Why we like Google Scholar: postgraduate students' perceptions of factors influencing their intention to use

Alotaibi, Faiz and Johnson, Frances (2020) Why we like Google Scholar: postgraduate students' perceptions of factors influencing their intention to use. Aslib Journal of Information Management, 72 (4). pp. 587-603. ISSN 2050-3806

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Abstract

This study examines the use of the search engine, Google Scholar from perspective of a specific study group, that of international postgraduate students. Based on theory of task perceived performance and effort expectancy influencing intention to use, further factors of system, individual, social and organisational in the postgraduate student context are explored. The questionnaire for the measurement of eleven factors was developed from related studies of e-library use, and data was collected from 200 international postgraduate students studying in the UK. Analysis using Confirmatory Factor Analysis established the contextual influencing factors and Structural Equation Modelling examined the predicted model. Influence of the task based factors of performance and expectancy were confirmed and revealed that these were based on the perception of the visibility, accessibility and relevance of the system, and on perceived self-efficacy. The perception postgraduates held of themselves as competent users of Google Scholar was further borne out in the participants’ own words when asked for the reason for their preference. The approach taken enables research into use of search tools to go beyond ease of use as a main driver and to explore the relationship held among the internal and external influences of use. Recommendations for further user research are suggested as well as possible impact on the university library provision and support of services for students.