Open Source Integrated Library System Research Articles

The Selection of Best Open Source Integrated Library Management Software: A Review

Since the first established library in the 7th century B.C., libraries have played a main role in civilization development due to their ability to help humans reach the required information easily. However, in the last decades, after the huge propagation of information from various sources, including the addition of books, other data types such as audio, video, and images have emerged. Therefore, finding an integrated system to manage this huge amount of library data became necessary. As a result, the integrated library system (ILS) improved its efficiency and ability to manage various and enormous amounts of data in addition to following the lending processes and inventory management. There are many commercial and open-source integrated systems used in libraries; selecting the best open-source integrated library system to achieve the library requirements is still challenging due to the variety of available libraries. Although these libraries are open source and freely available, the installation process requires a long time and expert effort, making selecting the best library system a sensitive and important mission. This survey demonstrates the most famous open-source integrated library systems and the essential technologies used to build them, along with the system specifications, to help librarians and educational and academic institutions select the best one for their requirements. Through reviewing the previous academic research, it was noticed that many of them had the task of selecting the right ILS, but most of them did not handle the programming principles based on it, which is the milestone in its building, so we recommended using an automated technique to evaluate ILS and select the best one.

Application and Integration of VIAF and OCLC FAST with Koha, VuFind, and Google CSE

The purpose of Digital Library system is collection of electronic objects. The “authorities” module runs the entire mechanism for fetching the authority data from the remote server. The study explores mechanisms for integration activities behind the authority control and practical evaluation. This study has been done on the publicly accessible online library OPAC through Google Form tools. It demonstrates that all authority control tools can manage several headings than just one or a few. The research seeks explanation through systematically searching observations of Online OPAC databases for studies of authority control. According to the findings, AuthorityBox is a Koha add-on that enhances the system's functionality. It complies with VIAF identifiers and other MARC21 authority data to compliance with RDA Cataloguing Guidelines. The open source integrated library system Koha enables easy authority import into the ILS-OPAC search engine. Statistically, Haringhata Mahavidyalaya, West Bengal, India used the most authority terms, with 24,820 personal names and 53,256 topical terms. This study reviews the many recommendations and techniques for designing a library discovery authority framework. It also focuses on the software and standards for integrating VIAF with Koha, VuFind, and Google Custom Search Engine for importing authority data from other libraries via the Z39.50 server.

Digital librarianship practice and open access technology use for sustainable development in Nigeria

PurposeThe continuous advancement in technology has disrupted practices in many sectors, including education. Thus, this study aims to examine digital librarianship practice and open access technology use for sustainable development in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe survey type of descriptive research design was adopted in this study while the population of the study comprised librarians in universities in Delta State. A total of 38 randomly selected librarians from four universities in Delta State were used for this study, and the data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics.FindingsThis study revealed that the level of digital librarianship practice in university libraries in Delta State for sustainable development is low; just as social media tools, open source integrated library systems and Google Cloud Platforms are the most commonly used open access technologies in the libraries. Furthermore, this study showed that perennial factors such as poor funding of education, inadequate quality educational infrastructure, mismanagement of education fund among others are hindrance to sustainable development in the country’s educational sector.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited in its use of only one state (out of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja) in Nigeria for this research. Also, social desirability bias on the part of the respondents could have influenced the pattern in which the respondents reacted to items in section D.Practical implicationsThis study has practical implications for the sensitization and training of librarians towards leveraging on the various open access technologies in delivering effective library and information services required in the Fourth Industrial revolution.Originality/valueThis study seeks to pioneer a new area of focus by examining digital librarianship practice and open access technology use as enablers of sustainable development.

Open Source Automation Software: Stirring Automated to Integrated Library System

The explosion of the World Wide Web; dynamic nature of information technologies, such as open source; the increase in electronic resources; and the rising expectations of library users have contributed to the changing nature of the Automated Library System (ALS) since its inception in the 1970s. These changes are reflected in the conceptual differences between the ALS and the Integrated Library System (ILS). The ALS is identified as simply a database to house and retrieve a library’s holdings while ILS is identified as robust clusters of systems involving every process and module related to library operations. This article presents a review on the evolving features of some commonly adopted Open-Source ILS Software (Koha, NewGenLib, Evergreen, PMB and OpenBiblio) which had stirred ALS to ILS, as well as justifications and barriers to the use of open source software in academic libraries.
 Keywords: Automation, integrated library system, library, software

