The purpose of this study was to determine the factors affecting user acceptance of Web-based subscription databases. Considering the reported underutilization of Web-based subscription databases and the importance of promoting them, this study aimed to provide a better understanding of the determinants of user acceptance based on a well-established theoretical foundation. This study tested an integrated model of the antecedents and consequents of user beliefs toward intended use by extending TAM, which is one of the most prominent models used to explain the effects of users’ internal beliefs and attitudes on their system usage behavior.
This study employed a cross-sectional field study using a Web survey method. The study targeted undergraduate students who have experience using the databases provided by the University Libraries. A final sample of 121 responses was analyzed. The measurement model and the structural model were tested using Partial Least Squares.
Overall, the research model was found to be effective in explaining user acceptance of Web-based subscription databases. The results of the data analysis showed that perceived usefulness had a stronger effect on user acceptance than ease of use, suggesting that user acceptance of Web-based subscription databases depends primarily on the utility they offer. Job relevance and result demonstrability showed positive effects on usefulness perceptions while output quality did not. The results indicated that user training did not have a significant effect on either usefulness or ease of use, calling for the need to re-examine the effectiveness of user training in the context of Web-based subscription databases. Terminology clarity and accessibility were found to be important determinants for ease of use of the databases. The results also suggested that although subjective norm does not directly affect intended use, it exerts a positive influence on user beliefs about the utility of Web-based subscription databases.
