Open Source Automation Software: Stirring Automated to Integrated Library System

Abstract

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

Sustainable library services with open-source library automation and digitisation software: A literature review

“…Baker (2017) examines the use of OSS in libraries and argues that such solutions can help libraries to achieve sustainability by reducing costs and increasing flexibility. Meanwhile, (Chowdhury, 2018; Moruf et al, 2020) explores the intersection of digital libraries and OSS and discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with these technologies. In terms of digitization, Leggett (2016) offers a practical guide for librarians seeking to digitize their collections, highlighting best practices for scanning, metadata creation, and preservation.…”

“…Some authors also discuss the challenges of achieving sustainability in library services. (Chowdhury, 2018; Moruf et al, 2020) argues that OSS can be difficult to implement and maintain, and that libraries may lack the technical expertise to manage it effectively. Similarly, (Skøtt, 2023) suggests that OSS can be complex and requires a significant investment of time and resources.…”

“…However, implementing OSS in libraries can pose challenges. For example, (Moruf et al, 2020) note that the adoption of OSS requires technical expertise and a significant investment of time and resources, which may be difficult for smaller libraries. Additionally, libraries must carefully consider the potential risks and limitations associated with OSS, such as security vulnerabilities or compatibility issues with existing systems (Oyelude, 2016).…”

“…For instance, the adoption of open-source software in libraries has increased due to its benefits and successful outcomes (Oyelude, 2016). Libraries have utilized open-source solutions like Koha, NewGenLib, Evergreen, PMB, and OpenBiblio to transition from Automated Library Systems (ALS) to Integrated Library Systems (ILS) (Moruf et al, 2020). The effectiveness of open-source software in library settings is further supported by its success in the robotics and automation community (Kehoe et al, 2015; Bangerth and Heister, 2013) reports on the implementation of Koha in a Polish library, which led to improved workflows, cost savings, and greater user satisfaction.…”

Key factors for the design of integrated library systems in universities

“…Olatunji, Farouq, and Idris (2018) consider important factors some such as architecture and design, no restrictions in the use with different electronic types of equipment, capacity for user to set their own priorities, permanent access to the full catalog, compatibility, and capacity to run on local area networks without access to the Internet. Moruf, Sani, and Abu (2020) mention factors such as compatibility with other systems/platforms, low or no licensing cost, capacity to configure according to the needs of the library, proficiency in safeguarding the security of all data. Finally, Mammadova (2017) considers the permanent access to the online catalog, local host of the data, ability to modify the program's source code, and friendliness with the user as important factors in ILSs.…”