Mwilongo, Kardo Joseph2020-05-292020-05-292010Mwilongo, J. (2010) Application of open source software in University libraries in Tanzania. The case of Sokoine National Agriculture Library (SNL) and the Open University of Tanzania (OUT) Library, Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam.http://41.86.178.5:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/11795Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF QA76.76.S46M854)The broad objective of this study was to assess the opportunities and challenges of the application of Open Source Software in information management in the university libraries of Sokoine National Agriculture Library (SNAL) and the Open University of Tanzania (OUT) Library in Tanzania. Specifically, it assessed the access and use of Open Source Software, chal1enges with the use of Open Source Software and ways to overcome them. The study recommends ways to improve the use of Open Source Software in library information management. As this was a qualitative study, data for this study was collected using a combination of techniques. These include observations, informal discussions and a questionnaire with open and close ended questions. Twelve respondents participated in this study. These were Library Directors, Data Entry Librarians and System Administrators. The study reveals that Open Source Software has a potential to enhance efficiency in Library and information management. About 70% of the respondents identified the main problem affecting library information management systems as the absence of sufficient expertise for software management in libraries. Findings also reveal that most of the library users lack skills with which to access resources from the Open Public Access Catalogue (OPAC). Based on the findings, it is recommended that, the automated library systems which evidently lack a very important aspect on technical know-how regarding Open Source Software, must prioritize training for librarians not only on how to use the software but also on how to work around with codes and possibly create their own software. The library users also need appropriate training to enable them to make optimum use of these resources.enOpen source softwareLibrariesUniversity and CollegeUniversity LibrariesSokoine National Agriculture LibraryTanzaniaThesis