Comparative Study for Assessment of Koha and SLIMS Features in Public Sector College Libraries of Sindh

The core aim of the study was to assess KOHA and SLiMS features in Government College Libraries of Sindh. The objectives of the study were (a) to explore the reasons of Koha and SLiMS adoption and (b) to recognize the problems face by library professionals in the implementation of Koha and SLiMS. To meet the objectives, the study used a quantitative research approach and the survey method based on the questionnaire. Purposive sampling technique was used. The data was gathered only from those librarians who were working in Govt Colleges of Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur and were using Koha or SLiM software for the purpose of library automation. The response was received from 73 librarians out of 97. This study found that libraries were adopting Koha because Koha provided search facility for copy cataloguing through Z39.50, Koha provides multilingual support. It has popularity among professional community. It provides MARC21 standard for cataloguing and provision of discovery features. This study discovered that libraries adopted SLiMS due to availability of Web OPAC, MARC21 standard for cataloguing, multilingual support, and search facility for copy cataloguing through Z39.50. The study highlighted that library professionals encountered problems during the implementation of Koha included shortage of skilled manpower to install and maintain the software, shortage of finance for hardware requirement, and up-gradation of Koha versions development of software. The present study reported that requirement of highly networked and integrated environment, up gradation of SLiMS versions, support issues of UTF-8 languages, and shortage of finance for hardware requirement were the major problems in the implementation of SLiMS software

Open-Source and Proprietary Library Automation Software: A Comparative Academic Librarian's Perspective

The purpose of this study was to get an understanding of how academic librarians perceive open-source and proprietary library software. The researchers used a survey research approach and a self-constructed questionnaire as data collection tool. The study targeted 103 library professionals working at HEC-recognized degree awarding institutions (DAIs) and universities in Lahore, both public and private sectors, yielding an 84% response rate. To meet research objectives, descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Study findings explored that library software should have the facility of advanced searching, library standards, and a user-friendly interface. Comparative analysis revealed that open-source library software contains more modules and requires highly skilled employees. On the other hand, human resources with minor skills can use proprietary software. Factors that prevent adopting OSS for academic libraries include a lack of technical support, skilled and motivated library professionals, inadequate cooperation between supervisors and subordinates, and insufficient training opportunities. Experienced library professionals should guide and offer full cooperation in the selection and implementation of software. Library schools and associations should play a decisive role through school curriculum and professional development programs in preparing graduates and practitioners for embracing modern technologies. Open-source software developers should also organize training programs for software users to work independently in libraries

Challenges Faced by Library Professionals Regarding Adoption and Uses of KOHA: A Study of Dr. Mahmud Husain Library University of Karachi, Pakistan

This study investigated the challenges faced by Library professionals regarding adoption and uses of Koha in Dr. Mahmud Husain library. This paper aims to describe current status of library software being used in DMHL (University of Karachi) and highlights the issues and challenges that are being faced by professionals regarding implementation of Koha. A survey has been conducted among the professional staff of the library to collect the required data. Survey was consisting of interviews of professionals with written questionnaire. Findings shows the majority of professionals are satisfied to implement Koha but some major issues like lack of latest equipment, lack of supervision, maintenance cost, lack of technical help lack of funds are needed to address immediately to improve system and service. The article will guide decision makers in the planning of library automation and also can develop the understanding regarding Koha among professionals

Challenges Faced by Library Professionals Regarding Adoption and Uses of KOHA: A Study of Dr.Mahmud Husain Library University of Karachi, Pakistan

This study investigated the challenges faced by Library professionals regarding adoption and uses of Koha in Dr. Mahmud Husain library. This paper aims to describe current status of library software being used in DMHL (University of Karachi) and highlights the issues and challenges that are being faced by professionals regarding implementation of Koha. A survey has been conducted among the professional staff of the library to collect the required data. Survey was consisting of interviews of professionals with written questionnaire. Findings shows the majority of professionals are satisfied to implement Koha but some major issues like lack of latest equipment, lack of supervision, maintenance cost, lack of technical help lack of funds are needed to address immediately to improve system and service. The article will guide decision makers in the planning of library automation and also can develop the understanding regarding Koha among professionals

Community Libraries in the Capital of Pakistan: current status, issues, and perspectives

The aim of this study was to explore the status, collection, and challenges of community libraries in the capital of Pakistan. A purposive sampling technique was used for data collection from 12librarians/library in-charges working in these community libraries. This study found that the collection of reading materials in the community libraries was between 4000 to 7000 and offered Web-OPAC, interlibrary loan, books borrow services. These libraries have proper websites, classified books, adequate sitting arrangements, and a heating and cooling system to support the community. Though, these libraries were facing some major challenges such as lack of sufficient funds, lack of training opportunities for LIS, old library building, lack of attention of Government, and non-availability of electronic resources. Similarly, uncomfortable furniture and lack of knowledge about new library trends among librarians were the major obstacles in the effective utilization of community libraries in the capital of Pakistan. Through reliable research work, the findings of this study highlight certain recommendations for developing these community libraries into learning resource centers that could support truly the information needs of the community at large

Open Source Software for Integrated Library System : Relative Appropriatness in the Indian Context

