The Reality of using open source integrated library systems in Omani academic libraries

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the reality of using open source integrated library systems in Omani academic libraries, the awareness of decision makers and information specialists in Omani academic libraries of the concept of open-source systems, the importance of using open-source integrated library systems and the advantages they offer, the acceptability of decision makers and information specialists to replace and use these systems in Omani academic libraries, as well as to identify the motivations for their use and the challenges faced by Omani academic libraries in using these systems.The study adopted the qualitative approach and used two basic data-collection tools: single semi-structured interviews (15 with decision makers) and focus group interviews (2 interviews with information specialists and technicians). The study community included public and private academic libraries in the Sultanate of Oman. Sixteen academic libraries (public and private) were sampled with (25%) of the total of 63 libraries.The study reached a number of conclusions, the most important of which were: The various types of integrated library systems used to manage the operations in academic libraries in the Sultanate; between global commercial systems, internal local system, local commercial system and open-source global systems. The study also showed a low level of awareness of the importance of using open-source integrated library systems in Omani academic libraries; at the level of decision makers and some of the workers in the non-applied libraries, while the level of awareness of the individuals working in which the libraries applying the system varied. Moreover, the level of acceptance by decision makers and information specialists for the establishment and use of open-source integrated library systems in Omani academic libraries also varied which was based on the organization's policy towards open-source systems adoption and the extent libraries that are applying the system are reliant on basic system operations.The study showed a range of motivations behind the shift towards open-source integrated library systems; represented: Financial factors, user-friendly, non-monopolized, integrated systems that allow for modification and development, as well as they are sustainable and compatible with recent library trends. The study also revealed that there are a number of challenges impeding the use of open-source integrated library systems in Omani academic libraries: technical challenges, security challenges, human challenges, and administrative challenges.The study made a number of recommendations, including: Activating outreach roles to raise awareness to the importance of shifting towards integrated open-source library systems for decision makers and libraries through holding seminars, conferences and more workshops on these systems with the need to present the successful experiences of the applied libraries. Besides, establishing a group of library technicians (governmental and private) to provide technical support in collaboration with the Open-Source Center of Excellence and Wipro, in turn will contribute to providing technical support ad increase the scalability and replacement of the open-source integrated library systems. Encouragement and incentives by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Omani academic institutions with the necessity of Open-source systems adoption through providing training courses and workshops and providing technical support for such systems.