Synopsis
Implementation of library software Koha among different
libraries in Kolkata
Uma Kant Mandal
(Enrolment No: - 126007150)
Introduction:-
Koha is an Open Source fully featured software, it is the Integrated Library System (ILS), used world-wide by academic, public and special libraries. The name comes from “Maori” means “Gift or Donation”. It with a SQL database (MySQL preferred) backend with cataloguing data stored in MARC and accessible via Z39.50 or SRU. The user interface is very configurable and adaptable and has been translated into many languages.
Koha was created 1999 by “Katipo Communications” for the “Horowhenua Library Trust” in New Zeland, and the first installation went live in January, 2000.
Koha has most of the features that would be expected in an ILS, including:-
Simple, clear interface for librarians and members.
Various web 2.0 facilities like tagging, comment, social sharing, RSS feeds of new acquisition.
Koha works with standards found through OPAC and is complaint with XHTML, CSS and Java script making it is platform independent.
Union catalogue facility.
Full acquisition system including budgets and pricing information.
MARC1 and UNIMARC for professional cataloguers. e.t.c.
Most of the advantages of Koha:-
Anyone can access the source code and make modifications (www.koha.org/).
Can meet the needs of smaller rural libraries that cannot afford proprietary systems.
Supports the mission of libraries. e.t.c.
Scope:-
The intention of this study is to investigate the implementation of library software Koha among different libraries in Kolkata including 5 College libraries, 1 Special library, 1 Public library and 1 School library like:
Gurudas College library: - August 14, 1956 observed as the College Foundation Day. This library has total collection of books is 40,000 (approx). Students are allowed to choose their books from the shelves by use of Open access system. Open Source Library Management Software Koha (version 3.16.04 on Ubuntu 12.04 customized by Bengal Library Association) has been used. e.t.c.
Sivanath Sastri College: - Sivanath Sastri College owes its origin to the City College; The City College was founded in the year 1879. The College has a good collection of books in the library on all subjects, taught in the college as well as on related subjects. Access to the Central Library is open to all categories of users – students, teachers, and non-teaching staff. Here use Koha to serve different type of library work.
Institute of Business Management & Research library: - It was established in 1976, The Institute has a well-equipped computerized library. CD ROMS, on-line journals and magazines and other audio-visual educational materials are also available.
Sursuna College library: - It was founded in the year 1999. It has a large number of text and reference books, the total number being about 21000. The library subscribes to different magazines and journals of different subjects. Book distribution procedure maintain by OPEN ACCESS procedure. Computerized Cataloguing Programme under process. Koha also use for library work.
Bengal Library Association: - This is a Special library. It was established in 1925. This library has been engaged in customization of Koha for the benefit of libraries in the state keeping in mind the local library situation and local users’ needs. Koha Version: 3.XX & Ubuntu Version: 12.4 LTS use here.
Hiralal Mazumdar Memorial College for Women: - This library was established on 10th August 1959. The college has a rich library with a good number of rare books in the stock and reading room facilities. Use Koha software for simplification of library work.
Vivekananda Pathagar: - This is a public library, the foundation day of this library was 1952. Fourteen thousand Bengali & English books including novels, stories, article of adventures are available for children & seniors.
Hariyana vidyamandir: - This is a school library. The foundation day of this library was 1984. Number of books in the library 26,841. Total 12 number of educational Journals/periodicals being subscribed. This school library also uses Koha.
Objective:-
This study aims to explore whether librarians or libraries are familiar with the new technological innovations and whether they use or perform on Open Source Software like Koha for library automation and also in what type they help user in their library work to using Koha in their libraries. Following are the few objectives of this study:-
To identify extent of Koha installation on few college, special, public & school libraries.
To find out library wise distribution of installation of Koha ILS and also how it work on different libraries?
To find the reason or changing to Koha from legacy library automation system.
To identify the difficulties faced by library professionals while implementing Koha.
To know the satisfaction level of library professionals of Koha.
Examine challenges and prospects to the implementation program.
To find out how Koha help different libraries.
To identify the problems, if any in using Koha.
Literature Review:-
Compared to other open source library management systems, Koha is relatively more popular in India due to its active users’ community. Delhi public library started using Koha in 2007; the library has a collection of over 15 lakh books. During the initial stages a significant portion of the records from CDS/ISIS database are exported to Koha. Granthalaya (www.granthalaya.org) is another prestigious automation project which uses Koha. This project envisions a union catalogue of public libraries in Konkan region Maharastra, India. Mysore University adopted Koha in 2010, Govt’ of Kerala made a decision to make Koha as its official software for computerization of Government administered libraries. Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation has taken an initiative for digitization of rare books, periodicals & other documents. This National digital repository will be progressively developed to contain metadata of all rare materials available in public library.
