Abstract
Background. Digital transformation refers to the changes resulting from the implementation of digital technologies across all aspects of human life. This study aims to explore the factors affecting the adoption of digital transformation by librarians at medical universities based on Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation (DoI) theory.
Methods. This descriptive-correlational study involved 220 medical university librarians across the country, who were selected using a census sampling method. Data were collected during the third quarter of 2024 using a researcher-developed questionnaire. Five experts in knowledge and information science and social sciences confirmed the questionnaire’s validity, and a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.934 established its reliability. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26, employing both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including factor analysis, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis.
Results. The study identified four of the five innovation adopter categories (innovators, early adopters, early majority, and late majority), while the laggards category was not observed. Factor analysis highlighted relative advantage, trialability, complexity, compatibility, and observability as main attributes of digital transformation. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis indicated that, among the predictor variables, observability and compatibility were significant predictors of digital transformation acceptance, collectively explaining 26% of the variance in the dependent variable.
Conclusion. The results indicated that medical university librarians adopted digital transformation at a rate higher than average, showing a generally favorable attitude towards it. Most participants were categorized as early adopters of innovation. In accordance with Rogers' DoI theory, this study identified and validated the five key characteristics influencing digital transformation adoption. Moreover, these results have significant implications for policymakers and managers, highlighting the importance of promoting compatibility and observability features in digital transformation to accelerate the adoption rate.
Extended Abstract
Background
The digital transformation of libraries plays a pivotal role in advancing science and knowledge. Numerous researchers have thoroughly examined how modern technological advancements have profoundly impacted the development of first-generation libraries. Technological progress and the creation of new initiatives are major priorities in scientific development. The digital transformation of libraries is particularly significant for a country's growth and scientific progress. Therefore, this study employed Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation theory to identify the factors influencing librarians' acceptance of digital transformation in libraries under the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. Understanding these factors is essential to determining their impact on improving the productivity and quality of library services. This insight is crucial for developing and implementing effective policies that align with organizational goals and visions, as the full integration of digital transformation in libraries can bring about substantial quantitative and qualitative improvements in library and information services.
Methods
The research employed a descriptive-correlational method. The study's statistical population comprises all full-time librarians employed at medical universities in Iran, in 2024. The total population included 220 librarians, and due to this limited number, a census sampling method was employed. Data were collected using a questionnaire in the autumn of 2024. The research tool was an electronic, researcher-designed questionnaire, grounded in Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation theory and previous studies. The face validity of the questionnaire was reviewed and confirmed by five professors in the fields of knowledge and information science and social sciences. To assess its reliability, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated, and the results indicated satisfactory reliability, confirming that the measurement tool was reliable. Items were rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from "very low" (1) to "very high" (5). To evaluate digital transformation acceptance (the dependent variable), nine questions were used, categorized according to Rogers' model: innovators (2 questions), early adopters (2 questions), early majority (2 questions), late majority (1 question), and laggards (2 questions). Score ranges were defined as follows: 38–45 for innovators, 31–37 for early adopters, 24–30 for early majority, 17–23 for late majority, and 9–16 for laggards. Additionally, the “types of innovation decisions” variable was assessed with seven questions (scores ranging from 7 to 35), and the characteristics of digital transformation were evaluated using 31 questions (scores ranging from 31 to 155). Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics, including factor analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression, all conducted using SPSS software.
Results
The mean score for digital transformation acceptance among respondents was 31.81 (SD = 3.87), suggesting that the library employees surveyed demonstrated an above-average level of acceptance toward digital transformation. Based on Rogers' innovation diffusion theory (2003), the adoption rate of digital transformation was divided into five categories. According to the results, the highest frequency was associated with early adopters (123 respondents, 55.91%), followed by the early majority (83 respondents, 37.73%). These results suggest that, while most librarians have embraced the shift toward digital transformation, additional efforts are needed to engage the late majority and laggards, who have yet to adopt the changes fully. Factor analysis identified the main aspects of digital transformation, including comparative advantage, testability, complexity, compatibility, and observability. Observability and compatibility were significant predictors of the acceptance of digital transformation in multivariable regression, explaining 26% of the variance in the dependent variable.
Conclusion
This study highlights the critical role of digital transformation in libraries, emphasizing its significance in advancing scientific knowledge and fostering growth. The research effectively utilizes Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation theory to pinpoint the factors that affect librarians' willingness to embrace digital transformation in libraries governed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. The findings indicate that librarians have responded positively to adopting digital transformation. However, managers must make substantial efforts to provide the technical support necessary for its successful implementation. This study has significant practical implications for policymakers and managers of medical university libraries. It highlights the necessity of considering compatibility and observability in library programs to accelerate the adoption of digital transformation and emphasizes the importance of developing organizational strategies to share the experiences of early adopters with other groups. Practical Implications of Research This study provides actionable guidance for policymakers and managers of medical university libraries. It underscores the critical roles of compatibility and observability in library programs to accelerate the rate of digital transformation adoption. Because most of our participants are early adopters medical university libraries have an ideal opportunity to accelerate digital transformation through targeted organizational support. Moreover, by empowering early adopters as change agents, libraries can both expedite and secure widespread acceptance of digital initiatives among their staff.