Science & Technology Libraries
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Perceptions of Academic Librarians Toward Open
Source Library System (OSLS): Case Study of
Pakistan
Abid Hussain & Muhammad Rafiq
To cite this article: Abid Hussain & Muhammad Rafiq (03 Jan 2024): Perceptions of Academic
Librarians Toward Open Source Library System (OSLS): Case Study of Pakistan, Science &
Technology Libraries, DOI: 10.1080/0194262X.2023.2286649
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/0194262X.2023.2286649
Published online: 03 Jan 2024.
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LIBRARIES
https://doi.org/10.1080/0194262X.2023.2286649
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Perceptions of Academic Librarians Toward Open Source Library
System (OSLS): Case Study of Pakistan
Abid Hussain
a
and Muhammad Rafiq
b
a
Library Services, Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan; bInstitute of Information Management,
University of the Punjab (PU), Lahore, Pakistan
ABSTRACT
KEYWORDS
Advanced technology has brought tremendous changes in our daily lives;
academic libraries are changing agents of modern technologies and experi­
menting with innovations for library operations. Open Source Library System
(OSLS) is a computer software with free source code and a license that
permits users to use, change, redistribute and improve according to their
needs. The study uses a quantitative survey approach with 45 questions and
a Likert-type scale. A random sample approach was used to collect data from
the academic librarians in Pakistan. A survey was designed in Google Forms
and shared with n = 300 librarians via personal e-mails, Facebook Messenger,
and WhatsApp to reach a diverse community of librarians in Pakistan. N = 282
questionnaires returned with 94.33%. The collected data was analyzed using
SPSS 26. The result shows that the adoption rate of OSLS is still in its infancy
and is slowing for many reasons, like lack of technical equipment, inadequate
funds, lack of IT skills, digital resilience of Librarians and interest of stake­
holders. The present study will pave the way for practitioner librarians,
research scholars, stakeholders and policymakers in Pakistan and beyond.
Academic librarians; digital
library; academic librariesPakistan; library automation;
open source library software;
OSLS
Introduction
Advanced technology has changed our daily lives tremendously (Hussain 2020a). Almost every sector
of contemporary society has adopted applications of advanced technology to achieve maximal goals in
minimal time. Among these technologies, the role of the open source system (OSS) is remarkable. OSS
emerged as an alternative software development model and revolutionized software development and
is gaining popularity nowadays. It was launched by system developers and adopted by users to address
information service delivery (Hussain 2021). OSS is computer software whose source code is available
under a license that permits users to use, change, redistribute and improve it according to their needs.
During the last few decades, the OSS phenomenon has become a trend in information systems.
It has been adopted in several fields. The prime purpose of OSS is to make the product more
adaptable, duplicable, understandable, reliable and accessible Jaffe and Careaga (2007). OSS can be
run on various operating systems, including Linux, Windows, Unix and iOS (Hussain et al. 2023).
Software licenses grant rights to users to make them modifiable and usable for personal and
organizational use. There are numerous OSS that can be accessed, downloaded and modified as
per their organization’s requirements. Educational sectors, including libraries, are experimenting
with new technologies to meet users’ information needs (Siddique and Mahmood 2014). In world
libraries, the journey of OSS started in 1996 (Rafiq and Ameen 2010). There is a panoply of OSS
for different tasks. Open Source can be used for data management and information solutions of
libraries (Bonaccorsi and Rossi 2003). There are various Open Source library Software adopted by
CONTACT Abid Hussain
Islamabad, Pakistan
abidhussain@issi.org.pk
Library Services, Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, Sector F-5/2,
© 2023 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
2
A. HUSSAIN AND M. RAFIQ
librarians for library operations; some noteworthy software are Koha, Mandarin, Open Biblio.
OPALS, ABCD, Evergreen, NewGenLib, PhPMylibrary, MarcoPolo and so on (Rafiq and Ameen
2010). According to Mohideen et al. (2019), OSS offers a paradigm shift for library management
systems in developing and underdeveloped countries. In the library scenario, OSS has dominated
the infrastructure of the Internet and web services (Altman 2006).
