Web 2.0 describes World Wide Web websites that emphasize user-generated content, usability (ease of use, even by non-experts), and interoperability (this means that a website can work well with other products, systems and devices) for end users. The term was popularized by Tim O'Reilly. Social networking sites like facebook, twitter, etc. are result of web 2.0.

1. Impact of Social networking/Web 2.0
features in Library management
software
By
Dr. Saptarshi Ghosh
University of North Bengal
West Bengal - 734013
Email : sghosh@nbu.ac.in

2. What is web 2.0 ?
Web 2.0 describes World Wide Web websites that
emphasize user-generated content, usability (ease of use,
even by non-experts), and interoperability (this means
that a website can work well with other products, systems
and devices) for end users. The term was popularized by
Tim O'Reilly. Social networking sites like facebook,
twitter, etc. are result of web 2.0

3. What is Koha ?
 Koha is a full featured Integrated Library System
(ILS). there is no cost for the license, you have the
freedom to modify the product to adapt it to your
needs, etc.
 Developed initially in New Zealand by Katipo
Communications with Horowhenua Library Trust.
 It is currently maintained by a dedicated team of
software providers and library technology staff
from around the globe.

4. Why Koha?
 Stable Technologies: Koha is tested and has demonstrated
both stability and scalability, used in thousands of libraries
worldwide.
 Sharing Technologies: The libraries involve in using Koha
share their expertise in terms of technical man power and
development of solutions fits to many libraries.
 Support: Koha source code is open which is developed and
supported by many libraries so it can be modified as and when
require. Therefore its development does not depend on single
vendor as in case of proprietary ILMS.
 Cost : Since it is open source software so it does not involve
any cost
 Up gradation: Koha is frequently upgraded with latest
technologies and provide better solutions in comparison to
commercial software's.

5. Koha Feature
 A full featured modern integrated library software (ILS).
 Award winning and free/Open-source Software.(no license fee).
 OS independent any operating system. Linux, Unix, Mac.
 Web-based Interfaces.
 Full MARC21 and UNIMARC support for cataloguing.
 Multilingual and multi-user support.
 Library-Standards-Compliant. industrial standards & protocols.
 Z39.50 server.
 Customizable web based opac.
 Online reservation, renewal, purchase suggestions etc.
 Full catalogue, circulation, acquisitions, Serial management etc.
 Major industry-standard database MYSQL.
 Print barcode and patron cards.
 Export and import records in MARC Format

6. Koha Modules
K

7. Web 2.0 Feature In Koha
Tagging
Comment
Star Rating
Sharing content on social medias
RSS Feed
List Creation

8. Tagging
Tag is a keyword or term assigned to a piece of
information (such as an Internet bookmark, digital
image, computer file, books etc). This kind of metadata
helps describe an item and allows it to be found again
by browsing or searching. This method of assigning
keywords may be also called as social tagging,
collaborative tagging, social indexing, or social
classification and in Library science it is referred as
folksonomy.

9. Tagging in Koha

10. Comment In Koha
The Koha ILMS provide an option to comment on the
individual library materials which may be helpful for the
librarians and users to properly evaluate or consult the
books.

11. Star Rating in Koha
In Koha users can give rating to library Items i.e. books,
journals, audio-visual materials etc. Users have to login
for the rating of any library material then they can click on
the any of the start out of five, it will reflect total counting
of voting/person given rating to that particular library
material in two different formats (Simple search page and
item detail page).

12. List creation in Koha
List creation is one of the main features/module of Koha
ILMS which gives lot of freedom to all library users as
well as librarians to create their list of readings, display
new arrivals weekly, etc.

13. Social Network Sharing button in Koha
Now a day’s almost all website provide an option to share
their products or website pages on various social
networking websites for popularity and sharing their ideas
with group of peoples on their social networking websites.
Koha has the same feature through which one can share
particular item on various social medias.

14. RSS Feed in Koha
Koha provides excellent feature of RSS in on top of all
search result and lists created by users like new arrival
list, list of individual interest etc. These RSS feed link can
be copied in any feed reader to get the latest updated about
addition of library resources in the concerns subject
interest etc.

15. Conclusion
The above Web 2.0 and social networking features in Koha
ILMS reflects that these technologies are greatly influences
every aspect of human life and libraries are not the
exception. Similar to many product selling online websites
Library management software’s are now also trying to
incorporate such features for better review and selection of
library resources for the end users. Therefore all traditional
library ILMS must switch over to modern software solutions
as per the user requirements for better visibility and social
recognition among users. Software vendors and all such
open source solutions should incorporate the features as
per the latest trends. Librarians must select the software
which provides the above features and ability to
incorporate latest technologies in future as per the
popularity and demand.

16. Koha Resources :
 http://koha-community.org/ (Koha community website)
 http://koha-community.org/documentation/ (Koha
manuals)
 http://koha-community.org/support/ (Koha free and paid
supports)
 http://mishravk.com (My website)
Any Suggestions/Questions