1. Embracing Open Source Software for Library Automation : A Feasibility Study Based on Selected Libraries in South India Presenter Gireesh Kumar T K Assistant Librarian Central University of Kerala Kasaragod, Kerala Email : gireesharci@gmail.com 12 th -15 th, March 2016 61 st ILA International Conference

2. INTRODUCTION  The landscape of library and information centres in terms of its automation activities has been highly altered in the last two decades.  If libraries are to fulfill their objectives they need to be automated in the present networked society.  Minimum requirement for automation is the adoption of Integrated Library Systems (ILS)  ILS is backbone of library systems and services

3. INTEGRATED LIBRARY SYSTEM (ILS)  An integrated library system (ILS) is a computer based information system consisting of a set of interrelated components or entities and subcomponents that are designed to interact together to perform specific tasks, functions, and operations and achieve a purpose.  Integrated Library Systems (ILS) packages are multifunction, adaptable software applications that allow libraries to manage, catalogue and circulate their materials to patrons.  Software designed specifically to manage library operations including but not limited to circulation, cataloging, public access, acquisitions, serials, digital content management, and media management.

4. INTEGRATED LIBRARY SYSTEM (ILS) An enterprise resource planning system for a library, used to track items owned, orders made, bills paid, and patrons who have borrowed. Usually comprised of a relational database, software to act on that database, and two graphical user interfaces (one for patrons, one for staff). Separate software functions into discrete programs called modules, which are then integrated into a unified interface. Supports, Acquisitions, Cataloguing, Circulation, Serials Management and OPAC

5.  Integrated Library System (ILS)  Automated Library System (ALS)  Library Automation Software (LAS)  Library Management System (LMS)  Integrated Library Management System (ILMS) ALSO KNOWN AS…....

6. Support and manage library operations and services in an effective and efficient manner Streamlining the operations Simplifying tasks Eliminating routine tasks Increasing productivity Meeting staff needs Meeting user needs and expectations ADVANTAGES OF ILS

7.  Patron’s needs are growing Libraries are looking for methods to meet  Library budget is shrinking Libraries are looking for less costly quality systems and resources  Technologies are Ageing Go for next generation technologies  Costs are increasing Libraries are looking for cost effective solutions  We, as a librarian are force to stay relevant Open Source Systems are the solution OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE : WHY?

8. OPEN SOURCE LIBRARY ENVIRONMENT Digital Library (OS DLS) Open Source Software Website (OS CMS) Learning Portal (OS LMS) Institutional Repository (OS IRS) Automation (OS ILS) Database Management (OS DBMS)

9. OPEN SOURCE INTEGRATED LIBRARY SYSTEM (OSILS)  Cost effective hence better choice for libraries to adopt  Provides significant economical and technological benefits  Flexible and adaptable for all types of libraries  Leads to greater innovations and collaboration among the communities  Facilitate efficient use of resources across the country  Enhances the technical and technological expertise of library professionals and develop new skills  Helps sharing of knowledge and skills  Gives more control over the data and software  Support core operations of a library hence increases completion among service offering  Reduces dependence on vendors or producers

10. EXAMPLES OF OSILS  ABCD  Avanti MicroLCS  Emilda  Evergreen  GNUTeca  Koha  Learning Access ILS  LibLime  NewGenLib  OpenBiblio  OPALS  PhpMyLibrary  phpmybibli  PMB  SENAYAN

11. ? Perceptions of proprietary ILS users on OSILS adoption ? Major issues hinder the wider adoption of OSILS ? Recommendations to enhance the rate of adoption of OSILS OBJECTIVES

12.  Online survey method- to gather primary data  Horizon of the survey was limited to libraries in South India exercising any of the library automation software under a commercial stream.  The questionnaire is designed to comprehend the awareness and observation of OSILS of proprietary ILS users of South India.  The study looks upon the OSILS from proprietary ILS users point of view.  In total, 144 individual responses were received from various libraries. METHODOLOGY & LIMITATION

13. RESPONSE RATE

14. RESPONDENT’S AGE GROUP Respondents age group of 31-40 showed better interest in responding comparing with the other three and there by assumed that they are prone to technological advancement in the library

15. LIBRARY TYPE Rate of adoption of ILS appears to be higher in academic libraries

16. OSILS ADOPTION PLAN Rate of adoption of OSILS is considerably low in South Indian libraries

18. Are the Library Professionals Not Familiar with OSILS?

19. 97% of the respondents are aware of the existence of OSILS

20. Is the Librarian Not Part of the Software Selection Committee?

21. SOFTWARE SELECTION AUTHORITY In all these cases librarian identifies the suitable software and then seeks their approval for purchase and payment. So the involvement of the librarian and his ability to convince the committee and authority is the key factor in finalizing the software

22. Does the Library Professional Not Support Adoption of OSILS?

23. 80% of the respondents support adoption of OSILS in Indian Libraries

24. “70% of the respondents indicated KOHA Software as the best OSILS”

25. REASONS FOR MIGRATION

26. STILL WHY 36%???

27. WHY NOT OSILS

28. “Most of the Indian libraries lack sufficient funds to afford Proprietary Software hence Open Source ILS is an alternate option ” FINDINGS “Librarian is the prime person responsible for the selection of suitable software for their libraries” “Majority of the proprietary software users in South India highly recommend and support the adoption of OSILS” “Lack of technical knowledge to install and maintain the software, Lack of technical support and the shortage of skilled staff to install and maintain the software are the main barriers for the wider adoption of OSILS among the libraries in India”

29. Recommendations Competencies in installing, maintaining and servicing OSILS are to be acquired by LIS Professionals. Extensive hand on training programs needs to be organized frequently Create more opportunity to attend free awareness and training programs on OSILS Awareness on OSILS needs to be inducted in the LIS Course curriculum The usage of OSILS should be promoted in Government organization. Library fraternity should involve in conducting training programs and workshop High quality documentation on OSILS should be available on the public domain

30. Recommendations Utilization of cloud computing and adoption of OSILS reduces the risk of budgetary shortfalls in libraries up to some extent Installation, maintenance and modification happening through consortium may lessen the financial burden and bring more affordability to the libraries There should be technical supports from the experts to improve the quality of OSILS according to the individual requirements at a minimal cost Accessibility of tutorials and step by step demonstrations in the public domain Indian libraries should consider consortia model for wider adoption of OSILS as it may lessen the financial burden and bring more affordability to the libraries

31. Conclusion OSILS offers libraries multidimensional functionality with limited cost Cost effectiveness and freedom to use are the major attractions which create trends towards adopting OSILS in Indian libraries. Majority of the proprietary software users in South India highly recommend and support the adoption of OSILS OSILS are being competent enough to compete with commercial packages Dependence on the commercial vendors in library automation is diminishing The very survival of any OSILS lies in its active community, hence an OSILS with a growing and active user and/or developer community, with institutional support can be preferred.