INS2701
Assignment 1
Semester 2
Due 15 August 2025
, INS2701
Assignment 1
Semester 2
Due 15 August 2025
Question 1
1.1 How Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) Can Help Bridge the Digital
Divide in Library and Information Services
Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) offers a sustainable and strategic solution to
bridging the digital divide in library and information services, especially within
developing countries. The digital divide, marked by unequal access to technology, is
intensified by financial constraints, limited infrastructure, and a lack of technical
capacity. FOSS directly addresses these barriers by enabling cost-effective,
customizable, and locally relevant systems.
Cost Reduction and Access Expansion
FOSS removes the financial barrier associated with licensing proprietary software.
Libraries in developing countries often operate under severe budgetary constraints, and
adopting FOSS allows them to deploy sophisticated tools without recurring fees. Koha,
a FOSS Integrated Library System (ILS), is a practical example. It enables cataloguing,
circulation, and OPAC services at no licensing cost. A rural library in Zambia, for
example, can implement Koha to establish a searchable catalog accessible via mobile
devices, which supports users with no personal computers or home internet.
Customization for Local Relevance
Unlike proprietary systems, FOSS solutions can be modified to reflect local languages,
cultural content, and contextual needs. DSpace, a widely adopted FOSS repository
system, can be adapted to archive research in indigenous languages or preserve oral
Assignment 1
Semester 2
Due 15 August 2025
, INS2701
Assignment 1
Semester 2
Due 15 August 2025
Question 1
1.1 How Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) Can Help Bridge the Digital
Divide in Library and Information Services
Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) offers a sustainable and strategic solution to
bridging the digital divide in library and information services, especially within
developing countries. The digital divide, marked by unequal access to technology, is
intensified by financial constraints, limited infrastructure, and a lack of technical
capacity. FOSS directly addresses these barriers by enabling cost-effective,
customizable, and locally relevant systems.
Cost Reduction and Access Expansion
FOSS removes the financial barrier associated with licensing proprietary software.
Libraries in developing countries often operate under severe budgetary constraints, and
adopting FOSS allows them to deploy sophisticated tools without recurring fees. Koha,
a FOSS Integrated Library System (ILS), is a practical example. It enables cataloguing,
circulation, and OPAC services at no licensing cost. A rural library in Zambia, for
example, can implement Koha to establish a searchable catalog accessible via mobile
devices, which supports users with no personal computers or home internet.
Customization for Local Relevance
Unlike proprietary systems, FOSS solutions can be modified to reflect local languages,
cultural content, and contextual needs. DSpace, a widely adopted FOSS repository
system, can be adapted to archive research in indigenous languages or preserve oral
