Factors influencing user acceptance of online encyclopaedias

This study aimed to explore user factors that may influence attitude and behaviour where technology acceptance is concerned. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) Framework was used as a tool to map this degree of acceptance in relation to the design of the current Encyclopaedia of South African Arts, Culture and Heritage (ESAACH). ESAACH is an encyclopaedia intended to address the dearth of reference material in South African arts, culture and heritage studies (ESAACH.org.za). The encyclopaedia is divided into broader areas of research such as: verbal arts, performing arts, visual arts, and heritage. The researcher investigates English Language Proficiency, Perceived Ease of Use, Perceived Usefulness and Computer Self-Efficacy as factors that influence an online user's attitude towards intention to use and accept an online encyclopaedia. The TAM was used as a tool to determine whether a positive confidence in user's English language proficiency would affect intention to use the encyclopaedia and to predict whether positive Computer Self-Efficacy is an indicator for a positive effect regarding Ease of Use and/or Perceived Usefulness.