Libraries in all fields of human activity are involved in collection, preservation, management, and effective distribution of information that determines the quality of development in concerned sectors including that of higher education and research. Now information is flooding and along with that the recorded information to be managed; which necessitates automation of libraries to make the information stored in their collections useful and retrievable. Hitherto the cost of commercial packages for automation has prevented millions of libraries from using those tools. The recent emergence of Open Source Software has drastically reduced the cost of automation as well provided tools for new and innovative information services. The present research work focuses on comparative study of library automation packages with stress to appropriateness of Open Source Integrated Library Systems (OSILS) for countries like India. Study is based on a survey among library professionals from India using commercial and OSILS packages. The sample users belong to 601 libraries covering university, college, school, special and research libraries using any one of the integrated library systems. Packages covered is limited to the software /versions used in India. The survey found that features users of library automation packages consider are cost effectiveness, technical infrastructure, staff skills, software functionality and the availability of support, documentation and community. Study revealed that OSILS provides technological freedom and so is changing the landscape of library automation. Survey found Koha to be most popular in India. Suggests solutions to improve the situation. Few recommendations are provided to help libraries to choose suitable OSILS by understanding their advantages. Opines that being an attractive alternative to costly commercial package for any type of libraries OSILS, which is free to experiment and easy to use and customize for local requirements needs to be promoted in Indian libraries

Factors Influencing the Acceptance and Use of Koha Library Software in Academic Libraries of Uganda Introduction and Background of the Study

Purpose: The study aimed at investigating factors that influence acceptance of Koha Integrated Library System (ILS) and its use in academic libraries of Uganda. Design/methodology/approach: The study was based on descriptive crosssectional survey design. A representative sample of 103 was used out of the target population of 140, comprising academic librarians and ICT personnel from four academic libraries in Uganda. Structured self-completion questionnaire, semi-structured interviews and observations were used in data collection. A success response level of 78% of the questionnaires sent out was realized. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS software; to establish the significance level of the factors influencing Koha acceptance. Research limitation(s): Non-academic libraries and patrons were not part of the study population. Key finding(s): The findings from the study indicate that nine factors influence acceptance of Koha in selected academic libraries of Uganda. These include productivity, ease of use, free and open source nature of Koha, peer pressure, availability of resources, domain knowledge, awareness, anxiety and computer literacy levels. Four factors were moderating variable namely age, gender, level of education and experience. System productivity had the highest mean score of 4.20 and the least ranked factor was peer pressure with a mean score of 3.12. Practical implication(s): The study has paved way for academic librarians and managers wishing to adopt Koha in regard to the core system attributes. Contribution to knowledge: The study has contributed new knowledge in the aspect of ascertaining the factors that influence acceptance of Koha in academic libraries of Uganda, specifically system productivity, ease of use. The contribution can act as a basis for further studies

A study on the implementation of KOHA cataloguing module in Malaysian academic libraries

The study explores the experiences of the Malaysian academic libraries’ cataloguers in their use of the cataloguing module of Koha Open Source Software (OSS). The purpose of this study is to shed light on issues concerning Koha cataloguing module and the local practices in policy and procedure while utilising the module. An exploratory sequential research design was adopted for the study involving an online focus group interview and a questionnaire survey as the data collection techniques. Twenty-two academic libraries from public and private universities in Malaysia were purposively sampled. A total of six academic libraries participated in the focus group, whereas 41 participants took part in the survey. The study highlighted academic libraries in Malaysia embrace Koha for two main reasons - popularity as and OSS and budget constraints for a proprietary library system. The findings of the study revealed that missing records is a significant issue that cataloguers will have to deal with and there is a lack of certain features available in the Koha cataloging module, such as the label creator and search feature. Apart from that, using Koha for cataloguing does not affect the cataloguing practices in terms of policy, but it does affect the cataloguing procedure. Satisfaction level with Koha cataloguing module is high. Other academic libraries in Malaysia that have not yet made a move to Koha or are in the midst of doing so would benefit from this study

Persepsi Pemustaka pada Layanan Penelusuran Koleksi melalui Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) dalam Sistem Informasi KOHA di Perpustakaan Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta

Penerapan teknologi informasi dalam perpustakaan tidak lepas dari penilaian pemustaka sebagai pengguna. Melalui persepsi pemustaka akan membuat perpustakaan memperbaiki kualitas pelayanananya untuk memenuhi harapan pemustaka, sehingga penting layanan penelusuran koleksi melalui OPAC dalam sistem informasi KOHA di nilai oleh pemustaka. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi bagaimana Persepsi Pemustaka terhadap Penelusuran Koleksi melalui OPAC dalam Sistem Informasi KOHA di Perpustakaan Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah kualitatif dengan pendekatan fenomenologi. Teknik pengambilan data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan observasi dan wawancara semi terstruktur. Informan dipilih dengan menggunakan purposive sampling. Informan dalam penelitian ini terdiri dari 8 pemustaka. Data yang terkumpul kemudian dianalisis dengan menggunakan Thematic Analysis. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa pemustaka memiliki persepsi yang baik pada OPAC dalam sistem informasi KOHA di Perpustakaan UMS, sebagaimana pemustaka memperoleh pengetahuan terkait OPAC dari pustakawan Perpustakaan UMS yang kemudian memunculkan motif untuk memanfaatkan OPAC terlebih dahulu sebelum pada rak koleksi. Hal ini menjadikan pemustaka memiliki perilaku penelusuran yang efektif dengan memanfaatkan OPAC melalui website Perpustakaan UMS, sehingga pemustaka memiliki kesan baik pada layanan penelusuran koleksi melalui OPAC di Perpustakaan UMS

6th International Conference on Libraries (ICOL) 2017 “Towards Lean Libraries”

The International Conference on Libraries (ICOL2017) held in Penang, Malaysia on 2-3 August 2017, was the sixth international ICOL conference, a once-every-two-years opportunity that provides platform for participants and presenters to access the best information, discover new ideas and network with people in the profession. More than 20 abstracts submitted by interested authors, however, after being reviewed, only 18 papers have been accepted. Two accepted papers were withdrawn by their authors by the time of publishing. There were two speakers sponsored by the vendors who gave inputs on topics relevant to the conference but not included in this proceeding. A total of 14 full papers are included in this publication which covers the section of Managing Libraries; Creativity and Innovation; Right Tool at the Right Time and Improve while Reduce