Acceptance and use of an online discussion forum by Library and Information Science undergraduates at Ilorin University, Nigeria

The use of online discussion forums (ODFs) is gaining pace among universities as part of e-learning platforms. However, there have been few studies on Library and Information Science (LIS) undergraduates' use and acceptance of ODFs using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in the Nigerian university context. Against this backdrop, this study examined a modification of TAM for determining library and information science undergraduates' acceptance and use of ODFs in selected universities in South-West and North Central Nigeria. A sample of 320 full time LIS undergraduate students took part in the study. The Pearson inter-correlation Matrix and Multiple regression analysis were conducted to explain the use and acceptance process. The variables from the modified TAM model Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, Perceived Benefits, Attitude towards Use, Intention to use and Actual Use, age, gender, computer experience, Internet self-efficacy and accessibility proved TAM to be a good theoretical tool to understand users' acceptance and actual usage of an ODF. Actual use was the most important factor determining acceptance, while ease of use contributed the most to the prediction of actual use in explaining the causal process in the model. Accessibility was the lowest scored factor determining acceptance in the causal process. The study underscores the need to improve access to ODFs to enhance their use by LIS undergraduate students.