Since 1999, when three key principles were created in a meeting of 80 senior academic library
managers to set a foundation for the future development of library services, one initiative was to
develop an OSS for access, dissemination, and information management (Chawner 2004). OSS is
being actively adopted in three regions of the world: Asia, Latin America and Africa. Asian countries,
namely India, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, actively adopt OSS
(Kampa & Kaushik 2019). Asian governments are considering the “adoption of open source software
as a boost for their economies and a way to increase technological innovation in the region” (Lopes
and Ribeiro 2011).
OSS has had an increasingly high profile in the library and information management profession
(Mahmood and Bhatti 2012). Hassan et al., (2022) have mentioned that there is a variety of proprietary
and open-source software (OSS) to automate library operations and household routines such as
acquisition, circulation, cataloging, etc (Masrek, Khan, and Doan 2022). Automation helps libraries
to manage their workflows efficiently. Libraries worldwide have adopted integrated library systems to
acquire, organize, and locate data (Khan and Ayesha 2022). OSS has become one of the most discussed
topics among software users and practitioners (Fuggetta 2003). According to Petrich (2009), OSS has
become more common in the library operation. There are several reasons librarians use open-source
library software in their respective libraries. For many reasons, it offers alternative, cheap, innovative
technological solutions to all libraries, (Hussain and Shahid 2022). As OSS is based on open access,
linking open sources to intellectual freedom is the ultimate mission of libraries (Hussain 2020b).
Unlike commercial software, there is no initial purchase, upgrade, or licensing fee; in other words, OSS
is based on zero-cost software. Like other software, OSS requires users’ time and effort to modify and
distribute it (Masreka and Hussain 2021). Libraries around the globe prefer OSS for many reasons; one
such reason is budget constraints that limit the affordance to buy costly commercial software for
library operations. OSS is the choice of libraries, particularly in developing countries, because
commercial software requires a high cost that less developed countries still need to afford.
This study aims to unfold the behavior landscape of the LIS community toward OSS. The result of
this study will be useful for the LIS community, software developers and library administration in
Pakistan and other developing countries.
Research objectives
(1) To know the perception of academic librarians toward Open Source Software (OSS);
(2) To examine the factors affecting the perception and use of Open Source software;
(3) To discover the effectiveness of the use of Open Source Library System
(4) To identify the challenge of Open Source Software faced by the academic librarians
Research questions
RQ1. What are the perceptions of academic librarians toward the adoption of OSS?
RQ2. What are the various factors that affect the adoption of Open Source software in academic
libraries in Pakistan?
RQ3. How effective is the use of OSS among academic librarians in Pakistan?
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LIBRARIES
3
RQ4. What challenges are faced by the librarians in Pakistan while using Open Source Software?
Literature review
Perception of academic librarians towards OSS
There is a plethora of literature available on the subject of OSS and its adoption in general and
deployment of OSS in libraries and information centers in particular (Altman, 2002). The emergence
of OSS has raised three economic problems: motivation, coordination and diffusion. First, adopting
OSS is largely based on librarians through altruism. Second, a hierarchical coordination emerged sans
proprietary rights. Third, OSS diffused in environments dominated by proprietary standards. They
show how recent developments in the diffusion theory of technologies with network externality may
help explain these phenomena. The OSS phenomenon has metamorphosed into a more mainstream
and commercially viable form (Fitzgerald 2009). A study was conducted by Rafiq (2009) in Pakistan
and discovered that the use of OSS in this country is still in its infancy and needs further development;
in his literature, Hussain and Jan (2018) highlighted that the University of Management and
Technology Library, Lahore, was among the first universities launched his first digital library project
using Greenstone Digital library by the United Nations digital library. He further explained that the
initiative of OSS took place for the first time in this region. Their second study (Rafiq and Ameen
2010) elaborated that the scope of OSS in Pakistan still needs to be expanded and, in an earlier stage,
which needs to be expedited by the libraries. Scholars have highlighted that, unlike commercial
software, libraries with a limited budget may adopt OSS for library operations. Jabeen et al. (2018)
conducted a study in Beijing and examined that the opinion of LIS professionals toward OSS is
positive; like in other fields, the Chinese have made remarkable success; however, in OSS, the
librarians still need to peruse certain aspects like training workshops, seminars and short courses to
empower them.
