Exploring attitudinal dimensions of electronic resource management in academic libraries

This study investigates the role of attitudinal factors in academic libraries in the modern era with particular reference to the management of electronic resources in public and private university libraries in Ghana. It also aims to identify the underlying factors affecting the attitude of library staff in the electronic environment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-four library staff from two public and two private universities and three consortium executives. The findings identified various attitudinal enablers and hindrances to effective management of electronic resources in academic libraries. These attitudinal factors were generally common to both public and private case libraries. The paper provides recommendations to improve the attitude of library staff in this modern era. This is one of the few studies that considers the role of attitudes in the management of electronic resources in public and private academic libraries. The findings have practical implications, as understanding the attitudes and behaviours could inform appropriate strategies to improve stakeholders' attitudes for effective management of electronic resources in academic libraries to attract maximum usage. • Attitudes of academic library staff do not vary based on the type of academic library. • Attitudes of academic library staff do not vary based on the management structure of the parent institution of the library. • Attitudes of academic library staff are affected by the type of ERs available via the library. • Socio-cultural factors like oral information culture and power distance impact the attitudes of library staff. • Religious views influence the attitudes of library staff.