Assessment and Evaluation of Open Source Library

Automation Software KOHA and NewGenLib Adaptable to

RGUHS Digital Library Operations and Functions
By
SUDHAMANIKS

ProjectReportSubmittedtothe

RajivGandhiUniversityofHealthSciences,Karnataka,Bangalore

Inpartialfulfillmentoftherequirementsforthedegreeof

PostGraduateDiplomainHealthScienceLibrarianship

UndertheGuidanceof

Dr.R.RAMARAJURS
M.A, M.L.I.Sc, Ph.D
UniversityLibrarian,Professor&Head
Dept.ofHealthScienceLibraryandInformationSystem
DigitalLibraryandInformationCentre
RajivGandhiUniversityofHealthSciences,
4
th
TBlock,Jayanagar
Bangalore560041

JUNE-2010

i

Dedicated to
Dr. Renuka Prasad K V
General Secretary
&
Dr.Jyothi R Prasad
Director

ACADEMY OF LIBERAL EDUCATION, SULLIA

&
KVG GROUP OF INSTITUTIONS




ii
RAJ IV GANDHI UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES,
KARNATAKA

DECLARATION BY THE CANDIDATE




I hereby declare that this project report entitled Assessment and Evaluation of
Open Source Library Automation Software KOHA and NewGenLib Adaptable to
RGUHS Digital Library Operations and Functions" is a bonafide and genuine
research work carried out by me under the guidance of Dr. R Rama Raj Urs, University
Librarian, Professor and Head, Dept. of Health Science Library and Information
Systems, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka.




Signature of the Candidate
Place: Bangalore
Date:














iii



RAJ IV GANDHI UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES,
KARNATAKA

COPYRIGHT


Declaration by the Candidate


I hereby declare that the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka
shall have the rights to preserve, use and disseminate this project report in print or
electronic format for academic / research purpose.






Date:

Place: Signature of the Candidate





Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka










iv




RAJ IV GANDHI UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES,
KARNATAKA
RAJ IV GANDHI UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES,
KARNATAKA



CERTIFICATE BY THE GUIDE CERTIFICATE BY THE GUIDE


This is to certify that the project report entitled Assessment and Evaluation of
Open Source Library Automation Software KOHA and NewGenLib Adaptable to
RGUHS Digital Library Operations and Functions " is a bonafide research work done
by SUDHAMANI K S under my direct supervision and guidance in partial fulfillment
of the requirement for the Post Graduate Diploma in Health Science Librarianship.


Date:
Dr.R.RAMARAJURS
M.A, M.L.I.Sc, Ph.D
UniversityLibrarian,Professor&Head
Dept.ofHealthScienceLibrary&InformationSystem
DigitalLibraryandInformationCentre
RajivGandhiUniversityofHealthSciences,
4
th
TBlock,JayanagarBangalore560041
Place:


















v



ACKNOWLEDGEMENT



It gives me great pleasure in preparing this project report and I take this
opportunity to thank everyone who have made this possible.
First and foremost I would like to express my deep gratitude and indebtedness to
my guide Dr. R. Rama Raj Urs, M.A., M.L.I.Sc, Ph.D, University Librarian,
ProfessorandHead, Dept. of Health Science Library and Information Systems, Digital
Library & Information Centre, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore.
Karnataka for his valuable guidance, continuous supervision and help at every stage of
this study. His sustained interest, uncanny observations, valuable criticism and timely
advice were the motivating forces that guided me through out this work.
I take this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to Dr. Krishnamurthy M,
Mr. Hemanth Rao C and Mrs. Vijaya Tauro for their untiring support and timely
guidance.
I also thank all my Post Graduate Colleagues and supporting staff of the Dept.of
Health Science Library and Information Systems and my Friends for their guidance and
creditable suggestion throughout this project work.
Finally I thank my parents for their encouragement to complete this work in time.

