Understanding extended information seeking: The perspectives of psychological empowerment and digital libraries attachment

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the mechanisms of extended information seeking, which is the combination of extended information technologies (IT) use behavior and information-seeking behavior. The purpose is to identify the factors that shape extended information seeking from the perspectives of psychological empowerment and attachment.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model was developed based on prior theory and literature. Survey data were collected, and the partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modeling was used to verify the research model.

Findings

Psychological empowerment is a well-constructed second-order construct, having a larger positive effect on extended information seeking. Digital libraries attachment has a positive effect on extended information seeking.

Practical implications

Accessing digital libraries does not mean using digital libraries effectively. Managers of digital libraries should design various specific information activities to help users enhance psychological empowerment. They should provide more available and responsive services for users to enhance digital libraries attachment.

Originality/value

Drawing on the adaptive structuration theory, this study examines extended information seeking by combining extended use of digital libraries and information seeking, presenting a new lens for digital library and information seeking research.

Citation

Zha, X., Huang, C., Yan, Y., Yan, G., Wang, X. and Zhang, K. (2020), "Understanding extended information seeking: The perspectives of psychological empowerment and digital libraries attachment", Aslib Journal of Information Management, Vol. 72 No. 5, pp. 705-724. https://doi.org/10.1108/AJIM-08-2019-0213