Factors Influencing Adoption of Cloud Computing Services by Academic Libraries in North East Nigeria

This study examined the factors influencing the adoption of cloud computing services by academic libraries in North East Nigeria, covering universities in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States. Cloud computing offers significant opportunities for improving storage capacity, enabling remote access to resources, and reducing infrastructure costs for libraries in resource-constrained environments. A quantitative survey design was employed, and data were collected from library directors, systems librarians, and ICT officers in fourteen universities using a structured questionnaire informed by the Technology Acceptance Model and Diffusion of Innovations theory. Results showed that perceived usefulness and ease of use were the strongest predictors of adoption intention, while security concerns, unstable internet connectivity, and insufficient technical expertise were the primary barriers. Only three of the fourteen institutions had partially adopted cloud-based library services. The study recommended targeted staff training, collaboration with ICT departments, and advocacy for reliable broadband infrastructure as prerequisites for cloud adoption. Keywords: cloud computing, academic libraries, technology adoption, North East Nigeria, Technology Acceptance Model.