Impact of big data and data analytics on the provision of data services in academic libraries

Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine the level of awareness among library and information science (LIS) professionals regarding the perceived utility of big data (BD) and data analytics (DA) in academic libraries, as well as their influence on the provision of data services (DSs). Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey was carried out to collect the data for this study. The population of this study comprised LIS professionals working in public sector university libraries. A four-factor measurement model estimating the influence of BD and DA on the provision of DSs in academic libraries was tested using the structural equation modelling. Findings The findings revealed that awareness (AW) ( β = 0.141, CR = 2.534, p = 0.011) demonstrated a significant positive influence on the provision of DSs. The perceived utility of BD ( β = 0.058, CR = 0.582, p = 0.561), and perceived utility of DA ( β = 0.141, CR = 2.534, p = 0.905) exhibits a positive but statistically non-significant impact on the provision of DSs ( β = 0.010, CR = 0.120, p = 0.905). The goodness of fit indices suggest a favourable fit for the model, as evidenced by the following values: χ 2 = 1.400, DF = 164; p = 0.001; IFI = 0.954; TLI = 0.946; CFI = 0.953; GFI = 0.906; and RMSEA = 0.043. Originality/value A new perspective on the use of BD and DA in academic libraries is presented in this study. It presents a four-factor measurement model on the influence of BD and DA on the provision of DSs in university libraries.