“Use Of Open Source Software In Academic Libraries In Ghana: A Case Study Of Sam Jonah Library, University Of Cape Coast.”

Abstract The “advent of Open Source Software has provided low cost opportunities for libraries to transit from traditional to technology-based library services, which also gives room for more efficient service provision. This study investigated the use of Open Source Software in the Sam Jonah library, University of Cape Coast. The study adopted the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The study was based on survey research methodology and questionnaire was used to gather data from 113 respondents.” The “study revealed that the use of Koha and Dspace, as adopted by the library were considered advantageous due to their flexibility, ease of modification, ease of accessibility and reliability. The study also discovered that the library staff do not really utilize the adopted open software as envisioned by the library management, as staff possessed only average computer literacy skills and knowledge in the use of open source software. Again, the library’s main source of funding for use of the OSS was Digital Humanities Start-Up Grants. On the flipside, the study found out that some limitations, such as inadequate training, lack of expertise to train for and manage the software, breakdowns which require special expertise, vulnerability to malicious users, and inadequate user-friendliness of the software as compared to proprietary software. Therefore, the management of the library should put measures and policies in place to address the challenges being faced in the use of the Open Source Software, such as constant orientation and training of staff, provision of infrastructural support, provision of technical support and installation of robust antivirus software.