According to Tella et al. (2021), the librarians in Kwara State, Nigeria, used the OSS in academic
libraries and found them effective for library services; fifty-eight librarians 43 have responded
positively; however, the OSS practices in Nigerian institutions are in the infancy stage and need
further attention among librarians. Keeping in mind the limited papers in Pakistan, the intended paper
has been produced to know the perception of the LIS community in Pakistan toward OSS. The present
study has assessed the perception and use of the OSS in academic libraries in Pakistan. The study
highlights the hindering factors that affect the perception of librarians and impediments associated
with OSS in academic libraries. This is the first study of its type in Pakistan that presents
a comprehensive report on OSS that needs to be included in the earlier studies. The study inspires
entire academic libraries to use this free and open-source software that ignites library operations and
services in the right direction. It is also useful for librarians who need more skills and effort to adopt
OSS in their respective libraries.
Factors affecting the perception and use of open source software
Mahmood and Bhatti (2012) have expressed that promoting the Free and Open Source Movement in
Pakistan requires serious attention for the capacity building of library professionals. He further
elaborated that seminars, workshops and conferences should be organized for the librarians in
Pakistan. He further insisted that more scholarly works in future will bring positive awareness
among librarians in Pakistan. A survey was conducted by Dalling and Rafferty (2013) in the higher
education of the United Kingdom and explored that the majority of the librarians are facing numerous
challenges while adopting OSS in their organizations; these are lack of motivation, functionality and
stability issues, poor documentation, and financial constraints.
4
A. HUSSAIN AND M. RAFIQ
Few librarians have clarified that academic libraries’ environment is conservative in adopting and
implementing OSS. Islam (2019) surveyed university librarians in Bangladesh to identify drivers for
adopting OSS ILSs. They found that supporting community, easy customization and integration with
other software, control over the data and software, and adequate functionalities and features positively
influenced them to adopt OSS ILSs in their libraries. Their study (Tella et al. 2021) identified that
librarians in Kwara State of Nigeria faced numerous challenges while adopting OSS in academic
libraries, including the philosophy of the librarians, lack of financial resources, lack of technical
resources, and training of library staff (Iqbal, Khan, and Sheikh 2023). have researched Open-source
software for developing repositories at the organizational level. The finding shows that among 23
public and private sector universities in Islamabad, only seventeen libraries have expanded their
repository by adopting Open Source Software like Dspace. The librarians face many challenges in
adopting open source software, like selecting suitable software, material for digitization, lack of
cooperation from the parent organization, inadequate funding for training and lack of skilled staff
to adopt and implement open source software. The study was limited to Islamabad and can only cover
some of the geographical locations of Pakistan.
Effectiveness of the use of open source library system
In her study, Müller (2011) has examined that with the arrival of the World Wide Web and Open
Source technologies, computer programmers have introduced several software for library solutions,
and they still amplify the contribution of fast, free available IMS software to attract more customers.
Numerous libraries and software have been introduced. Kumar V and Jasimudeen (2012) stated that
OSS had become the best choice for librarians in India for many reasons: it is freely available, has
global customers, Z39.50 Protocol, provisions desired functions, technical and online support, com­
patibility and integration with other technologies and above all, it gives access to global information
(Hussain 2020b).
One of the leading voices and proponents of OSS claims that the collaborative methods of
developing OSS lead to the development of superior-quality software. OSS communities develop
and produce software faster and with fewer bugs, which are more innovative and cutting-edge than
their proprietary counterpart (Parker et al. 2014). In one of their study Kampa and Kaushik (2019)
have found that that 95.5% of libraries in India use KOHA, DSpace, Drupal and Joomla, while only
18.4% of librarians use the Integrated Library System. The result further highlighted that an estimated
Rs 417 million could be saved by Indian Librarians while adopting Free and Open Source software.
One empirical study (Muwanguzi and Musambira 2019) highlighted that various stakeholders and
librarians are devising a preplanned policy for OSS in Africa and Uganda to explore its economic,
social, political and academic benefits to motivate librarians to adopt OSS. In a recent study by Gurikar
and Hadagali (2021), they examined that the OSS has been widely used in India for developing
Institutional repositories.
