Re: [LIS-Forum] Regarding SOUL 2.0 V/s Open Source Software

Dr. Gupta, I agree that librarians should not be programmers. Have you considered open source AND professional IT support? I don't think there is any need to go backward in terms of software. It is possible to get the quality, innovation, no vendor lock-in, cost benefits of open source with the service quality and security that commercial software vendors offer. For instance we offer a shared hosted Koha instance starting at just Rs. 7,500 per year. This price includes hosting, hardware & software AMC, librarian helpdesk, technology helpdesk, nightly backup etc. I will be very happy to work with you or anybody else on this list to help automate libraries around the country at affordable prices. Thanks, Savitra Sirohi Nucsoft OSS Labs http://www.osslabs.biz

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Dr Pawan Kumar Gupta Date: 2009/3/22 Subject: Re: [LIS-Forum] Regarding SOUL 2.0 V/s Open Source Software To: forum@ncsi.iisc.ernet.in Cc: pku@nic.in, "Dr. Jagdish Arora"

Dear Upadhyay and other friends,

I share the views expressed (by Upadhyay and a few others thinking in line with him).

This is not the job of a librarian to simply move in to the area of programmer. If we are not supposed to be electrician, a sweeper, an engineers, or a doctor; where is the problem if we are not a programmer.

We should be able to understand the language of the programmer like other professions, we should be able to express our needs effectively and hire the services of programmers.

It would be better if we devote our selves in understanding lib & inf sc better, as compared to using our major part of the time in understanding code of open source software. We should use available helpful semi-commercial (like SOUL, hardly a cost in comparison to other commercial software), or if we wish to and can afford commercial software like LIBSYS and so on rather than start understanding the code for OSS.

"If they could have used even CDS/ISIS or an MS ACCESS database for data entry at least 60% work could have been over in terms of automation." is a perfect view. i have devoted some time in counselling in IGNOU programmes etc. And with regular interactions with LIS personnel, especially in Rajasthan, I am of the firm view that given the manpower and infrastructure, and keeping in view the finances available with majority of college and public libraries they should go with something like WINISIS for generating their catalogue and afford effective searching for their patrons. Now with SOUL, not a costly software, and regular support from INFLIBNET (already the improved free replacement with SOUL 2 available), small and medium sized libraries should go for such products.

We need to automate all libraies with the means available at our disposal. People in the profession having a better understanding should devote to "migration, data conversion or enterprise integrating those softwares solutions" used by various libraries.

Nicely written Mr Upadhyay, needs to be applauded. With best wishes.

2009/3/16 Upadhyay P K

 Dear professionals,

...

My view regarding open source solution vs proprietary are as follows.

1. There are ceratin myths about open source softwares. It is a good topic of discussion and academic study and reserch.  But the moment we try to implement, problems arise out. Of course in any new implementation/change, there are problems. People are the most important component in any solution , open source or closed source.

2. Total cost of ownership(TCO) is high in case of open source solution. If you consider the Software installation, server setup, training, AMC, hosting, security, follow-up, customization the cost will be high.  In relation to the total implementation, cost of software is negligible. We should not be worry about the open or closed softwares, our motive should be Proper Information Systems Solution. The management and parent organization never stop if a good proposal with time bound implementation is put for financial approval. Government of India has allocated Rs 23000 crore for eGovernance during 11th Plan . Many of the organizations are not able to spend their ICT bugdet or sometime spend anyhow.

3. In India we are fighting for the softwares and codes developed by Western Countries- both Open Source tools, OS, Systems Softwares and majority of the open source softwares( for example Windows, Linux, .NET, JAVA, IIS, Apache, etc). They are developing and launching these projects, and in developping countries including India we are not able to decide which software are to be used. Althogh we should appreciate the efforts of NEWGENLIB team from India and many Open Technology Centres have been started.

4. Only people are talking in fashion of open source, freedom of owning , because it seems free but it's not if you talk of total solution. It has become a fashion to talk  of RFID, SmartCard, Web 2.0, Social Networking, MARC, UNICODE, Mobile OPAC, Digital Libraries, etc, even if there is no basic infrastructure like latest hardware, networking infrastructure, web hosting , data entry plan, etc.

5. Earlier also there were almost free software like CDS/ISIS from UNESCO, DELPLUS from DELNET(with only Rs 7500 or so), SOUL for college university from INFLIBNET (with Rs 50000),  but libraries did not utilize the opportunity. Majority of libraries does not have capability to understand simple codes of HTML and changing their logo in the software. Actually LIS professionals are not supposed to be programmers. They should be information systems manager.

6. Unless somebody takes responsibility of support or stamps the product, it  is not advisable to use the open source softwares . It may be security problem.

7. I  have experience of regularly interacting with many big organizations and libraries throughout India that are struggling in selecting the LMS softwares since many years. They have not yet started Data Entry of books.  If they could have used even CDS/ISIS or an MS ACCESS database for data entry at least 60% work could have been over in terms of automation.

8  Some libraries I have seen, are not able to publish their OPAC on Internet and maintaning database on local LAN machine. They have used many open source softwares of LMS, Digital Library, Repository learnt in different forums and training programmes. But when question comes of migration, data conversion or enterprise integrating those softwares solutions, they need huge money and running here and there.

9. There are around 5 lakh libraries in the country including schools, hardly 10% of these may be automated  using Library Management Softwares. We have to make them automated using open source or closed  at the earliest. Here all the stakeholders are required to join and contribute. Only talking of open or closed will not be sufficient.

10. My point in discussing these issues  is not to discard the open source softwares, but more of providing the right kind Information Systems solution in totality for Indian libraries. Of course there is open revolution throghout world .

with regards

P K Upadhyay NIC , Delhi

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