READIT - 2009 - Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research

Proceedings of READIT-2009, Kalpakkam - 603 102, 29-30 Dec 2009
and better serve current ones through improved customer-driven offerings. Each component
by itself is a step toward better serving our users; however, it is through the combined
implementation of all of these that we can reach Library 2.0. Technology can help libraries
create a customer-driven, 2.0 environment.
Web 2.0 technologies have played a significant role in our ability to keep up with the
changing needs of library users. Technological advances in the past several years have
enabled libraries to create new services that before were not possible, such as virtual
reference, personalized OPAC interfaces, or downloadable media that library customers can
use in the comfort of their own homes. This increase in available technologies gives libraries
the ability to offer improved, customer-driven service opportunities (12).
OPEN SOURCE SOLUTIONS TO LIBRARIES
Open Source library management systems have been available for nearly a decade
now. Reviews of open source systems have moved from cautious to optimistic. During this
time they have gradually evolved in both functionality and stability to the point where they
are credible alternatives to commercial systems and in some cases provide a framework for
earlier adoption of Web 2.0 features than might be otherwise available through commercial
products (Breeding, 2008). The evolution of open source Library Management has been
energized by the Library 2.0 era. Other software that facilitates communication between
librarians and their clients has emerged with the second generation of internet software - the
Web 2.0 and Library 2.0. Web 2.0 capitalises on the internet framework to provide means for
online collaboration, networking and communication. This communication is facilitated by
the availability of tools which make sharing and distribution of content and information
easier, including community and tagging systems, and mashups using web services.
Being the oldest multi-branch open source LMS, the latest version of Koha (version
3) has a rich set of features the architecture, based on PERL, MYSQL and Apache is stable in
a Linux environment, and the recent release of Koha3 brings a more stable framework for
Windows also. The opening of the catalogue to library client participation is a phenomenon
of Web 2.0 more specific to the library environment. The ability for end users to create
"virtual shelves" in Koha, and the extension to enable features such as tagging and to create
user-generated RSS feeds based on library catalogue data is part of a general trend to "open
up" the catalogue to end user participation.
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