Factors influencing librarian adoptions of ChatGPT technology for entrepreneurial support

Purpose Libraries, both public and academic, have expanded their roles to become crucial hubs of innovation and business support. To cater to the emerging needs of the patrons, including entrepreneurs, libraries must digitally transform to innovate their business support services. This research aims to empirically validate the factors influencing the adoption of generative AI technologies (or switching intentions), particularly ChatGPT, among librarians providing business support services. The study explores the multifaceted factors that shape librarians’ decisions to adopt these technologies or consider alternative solutions. Design/methodology/approach The research study employed purposive or convenience sampling to select librarians actively supporting businesses and with some experience in generative AI technologies. After pilot testing the questionnaire, it was refined and administered via Google Forms, utilizing a Likert scale for responses. Informed consent was obtained from participants, with strict privacy protocols in place. Data analysis was conducted using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4 software, adhering to rigorous quality assurance protocols. Findings The research empirically validated key factors influencing the adoption or switching intentions toward generative AI technologies, particularly ChatGPT, among librarians supporting entrepreneurs. Identified factors encompass social influence, domain expertise, familiarity with technology, system quality, training and support, interaction convenience, anthropomorphism, perceptions of usefulness, ease of use and enjoyment. These perceptions influence librarians’ emotional responses to technology and affect their decisions regarding adoption or considering alternative options. Notably, demographic variables – age, gender, years of experience in business support and education level – do not significantly influence switching intentions, underscoring inclusivity in innovation. Practical implications The study offers practical implications for various stakeholders, including librarians, patrons, technology providers and policymakers. Librarians can benefit from fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and co-creation initiatives to strengthen social networks, enhance domain expertise, evaluate technology quality and customize training support. Technology providers have the opportunity to improve user experience by enhancing interaction convenience and anthropomorphism. Policymakers can support innovation within library settings through funding initiatives and changes in employment conditions. These recommendations aim to enable the seamless integration of generative AI technologies in libraries while fostering stakeholder collaboration to drive innovation and address evolving user needs. Originality/value This research enriches AI technology adoption theories within library contexts by providing empirical evidence and insights into the multifaceted dynamics influencing adoption decisions among librarians. It enhances existing theories by specifically focusing on generative AI adoption and its implications for library business support services. Despite the growing interest in AI technologies within library settings, empirical research on the factors influencing librarian decisions regarding generative AI adoption has been lacking. By addressing this gap, the study contributes to the fields of library and information sciences, entrepreneurship, technology management and innovation management, offering specificity and depth to our understanding of user decision-making processes.