Moreover, they have examined that OSS is cost-effective for subjects like health, medicine, science
and technology. According to Masrek et al. (2022), due to the rapid growth of technological innova­
tion, librarians worldwide are adopting Open Source Library software due to the limit of existing
sources. He further affirmed that librarians in Pakistan preferred to use OSS for many reasons,
including the provision of complimentary source code according to the organizational needs, and,
above all, it can be found free of cost.
The challenge of open source software faced by the academic librarians
Tella et al. (2021) conducted a study among fifty-eight librarians in Kwara State of Nigeria and
examined that OSS has positive aspects; however, still, librarians among respondents highlighted
various challenges in using OSS. These include adequate technical equipment, trained personnel,
erratic power supply, lack of attention from stakeholders, and financial constraints that hinder OSS in
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LIBRARIES
5
academic libraries. Jabeen et al. (2018) have highlighted in their research that academic libraries in
China depend mostly upon commercial software, and they trust more locally produced software; this
might cause librarians’ low knowledge regarding OSS. Most of the librarians in Academic libraries of
China, like OSS, still show no enthusiasm for OSS because of poor understanding of IT and risk factors
associated with OSS, professional expertise, and lack of professional training. In their study Asim and
Mairaj (2019) highlighted that librarians in Pakistan are facing numerous challenges while adopting
OSS in the academic libraries of Punjab; those are poor IT knowledge, lack of training workshops, lack
of financial support from their organizations and low cooperation between IT and Library staff.
Research design and methodology
The study used a quantitative research design. An online survey method was used to collect data from
academic librarians in Pakistan. The online survey is a useful method to collect data from a wide range
of populations, exclusively from geographically distributed ones. The questionnaire was designed and
consulted with a few LIS experts in the field. The face validity was checked before sharing it with
academic librarians. The questionnaire was designed in two parts. Part first included demographic
information like gender, designation, name and types of organization, designation and experience in
the library field. The second part consists of a five-point Likert-type scale with 45 questions. The
literature revealed several statements by different librarians about the benefits, drawbacks, challenges
and issues associated with OSS. To reach the diverse community of librarians in different provinces of
Pakistan. A survey questionnaire was designed in Google Forms and shared with academic librarians
on various platforms like personal e-mails, WhatsApp, Facebook and other professional groups
designed for the librarians of Pakistan. A total of 300 Questionnaires were distributed; among them,
282 people responded with 94.33%. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS 26.
Data analysis
Table 1 shows respondents’ demographic information; 286 respondents from academic libraries in
Pakistan have participated in this survey. The result shows that the majority of the respondents were
male 247 (83.6%), and the majority of respondents belonged to the age group (36–45) (100; 35%),
followed by age between 26–35 (87; 30.4%). The lowest respondent rate belongs to the age group of
56–65 (19; 6.6%).
As far as the qualifications of respondents are concerned, most of the respondents (153; 53.5%)
have a master’s degree of 16 years of education, followed by M.Phil./MS (100; 35%), and BS LIS (28;
Table 1. Demographic information of respondents.
Demographic Information
Gender
Age Group
Qualification
Professional experience in years
Male
Female
Up to 25 years
26–35
36–45
46–55
56–65
BS
Master (16 years)
M.Phill./MS
Ph.D
1 to 5 years
6–10 years
11–15 years
16–20 years
21 years and above
Freq.
239
47
30
87
100
50
19
28
153
100
5
64
72
86
15
49
Percentage%
83.6%
16.4%
10.5%
3.4%
35.0%
17.5%
6.6%
9.8%
53.5%
35.0%
1.7%
22.4%
25.2%
3.1%
5.2%
17.1%
6
A. HUSSAIN AND M. RAFIQ
9.8%), because the BS programs in library and Information Science at Pakistan started a few years ago.
Only five (1.7%) respondents have PhD qualifications.
In terms of professional experience, 86 (30.1%) respondents have 11–15 years of experience,
followed by 6–10 years (72; 25.2%), 1–5 years (64; 22.4%), and above 21 years (49; 17.1%).