PLACE: SUDHAMANI K S
DATE:

vi



LIST OF ABBREVATIONS USED
(In alphabetical order)

GPL General Public License
GSDL Greenstone Digital Library
ICT Information Communication Technology
ILL Inter Library Loan
ILS Integrated Library Systems
IT Information Technology
ISBN International Standard Book Number
OPAC Online Public Access Catalog
OSS Open Source Software
KIIKM Kesavan Institute of Information and Knowledge Management
LDAP Lightweight Directory Access Protocol
MARC Machine-Readable Cataloging
RDBMS Relational Database Management System
RFID Radio Frequency Identification
RGUHS Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Science
RSS Really Simple Syndication
SDI Serial Digital Interface
XHTML Extensible Hyper Text Markup Language
XML Extensible Markup Language
Y2K Year 2000 Problem






vii





Sl No. CONTENTS

Page No.
I Introduction
1.0 Library automation
2.0 Open source software
1 - 12
II Installation of Koha and Newgenlib
Koha on windows
Newgenlib on windows
13 - 49
III Review of literature 50 - 52
IV Comparison between Koha and Newgenlib 53- 55
V Conclusion 56
VI. Bibliography 57 - 58
















viii




LIST OF FIGURES


SL NO. TITLE PAGE NO.
1 Apache installation 14-16
2 MySQL installation 16-19
3 Active Perl installation 20-22
4 Koha W32 installation 23-26
5 Newgenlib installation 27-49





LIST OF TABLE


SL NO. TITLE PAGE NO.
1 Comparison between Koha and Newgenlib 53-55















ix




Abstract

Recent advancement in the field of information technology have compelled
libraries to embrace automation as the facilities provided by automated libraries so far
beyond the activities of traditional libraries.

Library automation is the general term for information and communications
technologies that are used to replace manual systems in the library. There are many
library automation packages available as open source software. Though they provide
advanced modules like acquisition, cataloguing, circulation, OPAC etc, here we can see
Koha and Newgenlib are the two library automation softwares.

Many activities of a library are routine in nature; a few are repetitive. Automation
of these activities help in managing the library's resources in a better way at the same
time saving time, money and manpower. On the basis of study we can say that every
software has some negative and some positive points.

Key words: Library Automation; Open Source Software; Koha; Newgenlib



x
I. Introduction
1.0 Library Automation
Library automation is the general term for information and communication
technology (ICT) that are used to replace manual systems in the library.
A library management system, also known as an automated library system is
the software that has been developed to handle basic housekeeping functions of a
library.
Library automation which started in late 1970s in few special libraries has
now reached most of the university libraries and college libraries in India.
Library automation refers to use of computers, associated peripheral media
such as magnetic tapes, disks, optical media etc. and utilization of computer based
products and services in the performance of all type of library functions and
operations. Computers are capable of introducing a great degree of automation in
operations and functions, since they are electronic and are capable to control over the
processes being performed.
Even though this question seems to be very fundamental, it is essential to
emphasize this aspect as the library automation is yet to take off in majority of the
Indian libraries. Secondly, while justifying need for library automation more than
cost-effectiveness the benefits derived by the library users become the major
consideration. Since library does not happen to be an economic entity such benefits
need to be looked at in a different perspective.



1.1 Definition
Software that automates library functions, such as cataloging, circulation,
serials control or acquisitions.(1)

1.2 Advantages of Library Automation

Improve the quality, speed and effectiveness of services
Relieve professional staff from clerical work
Improve access to remote users
Facilitate wider dissemination of information products and services
Resource-sharing among other library networks (Union Catalogues)
Enable rapid communication with other libraries
Improve the management of physical and financial resources

1.3 Disadvantages of Library Automation

Initial and recurring expenses
Continuous staff training
Hardware and Software obsolescence

Many activities of a library are routine in nature; a few are repetitive.
Automation of these activities helps in managing the library's resources in a better
way at the same time saving time, money and manpower. For example, once the
bibliographic details like author, title, edition, publisher, price, ISBN number, etc are
entered at the time of ordering, the same data can be used for accessioning,
cataloguing (OPAC), and circulation. Other important factors associated with
automation are speed, and accuracy. One can imagine the time saved in literature
searches and in preparing bibliographies. Automation also offers freedom from doing
repetitive and routine work as well as enables providing efficient services properly
and more efficiently cutting down time and improving productivity.

