Academic libraries are dynamic entities, constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of students, researchers, professors, and the broader academic community. As a Research Data Management Specialist at EPFL and ex researcher, I have observed the transformative impact of free and open-source software (FOSS) on both academic libraries and the research community. This pre-print paper explores the multifaceted aspects of FOSS, considering its benefits, challenges, and broader impact on various stakeholders, including librarians, IT professionals, government bodies, research funders, and university departments.