Perception of librarians toward open source software
Table 2 presents the data and a ranking based on the mean score. It displays descriptive data about the
perception of librarians toward OSS. Twenty-one statements altogether were presented to the librar­
ians to gauge their perception toward OSS, in which “I am aware of open source library system, got the
highest Mean score (mean = 4.29, SD = .978), followed by ‘Open Source Library System will enhance
my library services’ (mean 4.29, SD = .915), ‘Open source library system enhances library operations’
(mean = 4.20, SD .927), Open Source Library System is best option for my library” (mean = 4.00, SD =
1.199), OSS are cheap alternatives to costly library systems (mean = 4.00, SD = 1.113), Open Source
Library System is helpful for my library users (mean = 3.94, SD = 1.011), many Library Professionals
have adopted Open Source Library System (mean = 3.93, SD = 1.165), OSS are economical (mean =
3.91, SD = 1.081),OSS are good choices for libraries to adopt (mean = 3.89, SD = .980),libraries with
less budget adopt Open Source Library System (mean = 3.87, SD = 1.293),Open source library system
is effective for academic libraries’ operations (mean = 3.84, SD = 1.046), OSS offer appropriate solu­
tions to many problems faced my country libraries in terms of technology applications (mean = 3.71,
SD = 1.082), Open Source Library system is easy to install (mean = 3.70, SD = 1.152),Open source
library system is practical for my library (mean = 3.68, SD = 1.001), my library operates an open source
library system (mean = 3.67, SD = 1. 291), OSS model improve job opportunities (mean = 3.64, SD 1.
187), Open Source Library System provides solutions for technical problems in terms (mean = 3.59,
SD = 1. 014), Open source library system is the future of library operations (mean = 3.41, SD = 1. 113),
staff of libraries in my country is competent enough to implement OSS (mean = 3.20, SD = 1.151). The
lowest mean score in the statement was, I am in favor of open source library system adoption in
Table 2. Perception of librarians towards open source software.
Descriptive Statistics of Respondents (N=286)
Statements
I am aware of open source library system
Open Source Library System will enhance my library services
Open-source library system enhances library operations
Open Source Library System is the best option for my library
OSS are cheap alternatives to costly library systems
Open Source Library System is helpful for my library users
Many Library Professionals have adopted Open Source Library System
OSS are economical
OSS is a good choice for libraries to adopt
Libraries with less budget adopt Open Source Library Systems
The open-source library system is effective for academic libraries’ operations
OSS offers appropriate solutions to many problems faced by my country’s libraries in terms of
technology applications
Open Source Library system is easy to install
Open source library system is practical for my library
My library operates an open-source library system
OSS model improves job opportunities
Open Source Library System provides solutions for technical problems in terms
The open-source library system is the future of library operations
The staff of Libraries in my country is competent enough to implement OSS
I am in favour of open-source library system adoption in libraries
Valid N (listwise)
Scale: 1 = strongly disagree, 2 = Disagree, 3 = Neither agree nor disagree, 4 = Agree, 5 = Strongly Agree.
N Mean
281 4.29
286 4.29
286 4.20
286 4.00
281 4.00
286 3.94
286 3.93
267 3.91
286 3.89
286 3.87
281 3.84
271 3.71
286
281
286
276
286
276
276
286
247
3.70
3.68
3.67
3.64
3.59
3.41
3.20
2.50
Std.
Deviation
.978
.915
.927
1.199
1.113
1.011
1.165
1.081
.980
1.293
1.046
1.082
1.152
1.001
1.291
1.187
1.014
1.113
1.151
1.383
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LIBRARIES
7
libraries (mean = 2.0, SD = 1.383). According to the (Duckett 2021) methodology for the level of skills
measurement, the above statement shows that the awareness of librarians regarding open source
software is moderately competent.
Factors affecting the perception and use of open-source library systems
Table 3 sheds light on the factors affecting the perception and use of Open Source Library Systems.