2
Automation also facilitate generation of number of reports for better decision
making in the effective management of the library. Availability of various statistical
and other usage reports and performance reports will ensure better appreciation from
library users. For example, vendor performance analysis is possible. Subject-wise or
project/department-wise budget can be monitored. Circulation data can provide
information on titles that are in great demand so that more copies can be procured, if
needed. Many current awareness services like current additions, contents of books
and journals, etc can also be provided to users.

1.4 Objectives of the study

The main objective of this project is to build open source library management
software in the field of library and information science, and to make a comparative
study between them. This study will also explore and suggest various steps for
improvement of the system. This study will provide an overview of library
automation, general features of library management and implementing and exploring
of Koha and Newgenlib.

It is the study about two open source library automation softwares Koha and
NewGenLib and to recommend the best suited software for adoption to RGUHS
digital library.
1.5 Need for library management software
Before installing library management software, a creator should think either
there is a need for a library management software or not despite. The growing success
of the open source movement most of the general public continue to feel that open
source is easily accessable to them.


3

2.0 Open-source software
Open source software has existed since 1960s, but it is only in the last few
years that they have received much attention. The term open source refers to
software that is freely available and that includes the original source code used to
create it. So that users can modify it and make it work better for them.
Open Source Software (OSS) is computer software for which the source code
and certain other rights normally reserved for copyright holders are provided under a
software license that meets the Open Source Definition or that is in the public
domain. This permits users to use, change and improve the software and to
redistribute it in modified or unmodified forms. It is very often developed in a public,
collaborative manner. Open-source software is the most prominent example of open-
source development and often compared to user-generated content. The term open-
source software originated as part of a marketing campaign for free software.
Open-source software is computer software that is available in source code
form for which the source code and certain other rights normally reserved for
copyright holders are provided under a software license that permits users to study,
change, and improve the software. Open source licenses often meet the requirements
of the Open Source Definition. Some open source software is available within the
public domain. Open source software is very often developed in a public,
collaborative manner. Open-source software is the most prominent example of open-
source development and often compared to user-generated content. The term open-
source software originated as part of a marketing campaign for free software. A report
by Standish Group states that adoption of open-source software models has resulted
in savings of about $60 billion per year to consumers.
Open Source Software (OSS) came into existence with the development of
ICTs. The term open source refers to software that includes the original source
code, used to create it so that users can modify it to make it work according to their
4
needs. It also includes the right of redistribution; therefore, there may be products that
are based on other open source products. While the software may be free, a developer
or distributor may charge for services including special programming, installation,
training and technical support, etc. In general, the source code of OSS is widely
accessible, freely available and reusable. The most popular source license, the
General Public License (GPL), allows almost full use and re-use of source code.
Using Open Source Technologies Libraries have a greater freedom in using
the software without any restrictions on How it has to be used? .They also have the
liberty to migrate, upgrade and update without any hassles. The Open Source is used
synonymous with Free, which is absolutely wrong. At times the initial
implementation cost of Open Source technologies is costlier than proprietary ones,
but their running costs are usually very low compared to proprietary software.
2.1 Definitions
The software being distributed must be redistributed to anyone else without
any restriction.(2)
The license can require improved versions of the software to carry a different
name or version from the original software. (2)
2.2 Characteristics

OSS has many characteristics they are:

i) It is generally acquired freely
ii) Manufacturer or developer has no right to claim royalties on the distribution or use
iii) Source code is accessible to the user and distributed with the software
iv) No denial to an individual or to a group to access source code of the software
v) It has provision of modifications and derivations under the programmes original
name.
5
vi)Rights of facilities attached to the programme must not depend on the
programmes being part of a particular software distribution
vii) Licensed software can not place restriction on other software that is distributed
with it.
viii) Distribution of License should not be specific to a product and License should be
technology neutral, etc.

