Influence of Digital Competencies on Open-Source Software Adoption among Librarians in Selected University Libraries, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the influence of digital competencies on open-source software (OSS) adoption by librarians in seven selected university libraries in Osun State, Nigeria, and identifies the most widely used OSS tools and key adoption challenges. A quantitative, descriptive survey design was adopted. The population comprised 144 professional and para-professional librarians selected through a multi-stage sampling technique combining purposive sampling and total enumeration. A self-constructed questionnaire, the Digital Competencies and Open-Source Software Adoption Questionnaire (DC-OSSAQ), was used to gather data and was administered face-to-face over five weeks, with 123 usable responses (85.4% return rate) analysed using descriptive statistics. Librarians in the selected universities demonstrated a high level of digital competencies, indicating a strong foundation for OSS engagement. Koha was the most widely adopted software (100%), followed by DSpace and Open Journal System (65.9% each). A Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis revealed a strong, statistically significant positive relationship between digital competencies and OSS adoption (r = .936, p < .001, n = 123). Key adoption challenges included implementation and maintenance costs, inadequate training opportunities, and difficulty keeping pace with OSS updates. Library management and university authorities should prioritise funding for OSS infrastructure and continuous professional development for librarians. Investment in training programmes will help close the technical competency gap and support sustainable OSS adoption in Nigerian academic libraries.