Exploring the open-source impact on Bangladesh academic library service sustainability
| Date | 19 November 2024 |
| Pages | 478-493 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JICES-06-2024-0080 |
| Published date | 19 November 2024 |
| Author | Nur Ahammad,Farrah Diana Saiful Bahri,Haslinda Husaini |
Exploring the open-source impact on
Bangladesh academic library
service sustainability
Nur Ahammad
Department of Library, Uttara University, Uttara, Bangladesh; School of
Information Science, College of Computing, Informatics and Mathematics,
Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Perdana,Malaysia and Department of
Information Science and Library Management, Daffodil International University,
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Farrah Diana Saiful Bahri
Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Perdana, Malaysia, and
Haslinda Husaini
Department of Information Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA,
Puncak Perdana, Malaysia
Abstract
Purpose –This study investigates the impact of open-source software (OSS) on the sustainability of
academic library services in Bangladesh.It aims to understand how OSS can address budget constraints,
technologicaldemands and the need for enhanced service deliveryin these libraries.
Design/methodology/approach –An in-depth qualitative research approach was used, involving semi-
structured interviews with library administrators, IT staff and librarians from various academic institutions
across Bangladesh.
Findings –The study revealsthat OSS adoption is primarily driven by financialimperatives and the need for
flexible, customizable solutions tailored to specific institutional needs. Key benefits identified include
significant cost savings, improvedcustomization and flexibility of services and enhanced communitysupport
and collaboration. However, challenges such as a lack of in-house technical expertise, resistance to change
among staffand stakeholders and inadequate ITinfrastructure impede successful OSS implementation.
Practical implications –To harness the full potential of OSS, academic libraries must invest in capacity
buildingthrough targeted training programs, improveIT infrastructure and foster a culture of collaborationand
knowledge-sharing within the library community. Thesestrategies are essential to overcoming existing
barriersand ensuring long-term sustainability.
Originality/value –This research contributes to the understanding of OSS’s role in enhancing the
sustainability of academic library services. It provides practical recommendations for academic libraries
seeking toleverage OSS for improved service delivery andoperational efficiency.
Keywords Open-source software, Sustainability, Academic libraries, Bangladesh,
Qualitative research, Capacity building, IT infrastructure,Library services
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
1.1 Background
Academic libraries in Bangladesh are integral to the educational infrastructure, yet they face
challenges such as budget constraints, evolving technology needs and the demand for
JICES
22,4
478
Received23 June2024
Revised29 August 2024
Accepted3 Oc tober 2024
Journalof Information,
Communicationand Ethics in
Society
Vol.22 No. 4, 2024
pp. 478-493
© Emerald Publishing Limited
1477-996X
DOI 10.1108/JICES-06-2024-0080
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
https://www.emerald.com/insight/1477-996X.htm
comprehensive services. Open-source software (OSS) presents a potential solution to these
challenges by offering cost-effective, customizable and collaborative tools. This study explores
the impact of OSS on the sustainability of academic library services in Bangladesh. OSS has
gained significant attention in the academic library sector due to its potential impact on
sustainability and service provision (Palmer et al., 2014). Libraries have been exploring the use of
open-source solutions in various aspects, including integrated library systems (ILS), repository
applications and online public access catalogs (Palmer et al., 2014). The adoption of OSS aligns
with movements promoting the free exchange of technology and information, supporting
education and research endeavors(Donnelly, 2010). Studies have compared different open-source
ILS options like Koha and ABCD, highlighting their functionalities and features for library
cataloging and management (Macan et al., 2013).Additionally, research has reviewed commonly
used open-source automation software such as Koha, NewGenLib, Evergreen, PMB and
OpenBiblio, emphasizing the transition from Automated Library Systems to ILS in academic
libraries (Moruf et al., 2020). Academic libraries are increasingly considering OSS to measure
service quality and patron satisfaction effectively and affordably (Angell, 2013). However,
challenges exist in the adoption of OSS in libraries, with studies identifying key is sues and lessons
learned, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan (Rafiq and Ameen, 2009). Perceptions
toward OSS adoption in libraries have been investigated, shedding light on the attitudes withinthe
Library and Information Science community (Rafiq, 2009).
The context of OSS adoption in US academic libraries has been explored, driven by
budget constraints and the growing need for technology solutions (Choi and Pruett, 2019).
Academic libraries play a crucial role in advocating for open educational resources,
supporting their creation and dissemination (Essmiller and Asino, 2021). Open-source
federated searching tools have been developed to enhance library services, with studies
discussing the benefits and challengesfaced in such initiatives (Mah and Stranack, 2005). In
the realm of digital libraries, OSS like DSpace and Greenstone Digital Library has been
instrumental in creatinginstitutional repositories and managing digitalcollections effectively
(Ravikumar and Ramanan, 2015). OSS has also been used in medical imaging tools
development, showcasingthe rapid advancements facilitated by these libraries (Cabanet al.,
2007). Academic librarians’perspectives on open-source and proprietary library automation
software have been compared, providing insights into the perceived advantages and
challenges of each system (Hassan et al., 2022). Furthermore,the evaluation of open-source
digital library software hasbeen emphasized through the development of checklists to guide
libraries in selecting themost suitable solutions (Goh et al., 2006).
1.2 Objectives
The primary objective of this research is to understand how OSS contributes to the
sustainability of academiclibrary services in Bangladesh. Specifically, the studyaims to:
•Identify the benefits of OSS in academic libraries.
•Understand the challenges associated with OSS implementation.
•Explore strategies for effective OSS adoption and utilization.
2.Literature review
The literature review encompassesprevious studies on the use of OSS in academic libraries
globally and within the context of Bangladesh. It highlights the potential of OSS to reduce
costs, enhance service delivery and foster collaboration. Additionally, the review addresses
challenges such as technical expertiserequirements, resistance to change and infrastructural
Journal of
Information,
Communication
and Ethics in
Society
479
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