Open source integrated library management systems. Comparative analysis of Koha and NewGenLib
| Pages | 809-832 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/02640471211282127 |
| Date | 16 November 2012 |
| Published date | 16 November 2012 |
| Author | Manisha Singh,Gareema Sanaman |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Open source integrated library
management systems
Comparative analysis of Koha and NewGenLib
Manisha Singh and Gareema Sanaman
University of Delhi, Delhi, India
Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to study the open source integrated library management systems,
i.e. Koha and NewGenLib, to inform librarians about what considerations to make when choosing an
open source integrated library management system (ILMS) for their library.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a detailed comparative analysis of both
types of software, i.e. Koha (3.2.4) and NewGenLib (3.0), which are undertaken in the study. The
methodology used for the study is “Evaluation method” which is followed with the help of structured
evaluation checklist prepared after the thorough study of reference tools, reference statistical data
available and related literature. Both types of software are evaluated and compared qualitatively and
quantitatively.
Findings – Both types of software are web-enabled and support library automation. Koha has more
specific characteristics of open source ILMS. Koha needs to upgrade, modify and improve its features.
Koha requires very little hardware and is easy to install. Koha has advanced database features.
NewGenLib has better functionality of modules than Koha. More formats and standards are supported
by Koha. Digital library functionality of NewGenLib is more specific in terms of technology, data
structure and programming. Also NewGenLib provides more user help and support whereas Koha
provides more user-friendly downloads and a documentation facility. NewGenLib has more enhanced
features which are significant for ILMS while selecting software for automation.
Practical implications – The comparative analysis of the open source ILMS done in the study will
help librarians in making necessary considerations while choosing an open source software for the
library.
Originality/value – The paper presents a de tailed evaluative study ca rried out using a
comprehensive checklist designed for the study.
Keywords Integrated librarymanagement systems, Open source software, Libraries
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
Open source software (OSS) is gaining importance worldwide and in the last few years
open source has triggered a vast volume of research and has entered the mainstream
software market, with the adoption of packages such as Linux (operating system),
mySQL (relational database), PHP, Perl, Pyt hon (scripting and programming
languages), Apache Web Server and the Zope content management system. Also,
development of the open source products is generally rapid and more responsive to
users in comparison to commercial software. The open source system has the
advantage of promoting the software quality and reliability through peer review
(Ebenezer, 2002, p. 34). OSS represents an exciting opportunity for libraries rather than
forcing a library to depend on products which may not fully meet its needs. Open
source allows the library to participate directly in the development of its systems and
innovate services in a manner consistent with the values of librarianship. Open source
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm
Open source
ILMS
809
Received February 2011
Revised May 2011
Accepted May 2011
The Electronic Library
Vol. 30 No. 6, 2012
pp. 809-832
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/02640471211282127
software is software licensed to users with freedom to run the program for any
purpose, to study and modify the program and to freely redistribute copies of either the
original or modified program (without royalties, etc.). Open source software are also
termed as libre software, free software, FOSS, FLOSS and they are reciprocal to
proprietary software, closed software (Bretthauer, 2002).
Libraries are always concerned about the cost as they often have more demands
than resources and they are funded by their parent organisations with a responsibility
to manage public funds wisely. If libraries can serve their users needs at a lower cost
by using open source software 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 integrated library
management system (ILMS). This includes costs of installation, documentation,
training, support, and maintenance (Balas, 2005). Therefore, the purpose of the present
study is to inform librarians about what considerations to make when choosing an
open source ILMS for their library. The study investigates why some libraries have
chosen a particular open source ILMS and what are the different features and benefits
of the select open source ILMS. The study will also analyse ILMS features in each
module of the select ILMSs, to insight the librarians to know technical aspects to each
ILMS. Examples of well-known Open source ILMSs include Avanti MicroLCS, Emilda,
Evergreen, Gnuteca, Koha, NewGenLib, OpenBiblio, PhpMyLibrary, and
PhpMyBiblio.
2. Review of the literature
The review of related literature is done on different aspects of Koha and NewGenLib,
open source integrated library management systems including various studies on open
source software, open source software and libraries, integrated library integrated
management systems (ILMS/ILS), current research findings on open source, studies on
different open source software with addition to evaluation and comparison of open
source software.
Open source software is continuing to gain importance in the library community.
An increasing number of library administrators are realizing that there are significant
advantages to using software distributed under an open source license as today open
source library application software products are rivalling and even surpassing their
proprietary counterparts in terms of functionality and quality. Also, libraries no longer
need in-house expertise to use these open source products due to availability of
commercial contracts for installation and support services (Dorman, 2008, p. 58). In the
early study, Schlumpf (1999) described that the open source movement is the
phenomenon that affects the software industry in fundamental ways and it is a
paradigm shift in how software is developed, marketed and used. Fuggetta (2003)
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 main goal of the study is to identify the concepts and intuitions
that are really peculiar to open source which can distinguish them from featu res and
aspects found in proprietary software.
Barahona (2008) states that one of the main consequences of publishing a program
as libre (free, open source) software is that its source code is freely available to anyone
EL
30,6
810
To continue reading
Request your trial