Exploring attitudinal dimensions of electronic resource management in academic libraries

Abstract

This study investigates the role of attitudinal factors in academic libraries in the modern era with particular reference to the management of electronic resources in public and private university libraries in Ghana. It also aims to identify the underlying factors affecting the attitude of library staff in the electronic environment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-four library staff from two public and two private universities and three consortium executives. The findings identified various attitudinal enablers and hindrances to effective management of electronic resources in academic libraries. These attitudinal factors were generally common to both public and private case libraries. The paper provides recommendations to improve the attitude of library staff in this modern era. This is one of the few studies that considers the role of attitudes in the management of electronic resources in public and private academic libraries. The findings have practical implications, as understanding the attitudes and behaviours could inform appropriate strategies to improve stakeholders' attitudes for effective management of electronic resources in academic libraries to attract maximum usage.