Readiness of Academic Libraries For Blockchain Technology: A Conceptual Exploration

Abstract

The acceptance of blockchain technology have begun to benefit developed nations, and developing countries have shown interest in implementing the technology. However, it still has relatively few applications. Blockchain technology is still in its early stages of development, with a lack of studies on its acceptance, especially in the context of libraries. Emerging as a disruptive force across various industries, blockchain promises increased transparency, security, and efficiency in data management. In the realm of academic libraries, where information integrity and accessibility are paramount, the adoption of blockchain holds immense potential. This conceptual paper explores the theoretical foundations and practical implications of integrating blockchain technology within Malaysian academic libraries. By examining the benefits, challenges, and potential applications, this paper aims to provide insights into how this innovative technology can revolutionize information management practices in the Malaysian educational landscape. Factors consist of technological, organizational, and environmental contexts. Based on a literature review, the technological context includes relative advantage and compatibility, while the organizational context includes organizational readiness and top management support. Meanwhile, the environmental context includes government support and library user readiness. The analysis also reveals the relationship between technological, organizational, and environmental factors (independent variables) and the intention to adopt blockchain (dependent variable).