Use of Open Source Softwares in Indian Libraries

Abstract

Since last two decades, we have been witnessing a growing application of Open Source Softwares (OSSs) in Indian libraries. The present study is an attempt to find out the impact of OSSs and how they are driving the transformation of Indian libraries. The research was undertaken by studying the websites of 127 libraries which use one or the other OSS in India. The main OSSs used are: DSpace, Greenstone, NewGenLib, EPrints and Koha. The authors studied the contents of these library sites and noted how the OSSs were deployed to launch a variety of new services including Digital Archives, New Book information, Online SDI apart from marketing the libraries and providing a 24x7 access. New content made available through library sites using OSS include: Pictures, Theses, Research Papers, Book Chapters, Patents, Annual Reports, Videos/Audios, PPTs, Rare books, Institutional publications, Book Cart facility, etc. OSSs have also made library experience more interesting by facilitating self uploading/downloading of documents and user interaction online. OSSs have also been instrumental in promoting resource sharing besides serving as a tool to librarians to develop their IT skills. The paper recommends Indian librarians to explore other useful OSSs too, such as VuFind, Library Find, Calibre , PMB, Evergreen, OpenBiblio, etc. Other recommendations include development of guidelines for uploading/downloading documents, improved design for institutional repository webpages, use of standard subject headings, regular update and enriching library sites with more content.