With wide spread and deployment of open source software, a lot of libraries in African continent have picked interest to meet up with the users demand and the changing technology in 21st century library operations. Despite the fact that open source software is free, the cost of downloading and configuring it for library adoption is not. These tasks necessitate a certain level of information and technology skills, which Kolawole and Oladokun (2021) found to be in short supply in Nigerian libraries. Other consequences of implementing and deploying open source software in the library include:
i. Technical support: It has been discovered that Open Source Software suffers from a lack of technical support, which is either available for a fee or not available at all, which may cause significant inconvenience for some Nigerian users,
ii. Lack of Features/Standards: Not all packages cater to specific, specialized requirements.
iii. Lack of Packaging: Some open source library software does not include traditional packaging or support for hard copies,
iv. User-Friendly Limits: Installation and configuration of open software require more IT skills than traditional software.
v. Compatibility: The majority of open source software supports open source file types, but proprietary file types may not.
Freedom of access to technological tools, according to Kolawole and Oladokun (2021), aids in closing the digital divide. Developing countries have a lot of advantages thanks to open source software. Understanding the philosophies, implications, and responsibilities of open source software adoption will help you plan for the future and avoid disaster.
4.0 CONCLUSION
In this unit, you learnt library automation software both open source and proprietary.
The some of the most popular open source automation software that are used by libraries across the globe includes Koha, Evergreen, Bibioteq, Openbiblio, newgenlib among others. Also, you learnt the various metadata standard for the Integrated Library System (ILS). Lastly, you learnt the implication of using open source software by the Nigerian libraries.
5.0 SUMMARY
In summary, Library automation software are divided in two namely; open source and propriety library automation software. Example of open source software include; Koha, Evergreen, Bibioteq, Openbiblio, newgenlib among others. While at the other hand the example of the proprietary software include; Libsys, Virtua, Trudan, Tulibs, Alice for Window and so on. Also metadata standard for ILS were discussed some of which are the MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging), Universal MARC (UNIMARC), Z39.50.
Lastly, some of the implication of using open source software includes; lack of technical support, lack of compatibility and standardization, user friendliness and lack of packaging.
6.0 SELF-ASSESSMENT
a) Explain the term open source software.
This is a software for which source code is open. The user is granted a license to download, use, and study, modify, distribute etc. without any restriction. Open source software are byproduct of collective efforts of professional to ensure wider and free access to software and the right to customize to suit user needs.
b) List any 2 open source automation software you 1- KOHA
2- Evergreen What is metadata?
Metadata provides bibliographic information to describe digital object, it provide a structured reference that helps to sort and identify attributes of the information it describes.
7.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT a. What is proprietary software?
b. Identify and discuss various types of open source library automation metadata standard you know.
c. Discuss the implication of the use of open source software in Nigeria.
d. Discuss the deferent metadata standard of your choice within Nigerian context 7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING
Breeding, M. (2016). Strategic Technology strengthens the Capacity of Libraries to serve their Communities.
Kolawole, L., & Oladokun, T. (2021). Utilization of Open Source Software in Nigeria Academic Libraries: Matters Arising. Cataloging & Classification Quarterly, 59, 399 - 407.
Komolafe-Opadeji, H., & Ojo, R.A. (2019). A Survey Study on the Adoption and Implementation of Automation Projects in Federal University Libraries in the South-West of Nigeria. International Information & Library Review, 51, 194 - 201.
Kumar, G. (2016). Embracing Open Source Software for Library Automation: A Feasibility Study Based on Selected Libraries in South India.
Lenarduzzi, V., Taibi, D., Tosi, D., Lavazza, L., & Morasca, S. (2020). Open Source Software
Evaluation, Selection, and Adoption: a Systematic Literature Review. 2020 46th Euromicro Conference on Software Engineering and Advanced Applications (SEAA), 437-444.
Margaret, B. E. (2016). Adoption of Software Packages in University Libraries in Nigeria. Library Philosophy and Practice, 1.
Naik, U. (2016). Library Automation Software: A Comparative Study of Koha, Libsys, Newgenlib and Soul. International Journal of Library Science, 6, 77-86.
Niranjana, K., & Desta, T. (2020). Implementation of KOHA Integrated Library Management System in Wollega University Main Library, Nekemte. Information and Knowledge Management, 10, 7-15.
Patel, S. N. (2014). Library Automation: An overview, International Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Sciences, 2 (5)
Shaikh, B.U., &Ankushe, S. (2019). Evaluation of Library Automation Software: Libsys A Nd Koha.
Shivakumar, T., & Kemparaju, T. D. (2018). Awareness and Adoption of Open Source Software among Library and Information Science Professionals of Engineering Colleges of Karnataka: A Survey. Pearl: A Journal of Library and Information Science, 12, 360-371.
Vera, A.N., & Edore, A.T. (2015). Assessment and Evaluation of KOHA ILS for Online Library Registration at University of Jos, Nigeria.