The data in this regard and a ranking are based on the mean score. It displays descriptive data about
the perception of librarians toward Open Source Software. A total of 12 statements altogether were
given to the librarians to gauge the various factors that affect their perception toward OSS, in which
Philosophy of the librarian (mean = 4.26, SD = 1.150), challenges of the use of open source library
system (mean = 3.86, SD = .990), teaching OSS technologies at LIS schools (mean = 3.85, SD = .996),
perceptions of higher administration about OSS technologies (means = 3.82, SD = .925), availability of
the OSS in the library” (mean = 3.75, SD = .935), effectiveness of the OSS for academic libraries(mean
= 3.72, SD = 1.046), acceptance of the OSS in the library (mean = 3.70, SD = 1.023) “Availability of
technical help from the community (mean = 3.67, SD = 1.040), position and influence of library
administration in decision making at parent institution (mean = 3.65, SD = 1.047), availability of
finances from parent institution (mean = 3.59, SD = .989), training opportunities available on OSS
(mean = 3.57, SD = 1.129), the lack of volunteer work culture is a major social issue associated with the
adoption of OSS (mean = 2.93, SD = 1.246), which has the lowest mean score of the given table.
Table 4 shows the effectiveness of the use of the Open Source Library System. It displays descriptive
data of total four statements altogether in order to gauge the effectiveness of the open source library
system, in which “Efficiency -open source library system ensures Efficiency of library services (mean =
3.85, SD = .930), followed by Quality -open source library system facilitates quality library services
(mean = 3.81, SD = .921), Practicality – open source library system is practical for my library (mean =
3.68, SD = 1.013), Reliability – open source library system is reliable with (mean = 3.57, SD = .1.160).
Table 3. Factors affecting the perception and use of open source library system.
Descriptive Statistics
Statements
Philosophy of the Librarian
Challenges of the use of open source library system
Teaching OSS technologies at LIS schools
Perceptions of higher administration about OSS technologies
Availability of the OSS in the library
Effectiveness of the OSS for Academic Libraries
Acceptance of the OSS in the library
Availability of technical help from the community
Position and influence of library administration in decision-making at the parent institution
Availability of finances from the parent institution
Training opportunities available on OSS
The lack of volunteer work culture is a major social issue associated with the adoption of OSS
Valid N (listwise)
N
276
276
271
281
272
281
281
271
277
281
281
281
248
Mean
4.26
3.86
3.85
3.82
3.75
3.72
3.70
3.67
3.65
3.59
3.57
2.93
Std. Deviation
1.150
.990
.996
.925
.935
1.046
1.023
1.040
1.047
.989
1.129
1.246
Table 4. Effectiveness of the use of open source library system.
Descriptive Statistics
Statements
Efficiency — open source library system ensures Efficiency of library services
Quality — open source library system facilitates quality library services
Practicality — open source library system is practical for my library
Reliability — open source library system is reliable
Valid N (listwise)
N
281
281
281
281
281
Mean
3.85
3.81
3.68
3.57
Std. Deviation
.930
.921
1.013
1.160
8
A. HUSSAIN AND M. RAFIQ
Table 5. Challenges faced in the use of open source library system.
Descriptive Statistics
Statements
Lack of trained personnel in open source library system is a challenge
The erratic power supply is a challenge
Lack of funds is a challenge
Level of technical knowledge needed to install and maintain OSS
Lack of technical equipment is a challenge
Perceptions of the library board are a challenge
Non-availability of volunteer work culture
OSS includes poor-quality documentation
OSS are less user-friendly than commercial software
Valid N (listwise)
N
276
281
276
281
276
281
281
281
276
266
Mean
3.92
3.81
3.75
3.74
3.71
3.69
3.64
3.30
2.86
Std. Deviation
1.153
1.014
1.156
1.017
1.018
.956
1.015
1.199
1.223
Overall, the open-source library system’s Practicality, Reliability, quality and Efficiency got a good
mean score.
Table 5 shows the challenges librarians face while using Open Source Library Systems. It displays
descriptive data of a total of 9 statements altogether in order to gauge their problems, in which lack of
trained personnel on open source library system is a challenge(mean = 3.92, SD = 1.53), erratic power
supply is a challenge with(mean = 3.81, SD = 1.014), lack of fund is a challenge (mean = 3.75, SD =
1.156), level of technical knowledge needed to install and maintain OSS (mean = 3.74, SD = 1.017),
lack of technical equipment is a challenge (mean = 3.71, SD = 1.018), perceptions of the library board is
a challenge (mean = 3.69, SD = .956),non-availability of volunteer work culture(mean = 3.64, SD =
1.015), OSS include poor quality documentation”(mean = 3.30, SD = 1.199), the lowest mean score in
the given table is OSS are less user-friendly than commercial software with (mean2.86, SD = 1.223).
