Transition from Closed to Open: Case of Integrated Library Automation Software in India

Authors

Keywords:

Library Automation, OSILS, Open Source, Integrated Library System, MIS, Software, ILMS, OSILMS, Koha.

Abstract

Prior to Open Source Integrated Library Systems (OSILSs) availability, libraries found two alternatives to automate their housekeeping operations - either develop an exclusive in-house software system or purchase a commercial one. Commercial packages differ with each other on pricing and license agreements and function modules. Now, many libraries are shifting from such traditional proprietary automation systems where the cost of software is assumed to be a major concern, to free/open source system considering the flexibility and adaptability in using and customizing it to fit their local needs. The study evaluates the rate of adoption of OSILS in Indian libraries to understand the trend in comparison with proprietary systems available. Also examines attitude and perceptions of Indian library community towards adopting OSILS. The challenges confronted by the library community in adopting OSILS and the reasons for migrating to it are also examined. The study found Koha to be a favored OSILS option to which many Indian libraries are migrating. The study also found that acceptance of OSILS in higher education libraries in India is much higher than that of school and public library system where proprietary systems still dominate.

Author Biographies

  • Gireesh Kumar T K, Central University of Kerala

    Gireesh Kumar, T K is presently Assistant Librarian, at Central University of Kerala, India. He has PG in Library Science from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi and PhD in Open Source software for Library automation systems from Mahatma Gandhi University. Has served International Institute of Dental Science and Research Centre at Kasaragod, Digital Library at Indian Institute of Information Technology-Kerala (IIITM-K) and International Advanced Research Centre (ARCI) (Govt. of India) at Hyderabad. Was selected to attend Doctoral Student Consortium and International Workshop on Global Collaboration of Information Schools. Has published more than 25 research papers/ presentations /book chapters in national and international journals/ conferences/ edited volumes.

  • Sri Muruli, National Power Training Institute Power Systems Training Institute

    Muruli has post graduation in library and information science from Karnataka Open University. Has numerous publications in national and international journals and conference proceedings. Is presently librarian of National Power Training Institute, Power Systems Training Institute, Bangalore, India. Areas of interest are information literacy, social media, and use of ICT to reach the unreached. 

References

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Published

2018-01-19

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 4 (2017): Informatics Studies

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Articles

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