Determining factors for the adoption of cloud computing in developing countries: A case study of Indian academic libraries

Abstract

Purpose The paper aims to examine the constructs laid down by the information technology (IT) adoption theories to the cloud computing phenomena in conjunction with academic libraries of India to determine the factors responsible for the adoption of cloud computing. Design/methodology/approach Keeping the objectives into consideration, descriptive survey and constructive research method were used in the study. Library professionals engaged in the selected 28 central universities of India were chosen to participate in this study. To find the core drivers responsible for the adoption of cloud computing in academic libraries, constructs were taken from ten IT adoption theories. Findings The findings validate the fact that perceived ease of use, usefulness and ubiquitous availability of the enabling technology are strong drivers of the adoption of cloud computing technology in the libraries. Also, attitude is significantly correlated with the behavioral intention to adopt cloud computing services. High level of correlation was obtained between the cloud computing-perceived attributes and the librarian’s intention to use cloud computing technology. However, security risk is the biggest issue that has been affecting the behavioral intentions. Originality/value The study is a self-conscious attempt to fill the void and determine factors for the adoption of cloud computing in libraries. Further, it attempts to find out the preparedness of Indian academic libraries in adopting cloud computing.