technological knowledge of the adoption and maintenance of the next generation integrated library system of LIS professionals as managers of library management systems (LMS) in the digital environment. A sequential explanatory mixed method design framed the research approach. During the quantitative phase, a web based exploratory survey was administered to LIS professionals at academic libraries in South Africa. The emerging themes from the web-based exploratory survey was used to design the interview schedule for the second qualitative phase. The results from both phases were analysed and interpreted to present the findings. The results from data collected were then triangulated with the theoretical frameworks and reviewed literature. The key findings revealed that most academic libraries have begun to adopt the maturing next-generation ILS, with early adopters stating that academic libraries need more collaborations through library consortiums to move towards a shared next generation ILS, allowing for increased collaboration while reducing costs on individual software purchases. Consequently, LIS professionals need acquire technical and technological skills to support library users for learning, teaching, and research in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The study recommends system, methods, and processes that the Library and Information Science sector can implement to ensure that LIS professionals gain the necessary expertise to manage their library management system in the digital environment. Finally, the study proposes the development of a model of decision-making for the adoption and maintenance of next generation ILS for LIS professionals in academic libraries in South Africa.