Research on Information Science and Public Libraries

Acceptance of the use of e-learning systems during the COVID -19 pandemic: A case study of the librarians of Tehran Province Public Libraries

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Sedigheh Mohamad-Esmaeil 1
Marzie Taham 2

1 Associate Prof., Department of knowledge and Information Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran

2 PhD student of Knowledge Information Science, Iran Public Libraries Foundation, Iran

10.61186/publij.29.3.396
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of the current research is to investigate the factors influencing the acceptance of the use of
e-learning systems by the librarians of Tehran Province libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the
effects of computer self-efficacy, diversity of skills, organizational support, teacher’s characteristics, and quality
of course content on the technology acceptance model (TAM) variables, including the subjective perception of the
utility, and subjective perception of convenience, attitude toward use technology and the intention to use e-learning
systems were examined.
Method: The present study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-correlational in terms of data collection and analysis. The statistical population included librarians of public libraries in Tehran province. The statistical
sample size was 217 based on Cochran’s formula. The main data collection tool was a questionnaire which was
validated by six experts. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLSSEM) by SmartPLS software.
Findings: The findings indicated that the mental perception of usefulness and mental perception of ease of use
affect the intention and desire of employees to use e-learning systems. Furthermore, the external variables studied
in the research, namely computer self-efficacy, diversity of skills, organizational support, teacher’s characteristics,
and course quality have a positive and significant effect on the acceptance of e-learning systems in the organization.
The highest total effect is related to the variable of skill and quality of course content and the lowest total effect
is related to the variable of organizational support and behavioral intention.
Originality/value: E-learning plays an important role in education and development in the organizational
environment, and e-learning systems have become a popular tool to facilitate teaching-learning processes that
provide flexible learning-oriented education. Since the development and deployment of technologies is not enough
to enjoy their benefits, and in order to achieve the potential benefits of a technology, its acceptance by users should
be considered, the findings of this research can provide practical implications for organizational managers, trainers
and developers of educational systems.

Keywords

E-learning systems
Technology acceptance model
librarians
Public libraries in Tehran province
COVID-19 pandemic
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Research on Information Science and Public Libraries
Volume 29, Issue 3
Autumn 2023
Pages 412-396

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