Integrated Library Management Systems Research Articles

Using integrated library management systems for the improvement of information services based on cloud computing

With the rapid increase in global intellectual production, academic libraries have been challenged to make this product available to beneficiaries at the perfect time and place. On the other hand, the rapid development in the field of information technology, especially cloud computing and open source software applications, offers many capabilities that can be harnessed in the work of academic libraries to meet the needs of beneficiaries. This paper aims to developing information services in the academic libraries in University of Diyala (UOD) through using cloud computing applications and open source software (Koha) to facilitate the search and retrieval of information by librarians and beneficiaries. A unified research platform has been created for all academic libraries at UOD using Koha integrated system and building a database of bibliographic records, which have been installed on the Google cloud platform. The unified search platform helps librarians and users retrieve information and search resources more efficiently from anywhere, at anytime by calling sources of information with multiple retrieval points (author, source, ISBN, abstract, keywords) as well as the ability to search for sources of information in all UOD libraries simultaneously, which contributes to reducing the time of the beneficiary in obtaining sources of information.

OpenBiblio: a free and open source integrated library management system that answers small libraries’ automation needs

Abstract Purpose -This paper sought to assess the suitability of Openbilio as a free and open source integrated library management system that answers small libraries' automation needs considering the fact that many free and open source integrated library management systems exit that require more skills and resources which these libraries do not have. Methodology -The study was a qualitative technical paper on OpenBiblio. Qualitative data through documents analysis on OpenBiblio was collected and analyzed in light of its strengths and weaknesses. Secondly, the author used his personal experience of working with OpenBiblio to evaluate its suitability for use among small libraries. Findings- The findings show that OpenBiblio is suitable for small libraries because it is easy to install and configure as compared to Koha, Evergreen and other integrated library management systems which require immense technical knowledge of Linux, MYSQL, HTML and CSS. Further, it has also been observed that OpenBiblio can run on a small computer with at least 512Mb of RAM and can run on both Windows and Linux. The study also discovered that OpenBiblio has four modules (Cataloguing, Circulation, OPAC, and Patron management that represent the core functions of small libraries; thus it computerizes the main functions of the library. OpenBiblio was also found to comply with main library standards such as Z39.50 and MARC 21. The paper however discovered that OpenBiblio has limited documentation on the Internet that makes it difficult for new beginners to install and configure it. Originality/value - Very few scholarly papers exist on OpenBiblio as automation software suited small libraries. Many treatises exist only on giant free and open source library management systems such as Koha, ABCD and Evergreen. This paper therefore provides information for small libraries that wish to automate their operations using OpenBiblio. Implications to small libraries- Small libraries should consider adopting and use OpenBiblio to automate their operations as it is easy to install and use . Keywords : OpenBiblio, Free and Open Source Software, Integrated Library Management System and Library Paper type : Technical paper

Integrated library management systems

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the various features and functions of Koha, Libsys, NewGenLib and Virtua with the help of specially designed evaluation checklist and rank them based on features/functions of integrated library management system (ILMS). Design/methodology/approach – The evaluation approach taken in this paper is similar to that of Singh and Sanaman (2012) and Madhusudhan and Shalini (2014) with minor modifications, comprising 306 features/functions and categorized as ten broad categories. Findings – The paper explores different features of open source (OS) and commercial ILMS, which reveals that Virtua got the highest total score of 218 (77.86 per cent), followed by Koha ILMS with 204 score (72.86 per cent). Interestingly, NewGenLib got the lowest total score, that is, 163 (58.21 per cent). ILMS under study are lagging behind in exploiting the full potential of the Web 2.0 features, including cloud computing features, and needs to be addressed in their future development. Practical implications – It is hoped that both the OS and commercial software will attend to the lacunae and soon develop fully functional Web 2.0/3.0 and cloud-based technologies. Originality/value – The findings of this paper will not only guide the librarians in the selection of a good ILMS, which can cater to the needs of their libraries, but also abreast the knowledge of evaluation of ILMS for the students of Library and Information Science. And the findings will help the ILMS vendors to know the limitations of their ILMS, so that they can overcome the limitations faced by users and improve their products.

