Abstract:
The paradigm shift emerges with the advancement of technologies in all sectors and this has shed
light on libraries to improve their services for users. In the new millennium, academic libraries tend
to use open source library management software than proprietary software due to the advantages
of managing, customizing, distributing and sharing the source code for any purpose. As there are
numerous open source library management software available, librarians are facing the challenge
of selecting the most appropriate one for their library. The objective of the study was to analyse the
selected open-source Integrated Library Software (ILS). NewGEnLib, Koha, Evergreen and
PhpMyBibli (PMB) were selected based on the usage and popularity. Through an extensive review
of literature, evaluation criteria were identified and divided into three categories; documentation,
general features and services. Under each category and each module, many sub-functions were
considered. The system designs are deferred from their development purposes, expect services and
target libraries. All have enriched variety of features and functions and they have covered
elementary library modules such as acquisition, circulation and open public access catalogue. They
also have different sub options. The capacity of the database, interfaces, licensing, user manuals,
discussion forums, versions vary from system to system. Among the studied software, Koha open
source ILS has covered more features, modules with many options and other criteria. Furthermore,
it can be used easily with or without any modifications. By conducting this evaluation process, the
study recommended that library professionals should conduct software evaluation before
implementing library automation process by considering existing library services, future
requirement and capacity of the library, users and the staff.
