1. Use of Open Source Software in Libraries for
Automation and Networking
By
Ashok Kumar Satapathy
Asst. Librarian, Library Head,
International Management Institute (IMI),
IDCO Plot No. 1, Gothapatna, Malipada,
Bhubaneswar – 750 003,
E-mail: ashoksatapathy@yahoo.com
KVS, No.1, Bhubaneswar 15.09.2012

2. To be discussed…
Introduction
Why Open Source Software
Scope
Objectives
Open Source Software in Libraries
Historical developments of OSS
NewGenLib
NewGenLib and its Features
Conclusion

3. INTRODUCTION
Library is dedicated to provide accurate & in-
time services to its user.
The motto of the library is to serve the users
community pro-actively.
 In order to attain the needs of the users, library
has to implement techno-economic products to
improve the service quality.
OSS is a societal product & a gratis of gift for
LIS professionals to meet the call of the ICT age.
 Avoiding proprietary software and adapting
OSS is a challenge faced by the organizations as
well as the LIS professionals in the contemporary
ICT era.

4. “WHY” OPEN SOURCE
SOFTWARE
There are gamut of commercial Automation
Packages were available in the market, but adapting
OSS is a challenging job for LIS professionals.
It is unanimously comprehend that, OSS support the
financial and techno-economical aspect of any
organization.
How the LIS professionals take the advantage of this
Open Source Movement and prove themselves as pro-
active and efficient.
Before implementation we should have a complete
feasibility study over the concept of Open Source
Software, there support and popularity, etc.

5. SCOPE
Much earlier the movement has been
started;
We professionals should do our
responsibility to prove our innate
professionalism and support the
financial backbone of any organization.
Support will not provided; it will be
generated and circulated by request.

6. OBJECTIVES
Provide techno-economical support to the
organization and achieve the target of
professionalism as a LIS professional.
Identify the information collection, organize,
store and retrieve the digital forms of
bibliographic information.
Sharing your experience on OSS with other
professionals to work over it and take the
advantages of the emerging Free/OSS trends.

7. Open Source Software in Libraries
At present various OSS available in the
market (society) specific for library. For
example:
OS: Linux (Ubuntu, fedora, etc.)
Apache: Web-server software;
OpenOffice: Office suit like MS Office;
Library Automation Packages: NewGenLib, KOHA,
Open Biblio, etc.
Library Digitation Package (Digital Library): Dspace,
Green Stone, E-Prints, etc.
Web Designing: Joomla, Drupal, etc. & Lots more…

8. Historical developments of OSS
One of the earliest research institute to use and study
computers was the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT). During 1958 the Artificial
Intelligence (AI) lab was founded and became one of
the birthplace of computer science & computer
culture.
During 1960 a subculture was developed among the
computer professional hobbyist to programming and
studying these machine. They called themselves
Hackers. This community develop the culture of
sharing. Important values of the community were
freedom, intelligence, technical skills, and interest in
the possibilities of the computers while secrecy and

9. Philosophy of OSS
The Open Source Philosophy says
• Free to run the software for any purpose;
• Free to modify the software to suit their
needs;
• Free to redistribute of the software gratis
or for a fee;
• Free to distribute modified versions of the
software;

10. NewGenLib
NewGenLib is an integrated library management
system developed by Verus Solutions Pvt Ltd. Domain
expertise is provided by Kesavan Institute of Information
and Knowledge Management, Hyderabad, India.
It became an open source product under GNU GPL in
January 2008.
All modules like acquisitions, serials management,
cataloging, circulation, and OPAC, etc. were web based.
Java in frontend and back-end database as
PostgreSQL.

11. FEATURES OF NGL
Freedom: Available under GNU GPL;
Functional modules are completely web based;
Supports international standards such as
MARC-21, AACR-2, UNICODE, XML and Dublin
Core;
Allow multilingual data entry, storage and
retrieval in Indian languages;
Use mostly open source components, Scalable,
manageable and efficient;
z39.50 Client for federated searching;
OS independent – NGL can run on Windows
and Linux platform
Contd…

12. RFID integration;
Networking – Hierarchical and Distributed
networks;
Email/SMS/instant messaging/twitter/Android
compatible is the special functions of the software;
Form letters are configurable and use XML-based
OpenOffice templates;
Extensive use of set-up parameters enabling easy
configuration of the software to suit specific
needs, e.g. in defining patron privileges;
Supports multi-user and multiple security levels

13. NGL INTRAFACE

14. OPAC

15. Relevant Links
• http://www.verussolutions.biz/web/
• http://sourceforge.net/
• http://oss-watch.ac.uk
• http://oss4lib.org/

16. CONCLUSION
NewGenLib is free to all. The existence of the software is
possible due to the professional challenges and day to day
developmental activities of the developer community. NGL is an
integrated library automation package, all modules are
comprehensive and compatible. The package was tested locally,
since last 5 years and implemented as many as 4 to 5 reputed
academic institutions in Odisha.
It is a challenging aspect for adoption of OSS and its
development as a LIS professional. The concept of open culture,
welcome all the professionals to render their active participation
& contribute for the development of professionalism and
professional output.
NewGenLib developer community provides online as well as off
line support for training, technical help, and annual maintenance
etc. Be a part of the open source movement and enhance the
excellence of professionalism.