Comparative analysis of foreign and Russian software for libraries

Abstract

The author accomplishes comparative analysis of Russian and foreign software for the library sector. The need for such analysis is determined by the strategy of import substitution stimulated by the Western sanctions. Software and databases recommended for purchase and application on the territory of the Russian Federation are included into the Russian Software Register and Eurasian Software Register. Every library uses its own software package, however, the essential software includes operating system, web browser, office suite, automated library information system (ALIS). The author compares the core functionality of each software type: OS (Microsoft Windows, Astra Linux, Alt Linux, RedOS), web browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Yandex Browse), and office software suite (Microsoft Office, LibreOffice, MyOffice, R7-Office). The comparison between foreign and Russian ALIS is inappropriate because, unlike other software categories, Russian ALISes were initially developed by Russian companies in Russian reality, in accordance with Russian laws and Russian traditions of librarianship. The author suggests that the main functionality of foreign and national software beyond the accomplished analysis (e. g. video editors, drawing programs, etc.) is also similar. Based on the comparative analysis of foreign and Russian software, the author concludes that their core functionality are similar which means that import substitution would not impact the organizational information processes significantly.The paper is prepared under the Government Order to RNPLS&T for 2023, project No. 720000F.99.1.BN60AA03000, theme No. 1021062311369-1- 1.2.1;5.8.2,5.8.3.