2.3 Advantages:

Free Redistribution
Source Code
Derived Works
Integrity of The Author's Source Code
No Discrimination Against Persons or Groups, Fields or Endeavor
Distribution of License
License Must Not Be Specific to a Product
License Must Be Technology-Neutral
Source code and the right to modify it is very important
There is no single entity on which the future of the software depends
No per-copy fees can be asked for modified versions
It provides a new forum for democratic action

2.4 Disadvantages
Most open source software applications are not reliable
No support exists for open source software
No guarantee of updates




6
2.5 Selection of library software:
Following criteria might help the librarians to select the right software for other
housekeeping operations:
1. Who are the developers, whether an institution, or reputed company or few
individuals. The preference is for institution and second preference is for the
reputed company. One has to be skeptical about the software developed by
individuals as there will be no continuity or authority
2. How many times the software has been revised since the time of its first
launch.
3. How many parameters are available for each module? More the parameters
better will be the flexibility and needs no or minimum customization.
4. Whether the software has facility to import bibliographic data available in
ISO2709 format and similarly export of data in this format
5. Training and guidance after installation
6. Whether available on major operating systems.
7. Whether it is web interfaceble
8. Whether it can be interfaced with the e-mail system of the campus network.
9. Whether it has taken care of Y2K compliant.
10. How many installations it has got in the country, since when and major
clients.
11. Whether it can offer OPAC and different rights to different logins
2.6 Koha
Koha is the first open-source Integrated Library System (ILS). In use
worldwide its development is steered by a growing community of libraries
collaborating to achieve their technology goals. Koha's impressive feature set
continues to evolve and expand to meet the needs of its user base. Koha was created
in 1999 by Katipo Communications for the Horowhenua Library Trust in New
Zealand. The first installation went live in J anuary of 2000.
7

Overview
Koha is written in Perl, stores its data in a MySQL database, and is accessed
via an Apache webserver. All three of these supporting programs have distributions
for Windows and are not difficult to install. And they are all available without cost,
just like Koha. A Windows install package is available for Koha that installs all the
Koha files to the proper locations, installs required Perl modules, and handles
necessary basic configuration to be able to run Koha with sample

Modules Covered

Online Public Access Catalogue
Acquisitions
Cataloguing
Circulations
Serials
Reports
2.7 Features
Koha is a comprehensive system that will intelligently run your library - large or
small, real or virtual.
A full featured modern integrated library system (ILS).
Award winning and open source no license fee, ever.
Linux, Unix, Windows and Mac OS platform.
Web Based.
Fully integrate it into own website.
Copy cataloging and Z39.50.
MARC21 and UNIMARC for professional catalogers.
Tailored catalog module for special libraries.
Use as a document manager or digital library.
8
Manage online and off line resources with the same tool.
RSS feed of new acquisitions.
E-mail and/or text patron's overdue and other notices.
Print your own barcodes.
Serials management module.
Full catalog, circulation and acquisitions system for library stock
management.
Web based OPAC system (allows the public to search the catalog in the
library and at home).
Simple, clear search interface for all users.
Simple and comprehensive acquisition options.
Koha is multi-tasking and enables updates of circulation, cataloging and
issues to occur simultaneously.
2.8 NewGenLib
NewGenLib is an integrated library management system developed by Verus
Solutions Pvt Ltd and the Kesavan Institute of Information and Knowledge
Management in Hyderabad, India. NewGenLib version 1.0 was released in March
2005. On 9 J anuary 2008, NewGenLib was declared Open Source Software under
GNU GPL License by Verus Solutions. Currently NewGenLib2.2 update 2 is the
latest version running. It has crossed 22000 downloads in 20 months since it was
made Open Source.
NewGenLib, a library automation system developed in India, has recently
joined the open source community. This product was introduced in 2003, primarily
intended for libraries in the developing world. It has been adopted by about 122
libraries, primarily in India, but with some sites in Syria, Sudan, and Cambodia.
Two groups collaborate in the development and support of NewGenLib.
Kesavan Institute of Information and Knowledge Management (KIIKM) is a non-
profit professional trust that spearheads the project. This organization describes its
9
primary goal as acting as an independent, non-governmental centre for the study,
training and advocacy in information and knowledge management. The key
activities and funding for the trust relate primarily to NewGenLib, the development of
a textbook on library automation, and on the creation of e-learning modules on library
automation. Versus Solutions, a small software development company performs the
technical development of the software. Both the organizations are located in
Hyderabad, India.
The software has been distributed under the traditional commercial license
model since 2003. In J anuary 2008, the decision was made to offer the system as
open source software under the GNU GPL (General Public License). According to
L.J . Haravu, one of the three principals of KIIKM, the move to an open source model
would result in wider adoption of the software. The organizations involved would
move from a license-based business model based on service.
A new company was formed, Versus IT Services Pvt. Ltd., to provide service
and support for the product as it moves into the open source realm. The relationship
of this new company to NewGenLib closely resembles that of Liblime to Koha and
Equinox Software to Evergreen.
NewGenLib, as an ILS tailored for libraries in developing countries, may not
necessarily be of direct interest to libraries in our region. It does, however, show that
the open source approach for library automation system has also made some advances
internationally.
Modules Covered
o Acquisitions
o Cataloguing
o Serials management
o Circulation
o Administration
o OPAC
o End-of-day process (daily scheduler) reports.
10
2.9 Salient features

