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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