Based on the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory (Rogers, 2003), the uses and gratifications (U&G) theory, and trust theory, this study investigated the factors that influence the use of Twitter among the Kuwaiti community. The study surveyed Twitter users in Kuwait. A structured online questionnaire was used to collect data, and 463 respondents who provided complete answers participated. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the effect of three theoretical perspectives on Twitter usage. The result of the analysis showed that Twitter usage is better explained by DOI constructs than by U&G constructs. The findings indicated that the perceived relative advantage from DOI, and the need for information, need to pass time, and need for interpersonal utility from the U&G approach, have a direct positive significant effect on the use of Twitter. None of the trust theory constructs was found to be significant in predicting the general use of Twitter. The study results help Twitter providers and users in individual or organizational contexts to understand what factors generally affect the usage of the Twitter service.

PurposeThis study aims to examine perceptions of university library usage to consider factors that influence educational achievement of academic library users.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses validated questionnaires from 792 students, 143 academics and 121 administrators to measure five library factors. Three university libraries, which are based in Kuwait, were included in the questionnaire data.FindingsThe study found that only a minority of library users' educational achievement improves through library usage. The findings were lower than expected prior to completing the study.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation of the study is that it did not include library staff as participants during questionnaires and interviews.Originality/valueThe study adds to the current literature of research based in Kuwait, and is one of the first studies to use private university libraries for quantitative study purposes. This study introduces an entirely new academic library evaluation tool called the Factors of Academics Library Usage (FALU).

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the student perceptions of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the American University of Kuwait Library (AUK). Design/methodology/approach – The study uses a quantitative research method in order to investigate the perceptions of a wide range of students who use the academic library. The sample consists of 95 student volunteers, who provided data that were then analyzed and compared with literature from other authors in this subject field. Findings – The study found that the quality of the ICT equipment provided by the AUK library is very good, however training in how to use the library’s ICT is lacking. Practical implications – The findings suggest that the academic library looks into the possibility of changing the layout of the library to incorporate more computer terminals, as clearly many students feel there are currently not enough. The academic library must offer a greater amount of ICT training for students, preferably relating to the use of electronic resources and journals for new students. Originality/value – This study adds to the current literature on academic libraries in Kuwait, and is one of the first studies to look at students’ perceptions of ICT in a private university institution.

Purpose This paper aims to justify the relevance of student-centred teaching – learning in influencing their motivation to shed library fear, source resources, attain higher-order learning, garner intellectual prowess and invent new theories. Design/methodology/approach To assess the validity of association between guidance, pedagogy, library access and intellectual prowess, a close-ended questionnaire is used. This questionnaire was administered on 350 undergraduate students in Kuwait. The step helped to gather their responses and initiate correlation analysis. Also, correlation analysis was used to review the association between the items selected in the questionnaire, interpret outcomes and draw valid inferences. Findings The outcome highlights that such students show keen interest to learn when faculty members give credence to educational psychology, teaching-learning quality, knowledge transfer and their transformation into knowledge seekers. The realization of such scholastic capabilities makes it possible for them to shed library fear and search disappointments, circumvent procedural complexities and pay least importance to size of library structure. Such mental state heightens their desire to use library services optimally, learn and contribute to new knowledge. Originality/value Few attempts have been made to study the impact of mentoring and pedagogy on mitigation of library stress undergraduate students.