Sustainability of Open Source Integrated Library Systems in University Libraries of Bangladesh: A Study

Abstract

This study evaluated the sustainability of the existing Open Source Integrated Library Systems (OSILS) in University Libraries of Bangladesh from the professionals‟ point of view to contribute in achieving the SDGs regarding higher education. The study was conducted among 179 library professionals from 21 university libraries to measure the sustainability of the existing OSILS (Koha) by using a structured questionnaire which was adapted after undertaking a pilot survey. The quantitative approach was used to test the hypotheses based on the primary data. The factors for the sustainability of the existing OSILS were analyzed by multiple regressions where six dimensions of sustainability were applied as independent variables, and the overall sustainability was used as the dependent variable. The Cronbach's Alpha and Bartlett's test indicated good reliability of the overall questionnaire items. Moreover, the factor analysis with varimax rotation, discriminant validity, commonalities, multicollinearity, VIF, and KMO value indicated the validity of the study. The overall mean of Koha‟s sustainability was 3.99 on a 5 point scale indicating that Koha is a sustainable OSILS which is performing efficiently in the university libraries of Bangladesh. Among the 30 sustainability statements, both “international standard options” and “OPAC” occupied the highest mean whereas the “improvement is being done based on user needs” formed the lowest mean. The regression model was established as significant (P<0.001) and explained 48.6 percent of the variation in the overall sustainability. The model revealed that the usability (P<0.001) and cost-effectiveness (P<0.004) of Koha are significant factors for its sustainability in the university libraries of Bangladesh. This study used a purposive sampling technique given its convenience for handling a large population size of 21 universities and for collecting data from the existing library professionals. As Koha is identified as a sustainable OSILS, the library professionals of Bangladesh can opt for this software to automate their libraries. This study will build consciousness among library professionals and prompt further research on continuous evaluation of the sustainability of the existing OSILS. An attempt has been made to evaluate the sustainability of OSILS in university libraries of Bangladesh for the first time. The study developed and validated an instrument for evaluating the sustainability of OSILS focusing on the experiences of the library professionals.