This study explores the adoption and impact of academic research tools among South African academicians. The research objectives include evaluating awareness, perceived importance, motivations, and challenges related to using these tools. Employing a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from a representative sample using rigorous sampling techniques. The findings reveal high awareness and utilization of various research tools, with motivations centred on improving research quality and productivity. Challenges include difficulties in tool understanding and trust issues. The study underscores the significance of academic research tools in scholarly practices and provides insights for stakeholders such as librarians, publishers, and developers. Future research directions include longitudinal studies and integrating emerging technologies to enhance scholarly workflows and address evolving academic challenges. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.