Integrated Library Management Systems (ILMS) - Open Source and Commercial Software: An Assessment of the Merits and Demerits

An Integrated Library Management System is a computer-based system used to manage internal and external resources including tangible assets, financial resources, materials, and human resources. It performs library automation and collection development tasks broken down into different modules that are focused on simplifying tasks such as acquisition, cataloguing, and circulation commonly done in any library. It is built on a centralized database and normally utilizes a common computing platform and consolidates all library operations into a uniform and enterprise wide system. The purpose of this paper is to compare the merits and demerits of open source and commercial library management systems widely in use. Some of the compared LMS systems include Koha, Evergreen, NewGenLib, Libsys, Voyager and SOUL. The paper suggests, on the basis of the pros & cons the best suited system that could be implemented in the University environment.

Catalogue Interfaces of Integrated Library Management Systems (ILMS): Experiences in a Proprietary and Open Source Software

The Central Library of Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) has been automated by proprietary software (Adlib Library) since 2000. After 11 years, in 2011, the university authorities decided to shift to an open source software (OSS), for integrated library management system (ILMS), Koha for automating the library housekeeping operations. In this context, this study attempts to share the experiences in cataloging with both type of software. The features of the cataloging modules of both the software are analysed on the badis of certain check points. It is found that the cataloging module of Koha is almost in par with that of proven proprietary software that has been in market for the past 25 years. Some suggestions made by this study may be incorporated for the further development and perfection of Koha. DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology , 2014, 34(1), pp. 16-22. http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/djlit.34.5941

English

English

Open source integrated library management systems

PurposeThis paper aims to study the open source integrated library management systems, i.e. Koha and NewGenLib, to inform librarians about what considerations to make when choosing an open source integrated library management system (ILMS) for their library.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a detailed comparative analysis of both types of software, i.e. Koha (3.2.4) and NewGenLib (3.0), which are undertaken in the study. The methodology used for the study is “Evaluation method” which is followed with the help of structured evaluation checklist prepared after the thorough study of reference tools, reference statistical data available and related literature. Both types of software are evaluated and compared qualitatively and quantitatively.FindingsBoth types of software are web‐enabled and support library automation. Koha has more specific characteristics of open source ILMS. Koha needs to upgrade, modify and improve its features. Koha requires very little hardware and is easy to install. Koha has advanced database features. NewGenLib has better functionality of modules than Koha. More formats and standards are supported by Koha. Digital library functionality of NewGenLib is more specific in terms of technology, data structure and programming. Also NewGenLib provides more user help and support whereas Koha provides more user‐friendly downloads and a documentation facility. NewGenLib has more enhanced features which are significant for ILMS while selecting software for automation.Practical implicationsThe comparative analysis of the open source ILMS done in the study will help librarians in making necessary considerations while choosing an open source software for the library.Originality/valueThe paper presents a detailed evaluative study carried out using a comprehensive checklist designed for the study.

Integrated library management systems: a review of choices made and their sustainability in South Africa

There are numerous obstacles to sustainable development and poverty alleviation. Arising from the Millennium Development Goals is the need to sustain reliable information and communications technology infrastructure. Good information management practices and such infrastructure underpin libraries and information services. Many libraries and library consortia have converted to integrated library systems to better manage and make their collections available for national development. Despite small scale studies of particular types of libraries no comprehensive coverage was traced on such systems in South Africa. This article looks at which systems are being used, which criteria influenced the choice of systems and what challenges and successes were experienced. An analysis of the literature was undertaken to form the basis for a survey that investigated common problems and solutions. Key personnel in the institutions were interviewed by telephone. Certain factors emerged as important in the choice and sustainability of the systems. These are used to formulate guidelines for discussion.

