INS2701
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025
Unique Number: 736649
Due Date: 15 August 2025
QUESTION 1
1.1. Bridging the Digital Divide through Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) in
Library and Information Services
In developing countries where financial and technological resources are limited, Free and
Open-Source Software (FOSS) provides an affordable and sustainable solution for libraries
to offer essential digital services and narrow the digital divide. FOSS refers to software that is
freely available to use, modify, and distribute. It eliminates costly licensing fees and offers
flexibility, making it especially suitable for underfunded libraries.
Firstly, FOSS can replace expensive proprietary library management systems. Tools like
Koha, a widely used open-source integrated library system, can manage cataloguing,
circulation, serials, and user accounts. It supports web-based access, enabling users to
search the catalogue online, even if only a few computers are available in the library.
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025
Unique Number: 736649
Due Date: 15 August 2025
QUESTION 1
1.1. Bridging the Digital Divide through Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) in
Library and Information Services
In developing countries where financial and technological resources are limited, Free and
Open-Source Software (FOSS) provides an affordable and sustainable solution for libraries
to offer essential digital services and narrow the digital divide. FOSS refers to software that is
freely available to use, modify, and distribute. It eliminates costly licensing fees and offers
flexibility, making it especially suitable for underfunded libraries.
Firstly, FOSS can replace expensive proprietary library management systems. Tools like
Koha, a widely used open-source integrated library system, can manage cataloguing,
circulation, serials, and user accounts. It supports web-based access, enabling users to
search the catalogue online, even if only a few computers are available in the library.
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
