Student use of university digital collections: the role of technology and educators

ABSTRACT

An increasing number of colleges and universities are beginning to digitize their museum and teaching collections. Digitization has become necessary to improve the educational value of these collections both in the classroom and beyond. The purpose of this research is to better assess the acceptance and use of technology as it relates to students’ use of university digital collections. The framework of this study is based on the technology acceptance model (TAM) which evaluates the adoption and use of information technology. A survey was administered to a random national sample of 401 students. Data was analysed using descriptive, factor analysis, and structural equation modelling. The results of this research indicate that promotion by faculty and librarians is key to the use of digital collections. Furthermore, perceived usefulness was an important influence on students’ intention to use a digital collection.

KEYWORDS:

• Digital
• collections
• technology
• pedagogy
• museums

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Arlesa Shephard is an Associate Professor and Curator in the Fashion and Textile Technology Department at The State University of New York College at Buffalo. Her research focus includes consumer behavior, social responsibility, and history of dress.

Sanjukta Pookulangara is an Associate Professor in Merchandising and Digital Retail at University of North Texas. Her research focus includes digital retailing, consumer behavior, and social responsibility.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded through the Research Incentive Program administered by the Research and Creativity Council at the State University of New York College at Buffalo campus.