Libraries use computers to efficiently acquire, organize, retrieve, and disseminate information. OSS (open source system) has been developed to facilitate many library-related tasks such as cataloging photographs and managing bibliographies. An ILS is a database of a library collection and patron accounts, and the procedures acting on it. It may contain functional modules for cataloging, circulation, serials, acquisitions, statistical reports, patron accounts, and an online public access catalog (OPAC, i.e., catalog search engine).
Integrated refers to the ability of the system to share data among its modules. For example, the information to order a book may be entered in the acquisitions module, which may be used by the cataloging module, and searched via the OPAC. This integration reduces redundant data and effort. A synonym for ILS is library management system (LMS).
Libraries are concerned about cost because they often have more demands than resources, they are funded by their communities, and they have a responsibility to manage community funds wisely. If libraries can serve their communities’ needs at a lower cost by using OSS rather than proprietary software, it would be in their interest to adopt it. Minimally funded libraries, such as small libraries and libraries in rural areas and developing countries, may find OSS affordable. Library decision makers are concerned about the total cost of ownership of an ILS. This includes costs of installation, documentation, training, support, and maintenance.
After an ILS is selected, a library needs to protect its investment. If the vendor of a proprietary ILS goes out of business or discontinues support of a product, the library loses its investment of time and funds in the ILS, must choose a new ILS, retrain staff, and transfer catalog records to the new ILS. In contrast, a library using an open source
ILS may not have to do any of these things. If the support firm of an open source ILS ceases operation, the library must choose another source of support, but may have more than one option, including internal support. By using an open source ILS, a library may reduce its dependence on a vendor.
To meet the changing needs of users and to make use of new technologies, a library may wish to customize or upgrade its ILS. It is unknown how much significance libraries attach to customizability. If an ILS is proprietary, a library is prohibited from changing it and must ask the vendor to change it. If an ILS is open source, a library may change it or outsource the changes to a contractor of their choice.
Potential advantages of OSS are:
• Lower costs
• Customizability
• Portability
• Code peer review (if a large enough user base)
• Opportunity to contribute to ILS code base
• Flexibility in choosing a service contractor
Potential disadvantages are:
Which are especially applicable if the software has a small user base, include a lack of peer review, timely bug fixes, and support.
• Need for technological sophistication
• Higher labor costs
• Lack of scalability
• Fewer advanced features
The purpose of open information models is to increase access and decrease cost.
Open information models share values with freedom of information laws, public broadcast media, the American Library Association (ALA) code of ethics, and the original purpose of copyright law in the U.S. constitution. Barriers to information access are often due to economic conflicts with distributors who put profit before public access.
Even though open source ILS are available free, it is not ready to use. Many features in ILS are generalist and must be either customized before use or adjusted with existing features. Open source ILS available with standardized features majority of libraries required.
If technical expertise for installation and maintenance are available in the library itself, open source ILS is free from initial investment and other ongoing expenses. Otherwise, library has to hire technical support of software service provider for services such as installation, data migration and maintenance. Initial investment on open source ILS is probably less than the annual maintenance of commercial ILS. Many libraries simply do not have the in-house expertise to support open source software development, and also don’t have the ability to train staff on the use of the new technologies. Libraries should make a good home work before the adoption of open source library management system.
Lack of awareness and knowledge in open source technology and software among library professionals restrict widely adoption of open source ILS in libraries.
The software license fees represent only one component of the overall costs that a library bears in its automation effort. The personnel required for the initial implementation and system administration is a major consideration.
Conclusion
Impact of open source movement made positive effects in libraries. Library professionals are recognizing the impact of open source software’s and began to adapt in library automation purposes. Open source culture empowers libraries to try innovative technologies in their working environment.
In addition, libraries have started to develop their own tools such as Meta search and social functionality tools to integrate with open source ILS. This practice helps them to develop solutions to solve their technology related problem within the walls of libraries.
In a certain extent, open source library management system help to solve common problems faced by libraries such as fewer budgets for proprietary ILS, management of increasing number of records, large number of members, and lack of powerful administration over all modules in library.
Open source library management systems provide access to library-owned data and provide much more flexibility for your library than commercial ILS .It is necessary to make awareness among library professionals about the advantages of open source software’s. Then only libraries can attain tremendous savings on library automation and to achieve increase in performance at the same time.
Reference:
M. Riewe, L. (2008). SURVEY OF OPEN SOURCE INTEGRATED LIBRARY SYSTEMS (Master's thesis). August
V, V., & Abraham, T. Eight Things you should Know about Open Source Integrated Library Systems. .
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