Free Open Source Softwares FOSS)

1. Role of Free & Open Source
Softwares(FOSS) in Library
Automation and Management
Dr. Rupak Chakravarty
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Library & Information Science
Panjab University,
Chandigarh 160014.

2. 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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3. 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)
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4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. Categories
Free
Paid (commercial
Open Source
Free/Open Source (FOSS)

9. Free Application Softwares
EXAMPLES

14. Open Source Softwares
EXAMPLES

19. Library Automation
• Automation means – doing tasks with the help
of tools, devices, machines, softwares
with
• minimum human input with accuracy and
speed
without
• Compromising with quality

20. Library Automation
Automation enhances
efficiency,
effectiveness,
Productivity
Timeliness
Quality
Customer satisfaction

21. Library Automation
Library Automation fulfils all the laws
(five) of Library Science.
Ensures reader satisfaction
Simplifies staff routine work

22. Library Automation Softwares

23. Library Automation Softwares
Paid: LibSys, Virtua, SLIM, Liberty, etc
Open Source Softwares:
KOHA, NewGenLib
Subsidized: SOUL from INFLIBNET
Free Distribution (Govt.): E-Granthalaya

24. Continued…
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