Overall, the librarians in academic libraries know about the challenges associated with OSS.
Discussion
The objective of the intended study was to examine the perception of academic librarians toward OSS
in Pakistan. The survey was conducted among academic librarians in Pakistan to gauge their inten­
tions by measuring the various factors that hinder the OSS in Pakistan; the statements of this study
closely match the study of Rafiq (2009), who elaborated these statements with limitations of a few
library software. As technology evolves at a high pace and more advancement occurs in library services
(Hussain 2022). This study addressed the objectives to identify their willingness, effectiveness of using
OSS and challenges associated with OSS for Pakistani librarians. A study was conducted by Rafiq and
Ameen (2009) among Pakistani librarians in 2008; however, the study indicated that only a few
libraries in that era stepped into OSS in academic libraries, and the current study extended its result to
the next level. The result shows that the concept of open Open-Source Software is familiar to academic
librarians in Pakistan; the result of this study is similar to the study of Choi and Pruett (2019), who
surveyed academic libraries in the USA. However, the adoption rate still needs to be faster for many
reasons, like lack of technical equipment, inadequate funds, lack of IT skills, digital resilience of
Librarians and interest of stakeholders. The adoption rate of this study meets the study of Jabeen et al.
(2018), who conducted a survey among academic librarians in Beijing, China and discovered the same
issues as revealed in this study. Secondly, it was noted that most academic librarians positively perceive
OSS because most of the librarians in the study are familiar with OSS and have already used and tested
a few software; this study is closely associated with the study of (Tella et al. (2021) who surveyed
academic librarians in the Kwara state of Nigeria. Most believe that OSS is the best option for small
and large libraries and exclusively for those with an inadequate budget for LIS Software (Chudnov
1999). These statements’ results meet the study of (Khan 2020), who conducted a similar survey in
Pakistan. However, that study examined KOHA as an open-source software. The study also high­
lighted the Efficiency, quality, validity and Reliability of Open Source Software (OSS), which meets the
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LIBRARIES
9
result (Alrawashdeh et al. 2020). Based on the result of this study, the following recommendations are
made:
(1) All library schools in Pakistan should make it a part of their curriculum at the Master’s and M.
Phil levels.
(2) Libraries associations in Pakistan should organize more training workshops to motivate those
who need to be fully aware of OSS.
(3) A collaborative effort should be made at the provincial level.
(4) librarians working in academic libraries should advance their IT skills for deploying OSS in
their respective libraries.
(5) Support from the international organization may be taken via online learning modes like
ZOOM, Google Meet, etc.
(6) Experts in computer programming and libraries should make a collaborative approach to
expedite OSS in academic libraries.
Conclusion
Libraries worldwide have adopted open source library systems to improve their services and reduce
operating costs. This study aimed to know the perception of librarians toward OSS in academic
libraries in Pakistan. The findings of this study revealed that most libraries in developed countries are
experimenting with advanced technologies to cater to library operations in sophisticated methods,
while in developing countries like Pakistan, the adaptability level of OSS is still in the infancy stages.
The intended study was carried out to examine the perception of academic librarians in Pakistan
toward the OSS and its effectiveness while adopting OSS in library operations. Overall, male respon­
dents were more prominent, and among the age group, librarians between 36 and 45 were higher in
number; as far as qualification is concerned, librarians with 16 years of education were prominent, in
professional experiences, and the majority of respondents were from 11–15 years (n = 86) with 30.1%.
The current study has some limitations as it was conducted in Pakistan, and the findings should not be
generalized for populations other than Pakistan; moreover, research on the topic is required with
a larger sample size; hence, the present study will pave the way for practitioner librarians, research
scholars, stakeholders and policymakers while adopting OSS in academic libraries of Pakistan and
abroad.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
ORCID
Abid Hussain
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2551-0974
Muhammad Rafiq
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8291-2569
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