Integración de servicios de referencia digital con la gestión de una biblioteca: experiencias basadas en <i>Koha</i>

The digital environment and information and communication technologies open up new ways of providing library services, including the reference service, the principal aim of which is to address users’ queries and information needs. Putting the reference service in place in this new environment requires redesigning the policies, procedures and resources applied to it and therefore an analysis of the services and functions of the computing tools available must be undertaken. Integrated library management systems which involve multiple functionalities for delivering services, or which expand the capacity for their delivery, must also respond to the requirements for putting this type of service in place. This article sets out the results obtained in a study carried out on several examples of integrating new reference services into a library management system (Koha), which not only enables these services to be delivered but also expands the options for using the data for their improvement and development.

Web 2.0 strategy in libraries and information services

Web 2.0 challenges libraries to change from their predominantly centralised service models with integrated library management systems at the hub. Implementation of Web 2.0 technologies and the accompanying attitudinal shifts will demand reconceptualisation of the nature of library and information service around a dynamic, ever changing, networked, information access paradigm. To fulfil that promise, our workforce must become more flexible, applying sophisticated and continually refreshed information technology skills to a service model in which libraries become less static and more responsive to evolving client expectations and needs.

Library management systems in the UK: 1960s–1980s

Computers were first used in libraries for assisting with the processes of cataloguing and the issuing of materials in the collections. This paper traces this history in the UK from the experimental systems of the 1960s, to the local and also the co-operative systems of the 1970s and to the turnkey systems of the 1980s. The rise of microcomputer-based systems and integrated library management systems of the late 1980s are covered in the penultimate section. References are made to published literature of these developments and 'memories' of those involved in running and implementing these systems were elicited through an e-mail list and have been incorporated as appropriate.

Computers in Libraries: An Introduction for Library Technicians

Computers in Libraries: An Introduction for Library Technicians

The library systems market: a digest of current literature

This paper is based on a survey of the literature on integrated library management systems published between 1999 and 2003, with a bias towards the academic market in the UK and North America. It describes how new functionality within ILMSs and products complementary to these integrated systems are being offered by software vendors, causing libraries to replace legacy systems with next generation systems and spend more money on add‐on products. Recent trends in integrated library management systems are noted and predictions for their future identified in the literature, are described. Open source software is highlighted as being likely to have a growing impact on the ILMS of the future, after an initial resistance to this from vendors. The paper concludes that the growth of Web services may enable a new approach to the procurement of library management systems.

Cross-Training Reference Librarians to Catalog

ABSTRACTCross-training efforts in libraries have traditionally centered on training catalogers to provide reference services. With integrated library management systems an essential part of both the library and librarians' professional duties, cross-training public services librarians to perform traditional technical services roles is becoming more feasible. At Kimbel Library, reference librarians perform copy cataloging, assign call numbers, verify 856s, and perform other tasks traditionally done by catalogers. This article focuses on the process of creating, developing, and implementing a cross-training program that brings public services librarians into the technical services area.

MARC holdings implementation: a long-term process with long-term advantages

As libraries migrate to new integrated library management systems, MARC holdings implementation often becomes an option or a requirement. The implementation of MARC holdings can be a long-term process but there are long-term advantages to using the standard. Penn State University Libraries implemented MARC holdings for serials in conjunction with their migration to a new library management system and the need to manage and display holdings information for a multi-campus library system. The implementation of MARC holdings coupled with a system implementation can be challenging for all staff. Short-term and long-term goals for holdings display and management need to be developed.

Integrated Library Management Systems: overview

In this article we review the development of Integrated Library Management Systems, and look at some broad trends in their development. More and more core functions and special features have been integrated into library systems, and there has been a move towards industry standard databases, operating systems and architecture. The second part of the article looks at more aspirational library system designs, that reflect libraries' new needs in the light of the electronic publishing revolution and the open source software movement.

Automation of Technical Services:

The next decade will see the role and functions of technical services within libraries modified. This paper explores the prospect of integrated library management systems, using as example the National Library of Canada's Dobis system. Future developments of technical services are addressed under a topic covering prospects for automated systems. Developments are seen as having a positive impact on services for users.