1. Freedom: Available under GNU GPL
2. Functional modules are completely web based. Uses J ava Web Start
Technology
3. Compatibility - Complies with international metadata and interoperability
standards: MARC-21, MARC-XML, z39.50, SRU/W, OAI-PMH
4. Uses chiefly open source components
5. Scalable, manageable and efficient
6. OS independent - Windows and Linux flavours available
7. Z39.50 Client for federated searching
8. Internationalized application (I18N)
9. Unicode 3.0 complaint
10. Arabic version available
11. Easily extensible to support other languages
12. Data entry, storage, retrieval in any (Unicode 3.0) language
13. RFID integration
14. Networking Hierarchical and Distributed networks
15. Automated email/instant messaging integrated into different functions of the
software
16. Form letters are configurable and use XML-based Open Office templates
17. Extensive use of set up parameters enabling easy configuration of the
software to suit specific needs, e.g., in defining patron privileges
18. Supports multi-user and multiple security levels
19. Allows digital attachments to metadata



11
3.0 Methodology
To begin with, an attempt was made to study library management software
especially open source library management software then after evaluating them,
decision was taken to compare and install and study the characteristics of Newgenlib
and Koha software. The idea is to implement and explore both software and make a
comparative study.
Automation also facilitates generation of a number of reports for better
decision making in the effective management of the library. Availability of various
statistical and other usage reports and performance reports will ensure better
appreciation from library users. For example, vendor performance analysis is
possible. Subject-wise or project/department-wise budget can be monitored.
Circulation data can provide information on titles that are in great demand so that
more copies can be procured if needed. Many current awareness services like current
additions, contents of books and journals, etc can also be provided to users.













12

II. Installation of Koha and Newgenlib

Koha on Windows


The steps of Koha installation are given below. Koha can install on Windows
platform. Koha is written in Perl, stores its data in a MySQL database, and is accessed
via an Apache webserver. All three of these supporting programs have distributions
for Windows and are not hard to install. And they are all available without cost. A
Windows install package is available for Koha that installs all the Koha files to the
proper locations, installs required Perl modules, and handles necessary basic
configuration to be able to run Koha with sample data.

Required Supporting Softwares

Apache Webserver
MySQL Database
Perl
Koha W32 install
These four supporting softwares are freely available. Detailed instructions are
provided for each install. Carefully follow the instructions as you do each install, and
you should end up with a working version of Koha running with sample data. Each of
the four installs provides an uninstall option. Windows 2000 and XP include a version
of Windows Installer, but Windows 9x and Windows NT do not.
Apache Web server

Apache Web server is available from http://www.apache.org.You download
this Apache web server and install into your system.



13

1.Double click on Apache file




Figure:1: Apache installation


2. Click next button (I accept the terms in the license agreement)




Figure:2: Apache installation

14
3. J ust enter network domain name: localhost
Server name:computer name
Administrators E-mail: Enter your email address


Figure:3: Apache installation


4. Click on Install



Figure:4: Apache installation






15
5. Installation finished.




