Role of Free & Open Source Softwares(FOSS) in Library

Automation and Management

Dr. Rupak Chakravarty                           Assistant Professor Dept. of Library & Information SciencePanjab University, Chandigarh 160014.

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Softwares

Software means computer instructions or data. Anything that can be stored electronically is software, in contrast to storage devices and display devices which are called hardware.

Software is generally divided into systems software and applications software.

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Softwares

Applications software comprises programs designed for an end user, such as word processors, database systems, and spreadsheet programs

System software (or systems software) is computer software designed to operate and control the computer hardware and to provide a platform for running application software. (Eg. Operating System)

Free Softwares

The softwares which are free to used by the end users are called free softwares.

There is no guarantee regarding the availability of free softwares.

But very useful for the end user as payment is not involved.

Open Source Softwares - OSS

Open source software is software that can be freely used, changed, and shared (in modified or unmodified form) by anyone.

Open source software is made by many people, and distributed under licenses that comply with the Open Source Definition.

Open-source software (OSS) is computer software with its source code made available and licensed with a license in which the copyright holder provides the rights to study, change and distribute the software to anyone and for any purpose.

OSS• The top four reasons (as provided by Open

Source Business Conference survey) individuals or organizations choose open source software are:– lower cost,– security,– no vendor 'lock in', and– better quality.

Free VS Open Source Softwares

• Software is given free.• Developed by one or a

few individuals or an organization.

• May or may not be updated

• Individual efforts• May put price tag• New features may not

be available

• Software + source code (program is freely distributed)

• Collaborative development.

• Updated• Collaborative effort• Always free• New versions with

improved features

Categories

Free

Paid (commercial

Open Source

Free/Open Source (FOSS)

EXAMPLES

Free Application Softwares

EXAMPLES

Open Source Softwares

Library Automation

• Automation means – doing tasks with the help of tools, devices, machines, softwares

with • minimum human input with accuracy and

speedwithout

• Compromising with quality

Library Automation

Automation enhances

efficiency,

effectiveness,

Productivity

Timeliness

Quality

Customer satisfaction

Library Automation

Library Automation fulfils all the laws (five) of Library Science.

Ensures reader satisfaction

Simplifies staff routine work

Library Automation Softwares

Library Automation Softwares

Paid: LibSys, Virtua, SLIM, Liberty, etc

Open Source Softwares: KOHA, NewGenLib

Subsidized: SOUL from INFLIBNET

Free Distribution (Govt.): E-Granthalaya

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