Economics of open source library software: evidences from Indian libraries

The purpose of this paper is to study the adoption and use of open source software (OSS) in the libraries of Institutions of National Importance (INIs) in India vis-a-vis their economic impact on adopting libraries. Besides, it aims to study the business model of OSS.,The paper analyses the adoption and use of OSS in the libraries of INIs, India, and their economic impact on the adopting libraries. An online survey was administrated to library professionals of INIs to know the adoption and use of OSS in their libraries and its acceptability. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s chi-square are used in this study.,The findings of the study reveal that the libraries of INIs adopt and use OSS in integrated library system (ILS) (18.4 per cent), digital repository (95.2 per cent) and library website (65.5 per cent). Koha, DSpace, Drupal and Joomla! are the most favoured OSS among the libraries of INIs. The results reveal that favouring of OSS and having a policy on OSS by the libraries have a positive and significant relationship with their adoption and use of OSS in the libraries. The results of the study show that university libraries of India could save an estimated Rs 417m by adopting open source ILS such as Koha, Evergreen, NewGenLib and ABCD.,The paper will help decision makers to adopt and use open source ILS in their libraries.,This paper is the first of its kind that explores the economic impact of OSS on the adopting libraries and also explicitly discusses the business model of open source library software.

Web based Community Information Services in Public Libraries using ‘Koha’: Open Source Integrated Library System

Information acts as a crucial factor in the development of individuals and community. Community information is the information which is required by every human being in their day-to-day life for problem solving and decision making. In this ‘information age’, public llibraries face severe challenges from ICT developments and changing user expectations. UNESCO Public Library Manifesto defines public library as the local centre of information which makes all kinds of knowledge and information readily available to its users. Being the local gateways of knowledge, it becomes the duty of the Public Libraries to collect organize and disseminate all local information to the community it belonged to. This study explores Community Information Services in Public libraries and proposes providing web based community information services using Koha open source library system.

Diffusion of open source integrated library systems in academic libraries in Africa

PurposeLibraries globally automate their operations and services using integrated library systems (ILS) to increase operational efficiency and meet the ever-evolving demands of their users. Open source ILS (OS ILS) has become more popular globally. The purpose of this paper is to better understand the diffusion of OS ILS in academic libraries in Uganda.Design/methodology/approachRogers’ diffusion of innovation (DoI) supplemented by the fit-viability theory was used as a theoretical framework. A questionnaire was developed based on extant literature and distributed electronically to representative members of a Ugandan university library association.FindingsThe diffusion of OS ILS in Ugandan academic libraries approximates the S-curve expected based on DoI. Ugandan academic libraries are adopting OS ILS for more flexibility to meet changing needs at what is perceived as an affordable cost but not all are fully satisfied. Koha is the most adopted OS ILS and is also being considered by all libraries without any ILS or a proprietary ILS. The information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, organizational procurement policies and national procurement legislation, human resource capacity and limited finances are barriers to diffusion. The total cost of ownership and technical skills required are of particular concern for OS ILS.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was limited to a single African country and the recommendations may not be transferable to other African countries. Future research can expand the survey, the countries studied and/or address the methodological limitations of this study.Practical implicationsWhen embarking upon library automation using OS ILS or migrating to an OS ILS solution libraries should consider their ICT infrastructure, local support community, available training and be realistic about the costs. Local library associations should provide guidance on OS ILS selection, ongoing training, and opportunities for knowledge sharing. LIS schools should consider expanding their curriculum to include library automation and, in Uganda incorporate training on Koha as OS ILS. Libraries and library associations should advocate to reduce restrictive organizational procurement policies and national procurement legislation.Originality/valueStudies on country-level diffusion of ILS are comparatively few, particularly in African countries. This is the first country-level study of OS ILS diffusion in Uganda. This study can positively impact future patterns of diffusion for optimal deployment of OS ILS software by informing academic libraries, university management, library association, LIS schools, and policymakers in Uganda and across the African continent, and encouraging academics and researchers to teach and study library automation using OS ILS.

Usability testing for an open-source integrated library system

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to empirically examine the usability of the Koha OPAC from a user perspective.Design/methodology/approachA series of usability tests with Koha were carried out at a private university in Bangladesh. Both experienced and novice users participated in these tests. Experienced users participated only once, whereas novices took part in three successive sessions. At first, novices’ initial performance was recorded. Then, they performed the same tasks after a short training tutorial. Novices again participated in the retention experiment with the same tasks after four weeks. A set of seven tasks was given to the users to see their performance in terms of time taken, number of errors made and success scores. Performance data were captured through a computer screen recording software, and satisfaction scores were obtained using a modified version of Questionnaire on User Interface Satisfaction (QUIS). Comparisons of performance and satisfaction with Koha OPAC were made between experienced users and novices’ initial, learning and retention experiments and amongst novices’ three test sessions.FindingsThe results showed significant performance difference between experienced and novices’ initial session. Novices could easily pick up the functionality of Koha OPAC when a brief training was provided. The comparative analysis of performance between experienced users and novices’ learning showed no significant difference between these sessions. There was a significant difference between experienced and novices’ retention in terms of success scores. The comparison amongst novices’ initial, learning and retention sessions showed significant performance differences in time taken and errors made. The QUIS results also showed significant differences in subjective satisfaction for several items between experienced users and naïve sessions, and for one item amongst novices’ three experiments.Originality/valueThis is a pioneering study of the task-based usability of Koha OPAC. The findings from this study will encourage researchers to empirically examine the usability of other open-source ILSs, which might result in improved user performance and satisfaction with these systems.

