Securing the Future: Issues and Challenges in the Sustainability of OSS Instances at the End- user Level

Abstract

Open-source software (OSS) has revolutionized digital platform development, empowering institutions' libraries to establish a dynamic online presence. The B. C. Roy Memorial Library at IIM Calcutta uses OSS platforms (DSpace, Omeka, WordPress, and Koha) to internally establish the IIMC Institutional Repository, IIMC Archives, Library New Website and LMS for the L. M. Thapar Library. This paper delves into the sustainability issues regarding these four OSS platforms and suggests probable solutions for ensuring their long-term viability for end-user organizations. It is observed that the OSS platforms adopted their business models consisting of diverse monetization strategies that effectively tackle sustainability-related financial issues. The DSpace leverages memberships, support services, and consulting to sustain itself. At the same time, Omeka continues with the sponsorships of other organizations, cloud storage, and hosting of the sites. Koha accepts donations for further development, builds upon partnerships, and provides services. WordPress capitalizes on marketplace extensions, such as paid plugins, themes, hosting, domain names, and consulting services. The research identifies sustainable workflows for OSS developers, encompassing financial and non-financial support from end users. Based on our first-hand experiences and analysis, this study reveals the challenges faced by the library team while making these sites publicly accessible. Despite the common perception of OSS as cost-free, the financial implications emerged as a significant aspect during development, maintenance and web hosting. On the other hand, end-user organizations face various potential challenges, such as the departure of skilled staff, the cease of OSS projects, becoming pay-walled, and interoperability issues. The present work proposes practical solutions to address those challenges at the users' end. These include technical capacity building, diversifying partnerships and support, embracing vendor-independent solutions, ensuring data security and continuity planning, prioritizing interoperability and integration, and inter-institute collaborations. The library team actively participates in its respective communities, contributing feedback and collaborating with users to enhance the effectiveness of the platforms. However, financial support remains essential to ensure continuous development, improvement, hosting, and sustaining the instances. Furthermore, specific solutions concerning paid plugins, memberships, hosting, and cost optimization are indicated as essential prerequisites, and the related costs are provided. Implementing these solutions enables end-user organizations to mitigate risks and ensure the long-term existence of their OSS instances. In conclusion, this study emphasizes that financial involvement is integral to OSS sustainability, notwithstanding the open nature of these platforms. By sharing practical experiences and valuable insights, this paper suggests probable solutions for end-user organizations to support achieving a sustainable, diverse, and accessible online presence.