Reasons for resistance to technology adoption in university libraries in Bangladesh

• Published in: INFORMATION DEVELOPMENT
• Main Authors: Rahman, Md. Habibur; Ghazali, Asmadi Bin Mohammed; Sawal, Mohd Zool Hilmie Bin Mohamed
• Format: Article; Early Access
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD 2024
• Subjects: Information Science & Library Science
• Online Access: https://www-webofscience-com.uitm.idm.oclc.org/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:001351872500001
• ISSN: 0266-6669; 1741-6469
• DOI: 10.1177/02666669241294249

This article explores the reasons for resistance to technology adoption in university libraries in Bangladesh. Through interviews and focus group discussions with LIS professionals, four main themes emerged: personal, organizational, social, and financial factors. Personal barriers included lack of awareness, reluctance to learn, and fear of consequences. Organizational challenges encompassed cultural norms, change Management Strategies, and management support. Social influences included peer pressure and power dynamics, while financial factors involved budgetary constraints and ongoing operating costs, which pose significant challenges to technology adoption. Recommendations for overcoming resistance include providing training and support, fostering a culture of change, effective communication, incentivizing adoption, collaborative decision-making, pilot testing, continual evaluation, education and training, incentives and rewards, communication and collaboration, user-centered design, and change management. Implementing these strategies can facilitate technology adoption, enhancing library services in Bangladesh and beyond.