Influence of open-source software on Bangladesh academic library service sustainability: a conceptual framework
| Date | 25 June 2024 |
| Pages | 293-320 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JICES-11-2023-0140 |
| Published date | 25 June 2024 |
| Author | Nur Ahammad,Farrah Diana Saiful Bahry,Haslinda Hussaini |
Influence of open-source software
on Bangladesh academic library
service sustainability: a
conceptual framework
Nur Ahammad
Department of Library, Uttara University, Uttara, Bangladesh; School of
Information Science, College of Computing, Informatics and Mathematics,
Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia and Department of
Information Science and Library Management, Daffodil International University,
Dhaka, Bangladesh, and
Farrah Diana Saiful Bahry and Haslinda Hussaini
School of Information Science, College of Computing, Informatics and
Mathematics, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia
Abstract
Purpose –This research aims to develop a conceptualframework that explores the influence of open-source
software(OSS) on the sustainability of library services within the context of academiclibraries in Bangladesh.
Design/methodology/approach –The study uses a comprehensiveresearch methodology that includes
literature review and analysis toconstruct a robust conceptual framework. This study investigatesthe
various dimensionsof OSS adoption and its impact on library service sustainability.
Findings –The research findings reveal the critical factors and mechanisms through which OSS can
positively affect the sustainability of library services. This studyidentifies key drivers and challenges
associatedwith the adoption of open-source solutions in the context of Bangladeshacademic libraries.
Practical implications –The frameworkdeveloped in this research offers practicalinsights for academic
libraries in Bangladeshseeking to adopt OSS solutions. This study guides how to leveragethese technologies
to enhance thesustainability of library services in a cost-effectiveand efficient manner.
Originality/value –This study contributes to the academic literature by presenting a novel conceptual
framework tailored to the unique context of Bangladesh academic libraries. This study adds value by
addressing the specific challengesand opportunities related to OSS adoption and its implications for library
servicesustainability in this region.
Keywords Sustainability, Sustainable digital library, Sustainable library,
Sustainable library automation software, Sustainable library services, Sustainable library software,
Open-source sustainability
Paper type Conceptual paper
Introduction
The concept of sustainability is commonly accepted as multidimensional, but over time its
different dimensions have revealed different discourses and have often been treated
Thank you to the staffof Department of Library, Uttara University, Department of Information Science
and Library Management, Daffodil International University and UiTM Zawaf Centre for the advice, social
supports, and spiritual support upon completing this framework development stage of the study.
Open-source
software on
Bangladesh
293
Received20 November 2023
Revised4 April 2024
Accepted5 May 2024
Journalof Information,
Communicationand Ethics in
Society
Vol.22 No. 3, 2024
pp. 293-320
© Emerald Publishing Limited
1477-996X
DOI 10.1108/JICES-11-2023-0140
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
https://www.emerald.com/insight/1477-996X.htm
separately. An approachto sustainability that takes into account all aspects (financial, social
and environmental) and balances them is known as integratedsustainability. It is crucial to
have specialized systems, such as governance structures, business models, management
and reporting systems, that are designedwith this integrated strategy in mind to effectively
manage the conflicting demands of sustainability. The sustainability of the open-source
digital integrated library system is the prime issue in the present library and information
science world. In 1987 Brundtland commissionof the United Nations, defined sustainability
as “Sustainabilityis about meeting today’s needs without compromising the abilityof future
generations to meet their needs. It isabout taking action to protect our shared environment
—air, water, land, and ecosystems—in ways that are economically viable, beneficial to
human health and well-being, and socially just in the long term (Brundtland, 1987).”In the
UK, the law requires businesses to meet minimum social and environmentalstandards and
sustainable business is defined as maintaining economic stability while minimizing
environmental and social impacts. It is perceived as a business that works to curb
(Dimireva, 2012). Three factors are responsible for sustainability such as environmental,
economic and social. Therefore,we must put together systems and services that are socially,
environmentally and economicallysustainable if we are to achieve sustainable development
in any area. The 2030 agenda for sustainable development of the United Nations is a
common road map for peace, prosperity, people and the planet. It specifies 17 sustainable
development goals (SDGs) and 169 goals to drive globalaction at the grassroots. While the
SDGs are not legally enforceable, their extensive international support and local call to
action ensure that they will have a majorimpact on governments, corporations and
organizations over the next decade (UNESCO, 2015). Sustainable development is a holistic
approach. No organization can achieve it alone. It needs to work together to achieve a
common goal. However, in the library world, sustainable development is a core value of
librarianship declared by the American Library Association (ALA). The ALA mentioned
sustainable libraries or sustainablelibrary services in their 2019 Midwinter meeting. “Shall
define sustainability using the ‘triple bottom line’conceptual framework: To be truly
sustainable, an organizationor community must embody practices that are environmentally
sound AND economically feasible ANDsocially equitable (American Library Association,
2019).”
A digital library encompasses various media types and methods for access, retrieval,
organization and maintenance (Bainbridge et al., 2003). These libraries, characterized by
skilled staff and accessible resources, ensure the preservation and distribution of digital
collections (Chiware, 2020;Digital Library Federation, 1998). In the realm of information
science, terms like digital library, electronic library and online library are often used
interchangeably (Masrekand Gaskin, 2016). Integrated library systems (ILS), also knownas
Library Management Systems (LMS), facilitate comprehensive library operations
(Ahammad, 2014). Open-sourcesoftware (OSS), freely distributed and modifiable, is integral
to modern society, exemplified by Linux and MySQL (Wikipedia Contributors, 2022).
Libraries benefit economically from OSS, which offers cost savings on licensing, testing,
maintenance and training (Kampaand Kaushik, 2019). Despite these benefits, libraries must
maintain these systems to optimize resource allocation. Nonetheless, open-source solutions
remain viable alternatives to proprietary software, aligning with libraries’economic
objectives and enhancingservice sustainability.
Problem statement
Sustainable library services depend on various factors and the challenges in sustainable
library services are software acquisition fees and technological capabilities and support.
JICES
22,3
294
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