Open source in libraries: Implementation of an open source ILMS at Asia e-University library

Open source systems for libraries have improved significantly to gain the confidence of librarians. The main focus of the paper is to describe the selection process and criteria that led to the implementation of Koha the first open source Integrated Library Management System at the AeU Library. A study was made based on the set criteria used to compare and contrast with the more popular propriety library management systems. The paper presents the findings of the study which led to the selection of Koha, and a brief introduction to features of open source systems for libraries. The reasoning and conditions for accepting Koha are discussed. A brief account of the implementation process and related experience of the open source ILMS are given. AeU library implemented the various modules of the system: cataloging, online public access (OPAC), circulation, patron management and acquisitions. The expanding influence and acceptance of OSS in libraries is here to stay. Malaysian libraries may need to look into the credible options and benefits of utilizing open source systems and harness this development in ILS

Open Source Integrated Library Systems in Public Libraries

One of the most fundamental decisions a library makes is choosing an integrated library system, or ILS. A public library can remove unwanted outside influence and save money by switching their ILS to free and open source software, or FOSS. This article is an examination of the progress made by FOSS ILSs to become not only contenders against proprietary systems, but also an appropriate choice for financial, functional, and philosophical reasons. Included is a timeline of published evaluations, the milestone of 14% adoption, a summary of the current landscape, and example implementation cases. A functional analysis shows why a public library can now safely make the switch. A philosophical analysis shows why they should do so. Finally, a proposal is made to “Buy Back America’s Libraries, and return ownership of the keystone of our public information infrastructure to the people

Comparing Koha and Software for University Libraries (SOUL): A Comprehensive Analysis of Their Functional Modules

In the ever-evolving landscape of library management systems, the choice of the most suitable solution can significantly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of a library\u27s daily operations. This in-depth practical analysis compares the key functional modules of two prominent contenders, Koha and SOUL 3.0, providing valuable insights for librarians and decision-makers in their selection process. Koha, an open-source Integrated Library System (ILS), offers a flexible, cost-effective platform with extensive modules for libraries of varying sizes. SOUL 3.0, a commercial system, focuses on innovation and seamless integration, emphasizing user experience and efficiency. The analysis delves into their hardware and software requirements, core modules such as acquisition, cataloguing, circulation, and more, and highlights their strengths and unique offerings. By understanding the features and implications of each system, libraries can make informed decisions to optimize resource management, improve user experiences, and embrace a more vibrant and technologically adept future

Usability of library management software: An evaluation of the learnability of circulation module in service delivery in Federal University Libraries in Nigeria

The study evaluated the learnability of circulation module of Library Management Software (LMS) used in service delivery in Federal University Libraries in Nigeria. Quasi experimental method was adopted for the study. The study evaluated the learnability of circulation module. Purposive sampling technique was adopted to select 40 participating users for the study from a population of 385 library staff consisting of librarians and para- professional staff. Observation was used as instruction to collect data for the study. Results indicated that SLAM (66.36%,), Alexandria (58.38%) and NewGenLib (65.69%) circulation modules were at acceptable region, but the level of acceptability was low due to usability issues with registration templates and features. The study recommended that registration templates and features should be improved when developing newer version in order to achieve maximal performance within a short time. Keywords: Circulation, Evaluation, Learnability, Library management software, Usability

Crime Story in the Macedonian Printed Daily Newspapers

The paper examines the media coverage of crime in the Macedonian printed newspapers and the way in which certain circumstances related to the offender, the victim and the crime are depicted. The content analysis is based on quantitative and qualitative data collected from the media articles within three-month period by using written coding instrument.The main findings indicate that there are different approaches to and prioritization of criminal offences worth publishing in daily newspapers. The latter exhibit uneven representation of violent compared to property crimes, which means that the former crimes compared to property felonies, although less frequent in occurrence, note higher representation in part of the newspapers. In addition, differences according to the place of crimes commission are noticed between media in Macedonian and Albanian. Albanian media tend to emphasize crime perpetrated in areas where majority population is of Albanian origin compared to other major municipalities in the country. In this way, one gets the impression that these areas are incomparably much more burdened with crime, which makes them less safe than other major municipalities.The findings relate only to media texts published in the printed newspapers on the research topic and to the classifications and definitions contained in criminal laws. Therefore, in-depth analysis on crime news depiction, not only in printed media, but also in electronic media in general, and at the web portals, in particular is challenging for scholars. This will bring new scientific insight into Macedonian criminological critical thoughts related to the role and meaning of the media and their discourse in construction of crime and criminality

Ensuring Māori student success and inclusion of te aō Māori through initial teacher education

Teacher commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi is emphasised within the latest Code of Professional Responsibility and Standards for the Teaching Profession (Education Council, 2017). Teachers must explicitly demonstrate commitment to tangata whenuatanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. This mandate is encouraging for Māori education needs and aspirations. We describe the use of a culturally sustaining teacher practice framework to examine Māori education policy implementation implications within an initial teacher education te ao Māori course. We explain how course content, delivery and assessment aspects can be critiqued and policy implications identified to illustrate the usefulness of the framework for teacher educators and practising teachers. We demonstrate how the framework can be a useful tool for teacher educators to examine culturally sustaining practice in preparing themselves and student teachers to work effectively with indigenous learners

Reasons for Integrated Library Systems (ILS) switching in Nigerian University Libraries

This study sought to determine the reasons for switching ILS among Nigerian university libraries. A qualitative research approach using multiple case study design was used to gain a better understanding of the problem; purposive sampling technique was used to select the participants. Interview was the instrument used for data collection, and the researcher conducted five interviews with five (5) participants from university libraries across the geo-political zones of Nigeria. Data were collected from June 2016 through July 2016. The analysis of data was done using themes derived from the objectives of the study. Findings revealed that delay in getting vendors support to fix ILS problems, some ILS have limited storage space to accommodate large data, crashing and data loss, and political considerations, were some of the reasons given by Nigerian  University Libraries for switching ILS. The study, therefore, recommended among others that Nigerian university libraries should conduct adequate and thorough feasibility study based on the peculiar needs of their libraries before selecting the appropriate library software, libraries should adoptand deploy open source ILS which are more cost effective and easier to maintain rather than buying proprietary ILS which were developed based on US and UK standards and which might not fit their needs. The study concluded that the switching over from one ILS to another by NUL studied is too frequent. The frequency of change is associated with lack of proper feasibility study and knowledge involved in determining the implications of frequent switching on the libraries. Keywords: Reasons, Integrated Library Systems (ILS), Switching, Nigerian University Librarie