Opening to open source

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the level of awareness and use of open source integrated library system (ILS) by the library and information science (LIS) professionals in India. Further, it examines whether qualification, experience of using open source ILS and participation in open source community/mailing list by the LIS professionals affect their level of awareness and use of different open source ILSs.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was conducted to assess the level of awareness and use of open source ILS by LIS professionals of India. In total, 408 responses were collected from LIS professionals in India, and the collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Chi-Square.FindingsThe findings of the study reveal that the level of awareness and use of open source ILS, namely, Koha (Mean = 2.69, SD = 0.944) and NewGenLib (Mean = 2.19, SD = 0.703) are high among the LIS professionals in India. Koha is the most favoured open source ILS. The results reveal that educational background, experience of using open source software (OSS) and participation in open source community/mailing list affect their level of awareness and use of open source ILS.Practical implicationsThe paper will help decision makers to adopt and use popular open source ILS in their libraries.Originality/valueThis paper is the first of its kind that explores the level of awareness and use of open source ILS by LIS professionals in India in a broad manner.

Open source integrated library systems migration: Librarians share the lessons learnt

To better understand how libraries experience the process of migrating to open source software integrated library systems (OSS ILSs), nine librarians from libraries of multiple types and sizes were interviewed. All these libraries are in the United States and these librarians had participated in surveys and interviews about open source software integrated library systems with the research team in past years and at the time of the interview were at different stages of migration to open source software integrated library systems, from contemplating migration to completed migration. The librarians answered questions about their open source software integrated library systems on topics such as the migration process, technical support, adaptation process, and lessons and advice from the overall experience. The in-depth responses provide valuable insights on the process of migration to help libraries understand the challenges and benefits of open source software integrated library systems and are presented in this paper.

The Times, They Are Changing

In 2015, Rutgers became only the second accredited law school in the United States to select the open-source integrated library system, Koha. The merger of two unique catalogs at Rutgers Law School has presented unique challenges with respect to migration mapping, data recall for large records, and relevancy ranking, all of which affect search results and usability of the Online Public Access Catalog. System migrations always result in some data being lost or incorrectly transferred. The hope is to minimize just how much data is compromised while fixing errors that might not have come to light but for the migration.

Koha vs NewGenLib: Trend towards Adopting an Open Source Integrated Library System (OSILS) in Indian Libraries

Libraries and library professionals are in the midst of technological restructure to meet the ever-increasing expectations of their users to provide instant access to the required information. One of the basic and quality service requirements that need to be achieved in the initial stage of development of any library is automation, as a means to perform the common housekeeping operations. The present study examines the inclining attitude of Indian libraries and information science professionals towards adopting or migrating to Koha rather than NewGenLib. To support the statement of ‘inclining attitude’, an online survey method was adopted to identify favoured open source automation system among Indian libraries. Further, the analysis was limited to Koha and NewGenLib Open Source Integrated Library System (OSILS), and the study sought to establish the reason for why majority of the Indian library professionals are still considering using a foreign OSILS rather than an indigenous one. The study found that the popularity and adoption rate of an automation system depends upon its active user base and developer community, troubleshooting and customisation support, the frequency of training programmes, promotional activities, encouragements from government, public and private agencies and so on.

Implementing an open source integrated library system (ILS) in a special focus institution

Purpose The paper aims to explore the circumstances and processes involved in implementing and migrating from a proprietary integrated library system (ILS) (Follett’s Destiny) to an open-source ILS (Koha) for a special focus institution.

The Kansas story: a sea of Koha green on the plains

Purpose Three of the seven regional systems in Kansas report on the history and use of the open-source Koha integrated library system (ILS) in their regions. Design/methodology/approach Each of the systems wrote up their experiences and then they collaborated on sections that discussed how they work together to achieve success with this product. Findings Each of the systems will continue to use the Koha software, and there are a few stand-alone instances of Koha already in place in Kansas. Development and advocacy of the product will be continued by all three of the systems. Originality/value This is a rare instance of three separate consortia coming together to work on improving everyone’s experience with an open-source ILS. The authors feel that the experiences they have had with this software are of value to anyone considering making use of it.

