The Adoption of Open-Source software’s in Libraries in Digital Era

A Case Study of Pakistan

Abstract

This study aims to explore the adoption of Open-Source Software’s (OSS) in the academic libraries of Pakistan. It also focuses on the challenges encountered during the application and management of these software’s in both public and private sectors academic libraries around the country. Quantitative data was collected through structured questionnaire developed and distributed online to the target population. The findings indicate that the library's adoption of OSS, such as Koha, SLIMS, GREENSTONE, and DSpace, was motivated by the need to distribute information to library users efficiently, modernize library staff workflows, and enhance user accessibility to library information resources. The OSS has been instigated specially in the cataloguing and circulation and digital library management functions of the library. The major hurdles impeding the software's full implementation include lack of planning, lack of technical expertise, and security concerns related to library software’s. Study recommends that, to successfully adopt and implement any integrated library Software, proper planning and prior feasibility studies, along with proper training of the library professionals are recommended.