Remedying Knowledge Loss in Free/Libre Open Source Software

This paper presents the problem of knowledge loss in Free/ Libre Open Source Software (FLOSS) projects to be explored empirically. Knowledge loss occurs in FLOSS as contributors, mainly volunteers, leave FLOSS projects, and is a topic that has not been extensively explored. What type of knowledge is lost and how knowledge loss impacts the productivity of the FLOSS contributors that remain in a project is not known. Further, little is known about the barriers associated with the re-acquirement of lost knowledge types. There are many open questions, such as what are best practices and guidelines to retain knowledge lost by type while considering the relevant barriers. The main contribution of my research will be to provide an understanding of what type of knowledge is lost and its impact on the productivity of the contributor. Best practices and guidelines will also be contributed to retain knowledge lost by type and will be evaluated in FLOSS communities for their effectiveness.