Author:
Rafiq Muhammad,Ameen Kanwal
Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss key issues related to the adoption of open source software (OSS) in Pakistani libraries.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review and principal author's first‐hand experience of Koha (OSS) implementation in Provincial Assembly Libraries of Pakistan under Pakistan Legislative Strengthen Project of United States Agency for International Development provide the information and insight for this paper.FindingsAdoption of OSS in libraries is just at a beginning stage in Pakistan, and only a few organizations have so far made their first move in this direction. The major identified issues affecting OSS adoption in Pakistani libraries are: social (cultural) disparity, conceptual confusions, digital divide, lack of technological, financial, and human development.Practical implicationsThe paper will help decision makers plan OSS applications in their libraries.Originality/valueThis is the first paper on the topic in Pakistan and explores the issues involved in OSS adoption in a comprehensive manner. The paper can provide understanding regarding adoption of OSS to professionals in Pakistani and other developing countries with similar environment.
Subject
Library and Information Sciences,Computer Science Applications
Reference29 articles.
1. Ameen, K. (2006), “Challenges of preparing LIS professionals for leadership roles in Pakistan: an analysis of the status”, paper presented at the ALIEP‐2006 Asia‐Pacific Conference on Library and Information Education and Practice: Preparing Information Professionals for Leadership in the New Age, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, April 3‐6.
2. Bisson, C. (2007), “Open‐source software for libraries”, Library Technology Reports, Vol. 43 No. 3.
3. Bretthauer, D. (2001), “Open source software in libraries”, Library Hi Tech News, Vol. 18 No. 5, pp. 8‐9.
4. Chawner, B. (2004), “Free/open source software: new opportunities, new challenges”, paper presented at the 12th VALA Biennial Conference – Breaking Boundaries: Integration & Interoperability, available at: www.vala.org.au/vala2004/2004pdfs/33chawn.pdf.
5. (The) Creative Librarian (2008), “Open‐source software for libraries”, available at: http://creativelibrarian.com/library‐oss/.
Cited by
28 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献