INS2701 Assignment 1 Semester 2 Memo | Due 15 August 2025

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INS2701 Assignment 1 Semester 2 Memo | Due 15 August 2025. All questions fully answered. Question1
Imagine you are a librarian in a developing country where access to technology and
digital resources is limited due to financial constraints. Your library serves a diverse
population including students, researchers, and the general public, many of whom do
not own personal computers or have reliable internet access at home. The library
has been struggling to afford proprietary software for managing digital resources,
providing online cataloguing, and offering research tools to users. Many patrons face
challenges in accessing e-books, journals, and digital archives because of expensive
subscription-based platforms. A non-profit organization has recently offered to help
integrate Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) solutions to enhance the library’s
digital services. As a library and information science expert, you are tasked with
identifying specific ways in which FOSS can help bridge the digital divide in your
library and community.
1.1. Considering the scenario above, discuss how Free and Open-Source Software
(FOSS) can help bridge the digital divide within the context of library and information
services. Provide practical examples to support your answer. [15]
1.2. Discuss key drawbacks of proprietary software implementation in the context of
library and information science, particularly in developing countries. [10]
(25)
Question 2
Information and communication technology has had a profound impact on Library and
Information Science (LIS) and related services in the 21st century. This impact has
resulted in a significant improvement in the creation and management of data and
information systems.
2.1. Linked to the above, discuss how data integrity, data backup, data sharing, and
improved efficiency are prioritised in your organisation. If you are not employed in a
library context, you may refer to your school or organisation. Give practical examples
and make sure that you provide answers based on the existing context. (25)
Total: 100