Borrowing books from a convenience store? An innovative library service

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose an innovative service model regarding the public library’s pilot project in Taiwan – Borrowing Books from Convenience Stores (BBCS). The proposed model presents a comprehensive evaluation of patrons to enhance readers’ intention to adopt this innovative library service. Design/methodology/approach A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the users of the public library and convenience stores in Taiwan. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Findings The main findings of this study make both theoretical and practical contributions. First, this study explores the library’s extending service to convenience stores, and proposes an integrated BBCS model for the library’s innovative service. Second, the identification of influential factors, such as control influence, social interaction and perceived values of convenience, contributes to a marketing strategy for this innovative service offered by the library. Third, gender differences in some relationships of influential factors on BBCS use intention were identified. Originality/value Although many studies have investigated the adoption of self-service technology, this paper is the very first attempt to explore the use of the innovative library service in convenience stores. Based on several theories, an integrated model for users’ intention to use BBCS is proposed in this study. The authors also recommend various gender-specific strategies of BBCS service.

Exploring the Influence of Determinants on Behavior Intention to Use of Multiple Media Kiosks Through Technology Readiness and Acceptance Model

“…After identifying MMKs in convenience stores as the research subject, we discussed literature on consumer behavior theories at first. Then, we found out other factors that may affect consumer behaviors by reference to qualitative research on multimedia and multi-channel context ( Shankar and Yadav, 2010 ; Hsiao et al, 2020 ; Brengman et al, 2021 ; Lao et al, 2021 ). Finally, we selected suitable theories to express these factors, and verified these factors in a quantitative method ( Wallace and Sheetz, 2014 ; Kim et al, 2017 ; Min et al, 2019 ).…”

“…The 24-h chain convenient stores have become an important channel for buying daily necessities in Asia, as their density of distribution increases ( Chang et al, 2016 ; Kwak and Cho, 2019 ; Hsiao et al, 2020 ). In order to improve consumer experience and functionality of convenient stores, firms launched multiple media kiosks (MMKs) to expand their service scope ( Brengman et al, 2021 ; Lao et al, 2021 ).…”

“…MMK is a self-server terminal that is commonly seen in the retail channel. Its functions may vary from national cultures or channels ( Lee, 2015 ; Kwak and Cho, 2019 ; Hsiao et al, 2020 ), but it is generally provided with a touch screen, supplemented with multi-media interface and voice effect, to guide consumers to finish the consumption process quickly ( Chang et al, 2016 ; Chang and Chen, 2021 ). Self-service technology, which is self-server terminal, is simply a kind of intelligent human-computer interaction equipment, in which the user operates and completes the business through a device according to the provided instructions.…”

“…This kind of self-server terminal not only makes extremely high profits for a retail store in the least space, but also allows consumers to have a delightful and novelty experience ( Ku and Chen, 2012 ; Grewal et al, 2020 ; Brengman et al, 2021 ; Lao et al, 2021 ), thus creating new added value for retailers ( Kwak and Cho, 2019 ). Although it is an interesting experience platform, firms are not suggested to focus only on MMKs, because MMKs increase the learning burden for consumers, especially the aged or children ( Chang et al, 2016 ; Hsiao et al, 2020 ). A large number of previous studies have discussed the impact of new technologies on users’ intention to use by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) ( Min et al, 2019 ; Rafique et al, 2020 ), but there are few studies that discuss psychological factors caused by new technologies adopted in convenience stores ( Kim et al, 2017 ).…”

Factors influencing university teachers’ use of a mobile technology-enhanced teaching (MTT) platform

“…In this sense, users will proactively adopt technology when they believe it to be helpful. From the perspective of utilitarianism, perceived usefulness is considered to be a key influencing factor of the behavioral intention to use innovative self-service technology (Hsiao et al, 2020 ). Moreover, when users think that a specific technology can be used more easily and efficiently to complete their tasks, they are more likely to adopt it (Sánchez-Prieto et al, 2017 ; Wang & Wang, 2009 ).…”