Mobile APP adoption in academic libraries of Pakistan: Probing influential factors through technology-based services integration

Abstract

This research examines the adoption of mobile applications in academic libraries within higher education institutions (HEIs) in Pakistan, focusing on key variables such as Technology-Based Services Integration (TBSI), user satisfaction, and their effects on literacy and the accessibility of education. The conceptual framework examines the relationships among these variables, with special regard to the roles of sociocultural factors and technological infrastructure as moderating variables. Hypotheses were developed to evaluate the relationships among the independent variable “integration of mobile apps into library services”, the mediating variables “perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use”, and the dependent variable “mobile app adoption”. The researcher used an online survey to gather the data from 885 students. The analysis using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) revealed complex relationships between integration, user satisfaction, and adoption. The results provide a practical contribution to improving the mobile app design and integration approach in academic libraries to enhance students’ overall educational experience. The research highlights the importance of technology considerations and offers useful advice to educators, policymakers, and technology developers aiming to maximize the adoption of mobile learning systems. As mobile technology plays a crucial role in the educational process, the study lays the groundwork for future studies and interventions that will help promote the effective use of mobile apps within academic libraries in the context of higher education.