The document presents an overview of the need for free/open source software, specifically focusing on Integrated Library Management Systems (ILMS) like Koha. It highlights the advantages of free software, its history, and various features, including compliance with library standards and community involvement in development. The presentation emphasizes Koha as a full-featured, web-based ILMS with numerous functionalities designed to improve library operations.

1. Vimal kumar V Asst. Librarian Asian School of Business Technopark,Trivandrum Workshop on Koha November 17, 2008 Mahatma Gandhi University Library, Kottayam

2. Presentation will cover Need for Free/Open Source software. What is Free/Open Source software? Features of free software Integrated Library Management System (ILMS) Free/Open Source ILMS Koha

3. Need for Free/Open Source software Cost of commercial software's is very high Commercial developers do not reveal the source code

4. Popular commercial ILMS Rs. 50,000 SOUL Rs. 3,50,000 Alice for WINDOWS Rs. 4,50,000 LibSys Rs. 4,50,000 Libsuite Appoximate Price Name

5. What is Free/Open Source Software? Free/Open Source software is a computer software whose source code is available under a license that permits users to use , change , and improve the software, and to redistribute it in modified or unmodified form. It is often developed in a public, collaborative manner. (Wikipedia)

6. Features of Free Software the freedom to run the program, for any purpose the freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to local needs the freedom to redistribute copies so others can benefit from the software the freedom to improve the program, and release the improved version to the public, so that the community can benefit (The Free Software Foundation)

7. Open Licenses GNU General Public License (GPL) Mozilla Public License Creative Commons BSD License Apache Software License GNU Free Documentation License

8. History of Free/Open Source Software 1984 Richard Stallman formed Free Software Foundation (FSF). 1991 Linus Torvalds developed Linux 1994 Red Hat (commercial Linux) company founded. 1998 “Open Source Initiative” was formed

9. Integrated Library Management System (ILMS) “ an automated library system that is capable of managing the operations of more than one basic library functions” -UNESCO

10. Modules of library processes in a n ILMS Acquisition Cataloguing Serial Management Circulation OPAC

11. Free/Open Source ILMS Avanthi Circulation System Emilda FireFly Koha PhpMylibrary OpenBiblio WEBLIS OpenILS PhpMyBibli GNUTECA PMB Learning Access ILS NewGenLib

12. Why Koha? Full-featured ILS Library standards compliant Web based interfaces Free software No Vendor Lock in Active development process Community decides what they want

13. History Horowhenua Library Trust Katipo Communications first deployed in January of 2000 LibLime

14. License: The GNU General Public License Developer: Horowhenua Library Trust, New Zealand Operating System: Linux, Windows, Mac Functional Modules: Acquisition Cataloguing, Circulation, Serial Control, OPAC. Home Page: www.koha.org

15. Koha features web-based OPAC, circulation and management interfaces, MARC21 and UNIMARC support, Z39.50 server, Online Reservations& Renewals, E-mail Overdue Notifications. Virtual Shelves Barcode Generator

16. Technical Requirements OS - Linux, Windows, Mac OS Programming Language- Perl Database- MySQL Webserver- Apache

17. How Koha Works? Perl Script MySQL Database Server Library Network

18. Koha Support Koha documentation Discussion forums Wiki Chat Blogs Commercial support -data migration -hosting -customization -development

19. What is your commitment? Find bugs Find usability problems Suggest new features Review and inspect source code Submit source code Writing Documentation responding to other users’ questions

20. Future of KOHA Koha 3.0 features Zebra plugin- relevance ranking, field weighting, truncation, stemming, language-specific indexing, sorting, etc. RDBMS- MySQL 5.0 Amazon.com integration spellchecking queries based on database entries patron reviews and ranking highlight search terms in results pages search history Reserves : send a mail or a SMS when a reserve is available Serials Enhancements RFID and self check out Overdue Notices and more…

21. Thank you