Figure: 5: Apache installation



MySQL

MySQL database server is currently available in two production releases
version 3 and 4. The Koha windows install has been tested with both versions, so
either one should be ok. MySQL database server is available from
http://www.mysql.com

1. Extract file.


Figure: 1

16
2. Choose setup type.: Typical



Figure: 2

3. Skip-up



Figure: 3

4. Finish



Figure: 4

17
5. Next



Figure: 5

6.Next



Figure: 6

7.Next



Figure: 7
18
8.Enter the root password
Retype the password

Figure: 8

9.Please press execute to start configuration


Figure: 9

10.Finish


Figure: 10
19

Active Perl

Active Perl is available from http//:www.activeperl.com.After download you
can install into your system. There will be very careful to change the install path on
the second and third dialog because in folder you can write c:\usr.This is very
important part of this installation.

1.Double click on Active Perl file





Figure: 1

2. I accept the terms in the License Agreement



Figure: 2



20
3.Browse


igure: 3
n c:\usr\
igure: 4
.Click next



Figure:


F
4. Locatio



F

5
21
6.Installing

igure: 6


F

10.Finish



Figure: 7
Koha W32 install
The last installation part is Koha W32.First you go to http://www.koha.org
there you available this koha.After download this koha then you can install into your
system.
After the completion of installation you go to local network and you can give
intranet. Then Koha is starting for working.




22

1. Double click on koha file



Figure: 1

2.Click on I agree



Figure: 2
.Choose default MARC settings


3


Figure: 3
23
4.Click on I agree


igure: 4

erl modules
F

5.Installing

Figure: 5

6.Installation of P


igure: 6 F
24
7.Installing..

Figure: 7

password



Figure: 8
9.Finish
8.Enter the root


Figure: 9



25
10.Accessing koha from intranet




1.Card number:Koha
Password:Koha
Figure: 10

1



Figure: 11

12.After installation of koha software we can find this m

ain screen.




Figure: 12
26

NewGenLib on Windows

Like koha we can also install NewGenlib to windows. For installation we
need seven supporting softwares.With the help of the supporting softwares we can
install NewGenlib and run the program.

Required softwares:

J ava
J 2SE Software Development Kit (SDK)
greSQL for Windows
newgenlib.ear


Post
J Boss Application Server

NewGenLibFiles.zip
backupinplain.sql
J ava Runtime Environment (J RE)





Figure: 1

27


Figure: 2



Figure: 3



Figure: 4

28


Figure: 5



igure: 6 F



Figure: 7

29



Figure: 8



Figure: 9



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30





igure: 11 F



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igure:1 4 F



igure: 15 F



igure: 16 F
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igure: 22 F

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igure: 32

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Figure: 36



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39


Figure: 38



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igure: 43 F

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Figure: 44



Figure: 45




Figure: 46
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Figure: 47



igure: 48 F



Figure: 49
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Figure: 50



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igure: 53 F



igure: 54 F



igure: 55 F

45


Figure: 56



F

igure: 57


igure: 58 F

46


Figure: 59



Figure: 60



Figure: 61
47



igure: 62 F



Figure: 63


Figure: 64

48


Figure: 65



Figure: 66

Newgenlib server can be started either from the same server system or from
any client system.








49
III. Review of Literature

4.1 Anuradha, K.T. (2009): Enhancing Full text Search Capability in Library
Automation Package: A Case Study with Koha and Greenstone Digital Library
Software.
This paper argues that there are many library automation packages available
as open source software. Though they provid
retrieving of bibliographic records, none of them facilitate full text indexing and
searching. Most of the available open source digital library software facilitate
indexing and searching of full ats. An effort is made
ere to enable full text search feature in a widely used open source library automation
U) feature available in both Koha and GSDL. The implementation of this
can be
. The paper enumerates
e important characteristics of the OSS and the criterion for selection of correct OSS
e to the popular OSS used in Indian library
environ
e advanced features of searching and
text documents in different form
h
package viz., Koha, by integrating it with an open source digital library software viz.,
Greenstone Digital Library Software (GSDL), by making use of Search and Retrieval
by URL (SR
accessed at: http://dharmaganja.ncsi.iisc.ernet.in:8082