Modernization of central library and establishment of an e-resource center at Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU): a case study

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explain how the author carried out the modernization project of the central library and establishment of an e-resource center at Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU), stated the implementation of integrated library system (ILS) in a library and encouraged library professionals by sharing practical experience to implement modernization project in their libraries. Design/methodology/approach The paper describes the authors’ practical experiences regarding implementation of the modernization project of the central library and establishment of an e-resource center at CVASU using open-source ILS and library management systems (LMSs). Findings The study reveals practical and systematic approach toward implementation of the modernization project starting from the project proposals, fund release, vendor selection, mode of procurement, manpower selection, selection of ILS and LMS solution to the library’s day-to-day activities and a series of communication with the funding organization. Practical implications This paper will help librarians implement the modernization project in a practical way to their libraries. This paper stands as a unique case study for the new applicant and for those who have got University Grants Commission funding for library modernization. Originality/value The paper provides a practical experience in the implementation of a library modernization project complying all the procedures of funding agencies. The content of the paper was not published before in any form other than the internal workshop and presentation.

Open source software for library systems – 1

Purpose This literature review goes ten years back to see what has been and is going on in the open source world. Effort has been made to be as comprehensive as possible, but the review has been limited again to internet sources and what can be garnered from the internet cybersphere. Design/methodology/approach What is Open Source? This issue has been treated by scholars interested in the topic. Different types of open source have been discussed and comparisons between open source integrated library systems done. Findings Open source software is a software source code that is available free of cost on the internet. Once downloaded, the software can be enhanced and customized. Originality/value The software is managed through a licensing process that protects the rights of the creators and collaborators (Jaffe and Careaga, 2007, p. 2).

Adoption of Koha Open Source Integrated Library System in Indian Libraries: An Analytical Study

Adoption of Koha Open Source Integrated Library System in Indian Libraries: An Analytical Study

Expectations versus experiences: librarians using open source integrated library systems

Purpose – This paper compares the technical support-related experiences with the expectations of librarians using open source Integrated Library Systems (ILS). Design/methodology/approach – A combination of surveys and triangulating interviews was conducted to obtain the results presented. Findings – The results of this study indicate that there are many channels of technical support available to librarians who use open source ILS. Also, these channels of technical support perform at acceptable levels according to the expectations of librarians using open source software. Research limitations/implications – The results presented in this study are self-reported expectations and experiences of librarians and not observed experiences. Practical implications – The results from this study will provide an insight to librarians contemplating adoption or migration to open source ILS. The results presented here will be useful in decision-making as well as developing a strategy for technical support based on the presented options. Originality/value – The interest in open source ILS has been observed and studied in the last decade, but the technical support of open source systems, which is a critical component of the adoption process, has not received much attention. This paper focuses specifically on the technical support for open source ILS and provides insight into the experiences of librarians.

Implementing the Koha integrated library system at the Independent University, Bangladesh

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explain how the author carried out the implementation of the Koha open-source integrated library system (ILS) at the Independent University Bangladesh (IUB) Library, stated how much easy it is to implement Koha in a library and encouraged library professionals to implement Koha in their libraries. Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes the author’s practical experiences regarding implementation of the Koha open-source ILS. Findings – Koha has those functionalities which can fulfill the library automation need of the IUB Library. That is why Koha is selected. Other librarians can easily implement Koha in their libraries. Practical implications – This paper will help librarians to implement Koha in a practical way to their libraries. The author implemented Koha at the IUB Library within three months, and the author used migrated data from Computerized Documentation System/Integrated Set of Information System to MARC-21 for books and made new MARC-21 records for movies. Originality/value – The author is the youngest library professional who implemented Koha at a private university library in Bangladesh. This will influence librarians to learn Koha and implement it in their libraries.

Public library staff’s perceived value and satisfaction of an open source library system

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine public library staff attitudes towards an open-source library automation system in the state of Indiana. The researchers were interested in understanding the library staff’s perceptions of the value of the system in performing their job duties and improving library services. Design/methodology/approach – The researchers travelled to nine public libraries every three months to survey library staff from January to December 2010. The participants completed the surveys at the libraries and were given the option to remain anonymous. The survey consisted of six questions regarding the use of the Evergreen system for work processes and basic demographic information of the staff. There were a total of 323 survey respondents. Of the 323 respondents, 57 (17.65 per cent) used the Evergreen system in their daily work routines at the library. Findings – The primary benefits reported were: ability to check the availability of library materials at other Evergreen libraries via the shared catalogue, the Evergreen system provided more functionality than their previous library automation systems and the ability to reserve materials for patrons. Research limitations/implications – This was a convenience sample. All survey participants provided their responses voluntarily during the 12-month study period. A more comprehensive sampling procedure should be considered in the future. Originality/value – The study indicated the need for improvements in the Evergreen Indiana system. Those improvements were also relevant to other open-source integrated library systems.