What is it about?
This study examines how students and other library users in private universities in Ghana access and use open-source software in their libraries. It explores the types of free software available, such as word processors, citation tools, and graphic design programs, and how users apply these tools for studying, research, and academic projects. The research also investigates the benefits and challenges of using open-source software, including ease of access, usability, and support, to understand how effectively these resources support learning and academic work in university libraries.
Featured Image
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
Why is it important?
This research is important because open-source software provides students and library users with free, accessible tools that can support learning, research, and academic projects without the cost of commercial software. By understanding how these tools are used and the challenges users face, universities and library administrators can improve access, training, and support for open-source resources. This can help students work more efficiently, enhance the quality of their research, and ensure that libraries offer practical, cost-effective solutions for academic success.
Perspectives
The study considers the perspectives of library users, including students, lecturers, and staff, on using open-source software in private universities in Ghana. It explores how they perceive the usefulness, accessibility, and effectiveness of these tools, as well as the challenges they encounter while using them. Understanding these perspectives helps identify practical ways to improve support, training, and access to open-source software, ensuring that library resources better meet users’ academic needs.
Silas Adjei
Pentecost University College
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The Use of Open-Source Software by Library Users in Some Private Universities in Ghana, SSRN Electronic Journal, January 2025, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.5619755.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
