Predictors of the utilization of digital library services among women patrons in Bayelsa State, Nigeria: The moderating role of marital status

Abstract

Background: Libraries of the 21^st century have responded to the changes in technology by incorporating digital components into the range of services they deliver to their patrons. Consequently, there is increased interest among researchers in assessing different aspect of library use related to digital services. Nonetheless, empirical evidence is yet to examine predictors of digital library utilization, especially among women. The moderating role of marital status is also yet to receive significant attention vis-à-vis the use of digital library services.

Objective: To examine the predictors of utilization of digital library services among women as well as the moderating role of marital status.

Methodology: The researcher made use of descriptive survey research design to achieve the objective of this study. The sample size was made up of 470 women-library patrons. The study was conducted in Bayelsa, South-South Nigeria. The researcher combined both descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze the data for the study while results were presented in tables.

Results: It was found that the predictors of digital library utilization are: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use attitude towards digital library services, and behaviour intention. Additionally, the analysis showed that single women scored higher (M=3.4, SD=.56) than married women (M=1.9; SD=.78) regarding frequency of use of digital library services. The digital library services examined were: e-journals, databases, online request forms, email reference, and online public access catalogue.

Unique contribution: This study has provided evidence that will serve as a guide for library professionals to segment their patrons and deliver digital library services to them.

Conclusion: Marital status plays an essential role in moderating the utilization of digital library services among women.

Key recommendation:  Further studies are recommended to compare how marital status of men and women differ in their utilization of digital library services.