4.2 Nabi Hasan: Issues and Challenges in Open Source Software Environment
with Special Reference to India
Open Source Software (OSS) and explains the meaning of the term OSS,
giving some of the definitions, the typical terms used to explain it and also elaborates
some of the important issues with reference to the explanation of the OSS. It
discusses the reasons why the librarians and the libraries need the OSS model in
current scenario, same. It further discusses in details, the important issues of OSS
development and librarianship and Open-Source and Usability
th
as per the individual requirements. It describes important OSS, being presently used
worldwide with special referenc
ment, highlighting important characteristics/features, merits, etc. of the
softwares. critical issues and challenges in OSS environment are also discussed. The
paper further highlights the future of the OSS and conclude with an assessment of
widely used OSS.
50

4.3 Dr. P. V. Konnur: Transforming Libraries into Learning Centers using
Open Source Technologies Open Source Technologies in Open Libraries
Thus by using Open Source Technologies Libraries have a greater freedom in
using the software without any restrictions on How it has to be used?. They also
have the liberty to migrate, upgrade and update without any hassles. The Open Source
is used synonymous with Free, which is absolutely wrong. At times the initial
implementations cost of Open Source technologies is costlier than proprietary ones,
but their running costs are usually very low compared to proprietary software. Open
ource may synonymously used with the word Freedom. S

4 Brief .4 Christine L. Borgman : From Acting Locally to Thinking Globally: A
History of Library Automation
Over a period of thirty years, goals for library automation have shifted from
an emphasis on local concerns to an emphasis on global concerns. These goals
evolved through three incremental phases--efficiency of internal operations, access to
local resources, and access to resources outside the library--before reaching the
present stage of addressing interoperability among systems and services. The
challenge facing libraries today is how to act locally--to implement systems that
ensure internal efficiencies and high levels of service to the community--while
thinking globally, assuring that local systems are able to exchange data with other
systems located around the world. Each of these phases in the history of American
and British library automation is discussed. American and British experiences are
contrasted with recent developments in central and eastern Europe, raising issues of
how to support expansion into regions with different traditions of library service and
practices, different technical standards, different political, economic, and cultural
circumstances, and a lower installed base of information technology. Technology and
policy issues involved in library automation and its role in the Global Information
Infrastructure are summarized.



51
4.5 Fuggetta Alfonso: Open source softwarean evaluation

The success of Linux and Apache has strengthened the opinion that the open
source paradigm is one of the most promising strategies to enhance the maturity,
quality, and efficiency of software development activities. This observation, however,
has not been discussed in much detail and critically addressed by the software
engineering community. Most of the claims associated with open source appear to be
weakly motivated and articulated.
For this reason, this paper proposes some qualitative reflections and
observations on the nature of open source software and on the most popular and
important claims associated with the open source approach. The ultimate goal of the
paper is to identify the concepts and intuitions that are really peculiar to open source,
and to distinguish them from features and aspects that can be equally applied to or
found in proprietary software.






