Mukhopadhyay6 (2012) gives a clear picture of the development of library management systems over the years and emergence of open source software solutions for library management as alternatives to closed commercial products. Bhavsar7 conducted a survey among Indian library professionals to find out the satisfaction of Koha users. Kushwah et. al.8 (2008) conducted a study on two popular proprietary library management systems; i.e. Libsys and SOUL and compared them with Koha. In another comparative study, Kumar9 tried to evaluate the functional performance of the 3 softwares were assessed by testing the sample data. The result of the study was that Koha, PhpMylibrary and OpenBiblio camn provide the essential functional modules required for working of small and medium size libraries. Hasan10 discusses in detail regarding the important issues of Open Source Software development, librarianship and open Source Software usability with special reference to India.
Data Collection & Methodology:
The data related to this study has been collected from different libraries through
Questionnaire
Interview
Survey method, e.t.c.
The descriptive survey research will be used in this study. Questionnaire and observation were the instruments use for data collection. For this purpose questions from faculty members will be asked and also take an interview from different ages of users. Random sampling method will be adopt for asking questions from users due to huge number of users in there.
The choice of the survey as the research design for the project was necessitated by the nature of the study. After receiving the answers than I will analyze them. This research is a survey research that gathered data from members of the selected libraries with the aid of the questionnaire in order to determine the current status of the issue under study from the respective institution.
Limitation:-
In this study few limitations are present. Here we study only on few libraries in which maximum number of college libraries taken. Decentralized development may lead to chaotic progress and delays in fixing bugs, customization may not be as great as commercial software.
Problem of Statement:-
Considering the enormous benefits that are experienced in the implementation of Koha for Library and Information management. Today, ICT acquisition and implementation is facing lot of problems. This research work is being conducted to expose some of the inhibiting factors that are hindering in the implementation of Koha, these are lot of capital investment to buy hardware, software and standby generators for the library. Lack of search skill, automation at infancy level and technical awareness.
Conclusion:-
Koha open source library management software is new in Indian library market. Inspite of this many libraries are using Koha open source software in India. Koha live CD is a factor behind the popularity of Koha in India. Implementation of Koha in reputed library of India has given enough publicity among library professionals. A few library science departments and institution in India have already started teaching Koha. Availability of community support, commercial support, learning tools, library standards and active development has helped KOHA Open Source ILS to make footprint in library automation market in India.
Reference:-
Mukhopadhyay, Parthasarathy, Library automation through KOHA, Kolkata: Prova prakashani, 2008.
Sheeja, N. K. Adoption of KOHA Open Source Software in Libraries : A web based study, available at: http://dspace.cusat.ac.in/jspui/bitstream/123456789/6778/1/adoption%20of%20KOHA%20in%20Libraries.pdf
Vimal Kumar V and Jasimudeen S. Adoption of KOHA Open Source Software in Libraries: a web based study, Annals of Library and Information Studies 59(4) December 2012, p.223-230.
KOHA Software main website.
KOHA Community, July 23, 2013, KOHA the Integrated Library system.
Mukhopadhyay P, Five Laws and Ten Commandments: The open road of library automation in India, In Proceedings of National Seminar on Open Source Movement: Asian Perspective. Roorkee: IASLIC, 01 June 2012, 27-36.
Bhavsar S, Survey of KOHA Usage in India, In Proceedings of the International Conference on KOHA, KOHACON11, Thane Mumbai. Available at: http://dspace.vpmthane.org:8080/jspui/bitstream/123456789/2055/1/Koha1112011.pdf (Accessed on 07June2012).
Kushwa S S, Gautam J N and Singh R, Library automation and Open Source solutions major shifts & practices: A comparative case study of library automation systems in India, In Proceedings of International CALIBER -2008, Allahabad. Available at: http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/dxml/handle/1944/1247 (Accessed on 12 September 2012).
Kumar V V, Free Open Source integrated library management systems: Cooperative analysis of KOHA, PhpMylibrary and OpenBiblio, In Proceedings of National Library Week Celebration, University of Calicut. Available at: http://eprints.rclis.org/handle/10760/8578#.T9HmjVLixkg (Accessed on 18 September 2012).
Hasan N, Issues and challenges in open Source Software environment with special reference to India, In Proceedings of International Conference on Academic Libraries (ICAL-2009), University of Delhi, Delhi. Available at: http://crl.du.ac.in/ical09/paers/index_files/ical-43_144_ 317_1_RV.pdf (Accessed on 18 August 2012).
