Digital Libraries as Custodians of Indigenous Ecological Wisdom: A TAM-Based Conceptual Study on Sanskrit and Maithili Knowledge Systems

Abstract

Abstract This conceptual paper explores how digital libraries can help to preserve and pass on indigenous ecological knowledge contained in the written Sanskrit tradition and the oral Maithili tradition of India. Both of these traditions contain considerable ecological knowledge, but each is at risk of being lost due to physical decay, language loss, and limited accessibility. By applying the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to this context, this paper constructs a conceptual framework which extends the core TAM constructs of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use with three new constructs: perceived cultural relevance, perceived authenticity, and community engagement. Based on a narrative review of the literature on TAM, traditional ecological knowledge, and digital heritage preservation, this paper proposes seven theoretical propositions for further investigation; each proposition is derived from the narrative review of the literature, not from any analysis of the data collected for this study. This paper argues that digital libraries can act as more than just repositories for traditional ecological knowledge if people perceive them as being useful, easy to use, culturally relevant, and authentic. It offers implications for digital library design and for future research into these topics, while also grounding the discussion of digital libraries in the Sustainable Development Goals related to education, cultural heritage, and climate change. Keywords: Technology Acceptance Model, Digital Libraries, ICT, Sanskrit, Maithili, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Knowledge Preservation.