RFID integrated systems in libraries: Extending TAM model for empirically examinining the use

The operation and management of libraries require carrying out numerous repetitive, meticulous, both labour and time intensive activities. To increase the effectiveness and efficiency, many libraries are choosing to automate most of their library management activities. Libraries are now deploying the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to replace bar code systems for item identification and item tracking. The available literature houses evidences that the research on RFID related issues is largely concentrated on technical, organizational and implementation aspects, and comparatively lesser attention has been invested in understanding the use aspect of such library management systems. This article thereby aims at gaining an understanding into the factors that influence the use of RFID systems in the library context by empirically testing the relevant constructs from the extended TAM model. A questionnaire based survey approach was employed for collecting the relevant data from 197 respondents, who were recorded as the active users of a RFID based library system. Findings from this study suggested that perceived usefulness and system quality positively influence the user attitude, and user attitude and system quality significantly influence the use of the RFID services. The paper concludes with outlining the salient points, limitations, and future research directions.