Implementation of library software Koha among different
libraries in Kolkata
Uma Kant Mandal
(Enrolment No: - 126007150)
Introduction:-
Koha is an Open Source fully featured software, it is the Integrated Library System (ILS), used world-wide by academic, public and special libraries. The name comes from “Maori” means “Gift or Donation”. It with a SQL database (MySQL preferred) backend with cataloguing data stored in MARC and accessible via Z39.50 or SRU. The user interface is very configurable and adaptable and has been translated into many languages.
Koha was created 1999 by “Katipo Communications” for the “Horowhenua Library Trust” in New Zeland, and the first installation went live in January, 2000.
Koha has most of the features that would be expected in an ILS, including:-
Simple, clear interface for librarians and members.
Various web 2.0 facilities like tagging, comment, social sharing, RSS feeds of new acquisition.
Koha works with standards found through OPAC and is complaint with XHTML, CSS and Java script making it is platform independent.
Union catalogue facility.
Full acquisition system including budgets and pricing information.
MARC1 and UNIMARC for professional cataloguers. e.t.c.
Most of the advantages of Koha:-
Anyone can access the source code and make modifications (www.koha.org/).
Can meet the needs of smaller rural libraries that cannot afford proprietary systems.
Supports the mission of libraries. e.t.c.
Scope:-
The intention of this study is to investigate the implementation of library software Koha among different libraries in Kolkata including 5 College libraries, 1 Special library, 1 Public library and 1 School library like:
Gurudas College library: - August 14, 1956 observed as the College Foundation Day. This library has total collection of books is 40,000 (approx). Students are allowed to choose their books from the shelves by use of Open access system. Open Source Library Management Software Koha (version 3.16.04 on Ubuntu 12.04 customized by Bengal Library Association) has been used. e.t.c.
Sivanath Sastri College: - Sivanath Sastri College owes its origin to the City College; The City College was founded in the year 1879. The College has a good collection of books in the library on all subjects, taught in the college as well as on related subjects. Access to the Central Library is open to all categories of users – students, teachers, and non-teaching staff. Here use Koha to serve different type of library work.
Institute of Business Management & Research library: - It was established in 1976, The Institute has a well-equipped computerized library. CD ROMS, on-line journals and magazines and other audio-visual educational materials are also available.
Sursuna College library: - It was founded in the year 1999. It has a large number of text and reference books, the total number being about 21000. The library subscribes to different magazines and journals of different subjects. Book distribution procedure maintain by OPEN ACCESS procedure. Computerized Cataloguing Programme under process. Koha also use for library work.
Bengal Library Association: - This is a Special library. It was established in 1925. This library has been engaged in customization of Koha for the benefit of libraries in the state keeping in mind the local library situation and local users’ needs. Koha Version: 3.XX & Ubuntu Version: 12.4 LTS use here.
Hiralal Mazumdar Memorial College for Women: - This library was established on 10th August 1959. The college has a rich library with a good number of rare books in the stock and reading room facilities. Use Koha software for simplification of library work.
Vivekananda Pathagar: - This is a public library, the foundation day of this library was 1952. Fourteen thousand Bengali & English books including novels, stories, article of adventures are available for children & seniors.
Hariyana vidyamandir: - This is a school library. The foundation day of this library was 1984. Number of books in the library 26,841. Total 12 number of educational Journals/periodicals being subscribed. This school library also uses Koha.
Objective:-
This study aims to explore whether librarians or libraries are familiar with the new technological innovations and whether they use or perform on Open Source Software like Koha for library automation and also in what type they help user in their library work to using Koha in their libraries. Following are the few objectives of this study:-
To identify extent of Koha installation on few college, special, public & school libraries.
To find out library wise distribution of installation of Koha ILS and also how it work on different libraries?
To find the reason or changing to Koha from legacy library automation system.
To identify the difficulties faced by library professionals while implementing Koha.
To know the satisfaction level of library professionals of Koha.
Examine challenges and prospects to the implementation program.
To find out how Koha help different libraries.
To identify the problems, if any in using Koha.
Literature Review:-
Compared to other open source library management systems, Koha is relatively more popular in India due to its active users’ community. Delhi public library started using Koha in 2007; the library has a collection of over 15 lakh books. During the initial stages a significant portion of the records from CDS/ISIS database are exported to Koha. Granthalaya (www.granthalaya.org) is another prestigious automation project which uses Koha. This project envisions a union catalogue of public libraries in Konkan region Maharastra, India. Mysore University adopted Koha in 2010, Govt’ of Kerala made a decision to make Koha as its official software for computerization of Government administered libraries. Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation has taken an initiative for digitization of rare books, periodicals & other documents. This National digital repository will be progressively developed to contain metadata of all rare materials available in public library.
