Perceived usefulness, ease of use, and usage of citation database interfaces: a replication

Purpose - This paper aims to report on an investigation into ways in which end-users perceived citation database interfaces, especially citation database interfaces' usability. Design/methodology/approach - The investigation used the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) constructs of usefulness and ease of use to assess acceptance of citation database interfaces by university graduate students. A structural equation model was used to fit and validate the Citation Database Interface Acceptance Model (CDIAM). Findings - Causal relationships between the constructs considered by the CDIAM were well supported, accounting for 95 per cent of total variance in citation database interface acceptance and usage. The study concluded that perceived usefulness, and not ease of use of citation database interface, is a key determinant of their acceptance and usage. The results of the construct measurement for perceived usefulness and ease of use in this research are quite consistent with the results reported in recent research. Originality/value - Study findings may help to evaluate human-computer interaction using the MIS-proven TAM and improve usability of the citation database system.