52
IV. Comparative Study of Koha and Newgenlib


Features Koha Newgenlib
1
System features

Network/Stand alone version YES YES
Os independent YES YES
For particular library NO NO
Internet compatibility YES YES
Intranet
2 Data Entry
Restrictions on no.of records in a database NO NO
MARC YES compatible YES
Duplicate checking YES YES
Multilingual support YES YES
3 e Performanc
Modification of screen layout YES YES
Can library staff customize the reports? YES YES
Multilingual screen display YES YES
4 Documentation
Is reference manual available / documentation YES YES
Is there e-mail discussion group YES YES
Does a manual have NO YES
Table of contents
Glossary
Index
Is there a user group? YES YES
Help YES YES
Modification of help message is possible? YES YES
5 Acquisition
Selection of item YES YES
Duplicating checking YES YES
Selection of vendor YES YES
Ordering YES YES
General order request letter YES YES
Claiming YES YES
YES YES Receipting
Fund rol YES YES cont
Budget control YES YES
Reports and statistics X YES
6 Cataloguing
Record creation YES YES
Duplicate checking YES YES
Record editing YES YES
53
Authority control YES YES
Copy catalogue YES YES
Bibliographic Framework YES YES
Call no YES YES
Import/Export data YES YES
Union catalogue YES YES
Cataloguing of different items YES YES
Reports YES YES
Z39.50 YES NO
OAI/PMH NO YES
SRU/W YES YES
7 Circulation
Patron and item information YES YES
Setting preference (Issue, Return, Renewal etc.) YES YES
Return/Check In YES YES
Fines and overdue notices YES YES
Reservation of book from librarian interface YES YES
Weed out NO YES
Renewal YES YES
Short term loans YES NO
Inter Library Loan(ILL) YES YES
Report YES YES
Print Checkouts YES YES
8 Serials Control
Fund control YES YES
Ordering YES YES
Receipting YES YES
Claiming YES YES
Binding YES YES
Import/Export YES YES
9 OPAC
Simple search YES YES
Advanced search YES YES
User help NO YES
Biblio status YES YES
Print catalogue in simple format YES YES
Multimedia facility YES YES
Reservation through OPAC YES YES
Stop word generation YES YES
Can user modify display format? YES YES
Facility for save and executing query NO NO
Facility for WEBOPAC YES YES
Facility for posting suggestions YES YES
Display of search history NO NO
Creation of virtual shelve YES NO
54
10 f data Analysis o
Tools for analysis of statistical information YES YES
11 Security
LDAP authentication YES NO
Privileges to library staff YES YES
12 Other features
RSS feeds enabled YES YES
SDI NO YES
Management of User profile YES YES
Generation of No-due certificates NO YES
Location map NO YES

ab T le: lib
=
O=F
ea eet the requirements

ind
that every software has some negative and
me positive points. In Koha and Newgenlib almost all the modules are available but
on that some of the modules
b is better than koha and vice versa. For example
user-friendly in koha whereas it is very complicated in
Koha. Report generation
ewgenlib is better than in Koha. Customization is very easy and simple in
as in Newgenlib it is not.

1- Comparative Study of Koha and Newgen

ES

Y Feature is available
N eature is not available
X=F ture is available but does not m
F ings

On the basis study we can say
so
after comparison of them we come to the conclusi
functionality of Newgenli
Acquisition module is more
Newgenlib. Serial Management is better in Newgenlib than
facility in N
Koha where

Though Newgenlib is open source software but it has not given the source file
to end user to compile and install. It has only given the binary file to use, so if a end
user wants to customize the software he can not do it by using that binary file,whereas
koha. Another important requirement that is UNICODE compatibility is not good in
Newgenlib as in Koha.. Koha OPAC has several features which have practical use in
the library scenario such as virtual shelves, book bag etc where as Newgenlib does
not have this facility.
55
V. Conclusion
hem we come to the conclusion that some of the modules
functionality of Newgenlib is better than Koha and vice versa.
Koha table of contents, glossary, index, weedout, SDI, no due certificate
and loc
genlib. The features of
both th

Library automation is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. Open source
software movement may change the way we apply and use software for library
activities. On the basis of these features we can say that every software has some
merits and demerits. All modules available in particular software can say that it is
best for the library. In Koha and Newgenlib almost all the modules are available but
after comparison of t
In
ation map are not available. In Newgenlib all these are available. In the same
way Z39.50, short term loans, creation of virtual shelve,LADP authentication are
available in Koha but these are not available in Newgenlib. Reports and statistics are
available in Newgenlib and in Koha that feature is available but does not meet the
requirements.
While implementing and comparing Koha and Newgenlib the experience is
very good. Installation of Koha software was easier than New
e software were good.
Finally, I conclude that, with these two open source library automation
softwares Koha and NewGenLib, the KOHA is most suitable for adoption to
RGUHS digital library.










56

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