Mukhopadhyay6 (2012) gives a clear picture of the development of library management systems over the years and emergence of open source software solutions for library management as alternatives to closed commercial products. Bhavsar7 conducted a survey among Indian library professionals to find out the satisfaction of Koha users. Kushwah et. al.8 (2008) conducted a study on two popular proprietary library management systems; i.e. Libsys and SOUL and compared them with Koha. In another comparative study, Kumar9 tried to evaluate the functional performance of the 3 softwares were assessed by testing the sample data. The result of the study was that Koha, PhpMylibrary and OpenBiblio camn provide the essential functional modules required for working of small and medium size libraries. Hasan10 discusses in detail regarding the important issues of Open Source Software development, librarianship and open Source Software usability with special reference to India.
Data Collection & Methodology:
The data related to this study has been collected from different libraries through
Questionnaire
Interview
Survey method, e.t.c.
The descriptive survey research will be used in this study. Questionnaire and observation were the instruments use for data collection. For this purpose questions from faculty members will be asked and also take an interview from different ages of users. Random sampling method will be adopt for asking questions from users due to huge number of users in there.
The choice of the survey as the research design for the project was necessitated by the nature of the study. After receiving the answers than I will analyze them. This research is a survey research that gathered data from members of the selected libraries with the aid of the questionnaire in order to determine the current status of the issue under study from the respective institution.
Limitation:-
In this study few limitations are present. Here we study only on few libraries in which maximum number of college libraries taken. Decentralized development may lead to chaotic progress and delays in fixing bugs, customization may not be as great as commercial software.
Problem of Statement:-
Considering the enormous benefits that are experienced in the implementation of Koha for Library and Information management. Today, ICT acquisition and implementation is facing lot of problems. This research work is being conducted to expose some of the inhibiting factors that are hindering in the implementation of Koha, these are lot of capital investment to buy hardware, software and standby generators for the library. Lack of search skill, automation at infancy level and technical awareness.
Conclusion:-
Koha open source library management software is new in Indian library market. Inspite of this many libraries are using Koha open source software in India. Koha live CD is a factor behind the popularity of Koha in India. Implementation of Koha in reputed library of India has given enough publicity among library professionals. A few library science departments and institution in India have already started teaching Koha. Availability of community support, commercial support, learning tools, library standards and active development has helped KOHA Open Source ILS to make footprint in library automation market in India.
Reference:-
Mukhopadhyay, Parthasarathy, Library automation through KOHA, Kolkata: Prova prakashani, 2008.
Sheeja, N. K. Adoption of KOHA Open Source Software in Libraries : A web based study, available at: http://dspace.cusat.ac.in/jspui/bitstream/123456789/6778/1/adoption%20of%20KOHA%20in%20Libraries.pdf
Vimal Kumar V and Jasimudeen S. Adoption of KOHA Open Source Software in Libraries: a web based study, Annals of Library and Information Studies 59(4) December 2012, p.223-230.
KOHA Software main website.
KOHA Community, July 23, 2013, KOHA the Integrated Library system.
Mukhopadhyay P, Five Laws and Ten Commandments: The open road of library automation in India, In Proceedings of National Seminar on Open Source Movement: Asian Perspective. Roorkee: IASLIC, 01 June 2012, 27-36.
Bhavsar S, Survey of KOHA Usage in India, In Proceedings of the International Conference on KOHA, KOHACON11, Thane Mumbai. Available at: http://dspace.vpmthane.org:8080/jspui/bitstream/123456789/2055/1/Koha1112011.pdf (Accessed on 07June2012).
Kushwa S S, Gautam J N and Singh R, Library automation and Open Source solutions major shifts & practices: A comparative case study of library automation systems in India, In Proceedings of International CALIBER -2008, Allahabad. Available at: http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/dxml/handle/1944/1247 (Accessed on 12 September 2012).
Kumar V V, Free Open Source integrated library management systems: Cooperative analysis of KOHA, PhpMylibrary and OpenBiblio, In Proceedings of National Library Week Celebration, University of Calicut. Available at: http://eprints.rclis.org/handle/10760/8578#.T9HmjVLixkg (Accessed on 18 September 2012).
Hasan N, Issues and challenges in open Source Software environment with special reference to India, In Proceedings of International Conference on Academic Libraries (ICAL-2009), University of Delhi, Delhi. Available at: http://crl.du.ac.in/ical09/paers/index_files/ical-43_144_ 317_1_RV.pdf (Accessed on 18 August 2012).
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