Free and open Source Softwareforlibrariesissues and Problems in Nepal

Abstract

The thesis entitled “Free andOpenSourceSoftwareforLibraries:IssuesandProblems inNepal” has been carried out with an objective to investigate issues and problemsregarding the use of free and open source software (FOSS) for libraries in Nepal.Different national and international literature has been reviewed during the study.Focusof the study ison the libraries in Nepal regarding the use of FOSS.The study has beenconducted inside the Kathmandu Valley with a sample of 9 libraries taken purposivelyusing non-probability sampling method. The study is chiefly based on primary data usingquestionnaire with few secondary data. The collected data have been presented andanalyzed usingfrequency distribution tables and pie-charts with their detail interpretation.The study reveals that most of the libraries (88.89%) use library specific software forautomating the library services and they (66.67%) do have staff with ITknowledge.Moreover, more than half of the libraries (55.56%) also use library specific FOSS.However, more than half of the libraries (55.56%) have never purchased any software andstill majority of them (77.78%) are not in a position to purchase any software needed forthe automation, so, the use of FOSS couldbe a viable solution to them. Furthermore,majority of libraries (66.67%) have heard about the FOSS licensing but only few(22.22%) have complete knowledge about it. Majority of libraries (55.56%)think that thecost of implementation of FOSS is very nominal compared to other proprietary software.More than half of the libraries (55.56%) have knowledge about the FOSS developed forlibrary operations. This shows the positive inclination of libraries towards the use ofFOSS but still there is a need to initiate different ways to make them informed regardingthe FOSS. Also, the perception regarding the FOSS can be considered satisfactorybecause most of the libraries (66.67%) believe customizability while some (22.22%)believe cost savings as the main benefits of using FOSS. Majority of the libraries(44.45%) believe lack of technical human resources as the main barrier in using FOSS inlibraries of Nepal while some (33.33%) opt for the lack ofawareness/information aboutFOSS. Thus, availability of technical human resources along with increasingawareness/information about FOSS should bedoneat the earliest to make thelibraries ofNepaluse FOSS.