Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

 

Date of this Version

Winter 1-14-2022

Abstract

Purpose: Open source software is used widely across different continents though its adoption in libraries depend upon varioius factors. Type of library, availability of staff, qualification and skill sets of the librarian and other staff, support of the management, library budget, time availability, independence to the librarian are just some of the factors that may determine adoption of open source software. This paper tries to understand if gender of the librarian also has any significant impact on adoption of open source software.

Design/Methodology/Approach: This study is conducted in India focusing on libraries of the private management education institutions in the Noida and Ghaziabad of the Uttar Pradesh, a state of India. Data is collected using Google Forms. After normalization of data, analyis of the data is conducted using SPSS 18 version after conducting reliability analysis on the major vaiables for reliability of the data. The sample is chosen due to very large number and different types of educational institutions providing management education in this geographical area.

Findings: This study confirms that more and more libraries are adopting open source software now however adoption rate of open source software among female libraries is lesser. It is evident from the study women are not lagging behind due to qualification or skill sets but their other responsibilities i.e. family responsibilities cause work-life imbalance and hence they do not take much risks and try to adjust in pre-defined boundaries. Survey results also indicate if employer provides risk free environment to female librarians then adoption of open source software may become faster.

Originality/Value: This study is entirely original work of the authors and is based upon data collected using google forms after distribution among various libraries. Results of this study may help in employers and government to take up women-friendly measures that ensure work-life balance and provide a women-friendly environment so that they can use their knowledge and skills for betterment of their libraries.

Share

COinS