Awareness, Perception and Adoption of Open-Source Software (OSS) and Open Access Resources (OARs) in University Libraries of Pakistan

Abstract

Open-Source Software (OSS) and Open Access Resources (OARs) have revolutionized the libraries and information centers all over the world including Pakistan, especially university libraries are considered most advanced in terms of usage and adoption of emerging technologies. Therefore, the status of OSS and OARs in University Libraries of Pakistan were assessed in this study, moreover, the relationship between awareness as independent variable and perception as dependent variable of top tier of Library Professionals working in University Libraries of Pakistan were also determined. The adoption of OSS and OARs as moderator of the Awareness and Perception relationship was also assessed. The quantitative research design with cross sectional approach was used to address the objectives of the study. The survey method using structured questionnaire, containing Likert-scale questions / items and a demographic section, as research tool were applied to collect the data from the respondents such as Chief / Head / Director / Incharge Librarian or Institutional representative (focal person) of HEC Digital Library of Pakistan of each Degree Awarding Institution (DAI). The results of the study depict that respondents better aware with OSS and OARs have better perception about OSS and OARs. Similarly, the library professionals of universities who adopted OSS and OARs have better understanding about OSS and OARs. Hence, adoption moderates the relationship between awareness and perception of respondents. The research also reveals that university libraries are needed to proactively work on adoption of OARs to enhance its offered, as well as, new services and practices.