NewGenLib@AIGS information center : a case study

1. NewGenLib@AIGS INFORMATION
CENTER : A CASE STUDY
By
Mrs. Sumadevi. S
Librarian
And
Mr. Umrav Singh
Librarian

2. CONTENTS
Introduction
Need for the study
Scope
Objectives
Methodology
NewGenLib
Newgenlib @AIGS LIC
Conclusion

3. INTRODUCTION
Library is service oriented as well as non-profit
organization.
The motto of the library is to serve the
community of clientele efficiently & effectively
and also satisfy the 3R’s.
 In order to attain the goals, library has to
implement the tools & technologies.
OSS is boon for LIS as well apt for meet user
needs in ICT age.
 This study reveal that NewGenLib is OSS-ILAP,
how it is worthwhile to libraries.

4. NEED FOR THE STUDY
There are several software in the field of library
and information science to automate the library
through Government and private agencies.
Even in richest countries the library having
inadequate financial problems.
Hence the open sources are helping the
librarians to automate the library.
The present study has been tried to reveal
features and characteristics of open source
package NewGenLib.

5. SCOPE
The study covers only NewGenLib using at
AIGS Library & Information Center, Bangalore.

6. OBJECTIVES
To support and achieve the goals and
objectives of the organization.
To identify the collection, organize, store
and retrieve the digital forms of information
like bibliography, digital attachments etc.
To identify and evaluate NewGenLib
software that can be helpful in automating the
library.
To provide effective and efficient service to
the organization with less budget
involvement.

7. METHODOLOGY
To meet the objectives of the above case
study we used best possible solution as
NewGeLib software for automation of our
library.
In order to achieve the objectives such as
collect, select, store, dissemination, utilize,
library resources over the network of the
organization.

8. AIGS-LIC
Acharya Institute of Graduate Studies, LIC
situated in Bangalore, Karnataka.
It was established in the year 2005.
The college offers Under Graduate and Post
Graduate Programmes.
AIGS LIC has 700 registered users with
collection of 6000 volumes of books,
subscribed 60 journals/magazines print
version, 370 CD-ROM’s including books,
journals, students projects, e-learning etc.

9. AIGS-LIC Conti……..
Library is automated with open source
software NewGenLib.
Implemented all the modules. We provide
online access to catalogue.

10. AIGS-LIC Conti……..

11. AIGS-LIC Conti……..
Apart from that user can avail the services
through central library web site, by accessing
open source literature, E-references, E-
journals, book recommendation form,
question papers, Syllabus, free online
resources to the institute user’s community.

12. AIGS-LIC Conti……..

13. OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE
Open Source software is computer software
whose source code is available under a license
that permits users to use, change, and
improve the software, and to redistribute it in
modified or unmodified form” --Wikipedia
OSS Such as Koha, NewGenlib, Evergreen
etc.

14. NewGenLib
New Generation Library Software, OSS-ILAP.
Which developed by KIIKM & VSPL in India at
2005.
It became an open source product under the
GNU GPL License in January of 2008.
All modules like acquisitions, serials
management, cataloging, circulation, and a
patron access catalog etc are web based.
It uses Java and a back-end database as
PostgreSQL.
It can be installed on Windows or Linux.

15. NewGenLib FEATURES
Freedom: Available under GNU GPL v3.
Functional modules are completely web
based.
Supports international standards such as
MARC-21, AACR-2, UNICODE, XML and Dublin
Core.
Internationalized application (I18N)
- Unicode 3.0 complaint
- Easily extensible to support other languages

16. NewGenLib FEATURES
Allow multilingual data entry, storage and
retrieval in Indian languages.
Uses chiefly open source components
Scalable, manageable and efficient
z39.50 Client for federated searching
OS independent - Windows and Linux
flavors available.

17. NewGenLib FEATURES
RFID integration
Networking – Hierarchical and Distributed
networks
Automated email/instant messaging
integrated into different functions of the
software
Form letters are configurable and use XML-
based OpenOffice templates
Extensive use of set up parameters enabling
easy configuration of the software to suit specific
needs, e.g., in defining patron privileges
Supports multi-user and multiple security
levels

18. QUALITIES OF NewGenLib
User friendly, easy to use, compatible with
international standards
WebOPAC is self instructed interface and
informative.
Allows the attachment of digital objects such
as full text in PDF or MS-Word, image files,
sound, video clips, etc., to catalogue records.

19. PROBLEMS FACED WITH NewGenLib
 NewGenLib does not consider “zero” prefix
in the beginning accession series (0001, 002),
it consider only 1,2,3 series.
 There is no field for inputting the price in
the primary cataloguing while the conversion
of retrospective bibliographical data.
 Generating barcodes in the NewGenlib is
incomplete.
 Generating reports has not integrated with
the same software, for which need to install
additional desktop war package.

20. Conti……
While generating reports all existing
file formats are not functioning
properly.
 There are hidden cost may be
experience, spending time for
monitoring.
 Upcoming NewGenlib version may be
commercial, so it is difficult to continue
with the older version.

21. STRENGTH OF NewGenLib
Low cost
Ability to tailor to fit local needs
Free redistribution
Free Source Code the right to modify it is very important
Integrity of the author's source code
No discrimination against persons or groups, fields or
endeavor
Distribution of License
License must not be specific to a product
License must be technology-neutral
There is no single entity on which the future of the
software depends
It provides a new forum for democratic action

22. WEAKNESS OF NewGenLib
Unanticipated cost
Lack of coordination
Inadequate training technical support
AMC
Lack of guarantees and remedies
Scalability and speed

23. SUGGESTED CRITERIA FOR
EVALUATING NewGenLib
There is current development activity
Supports international standards such as
MARC-21, AACR-2, UNICODE, XML and Dublin
Core.
Current source code and documentation are
available for downloading. under the GNU
General Public License .
The product is currently in use in libraries.
Scalability is not an issue—There is no risk of
database size or activity levels exceeding the
capacity of the software.

24. CONCLUSION
NewGenLib is open for all new generation librarians. It
is boon or gift of IIKM & Verus solutions Pvt. Ltd., to
libraries. NewGenLib is a full-fledged integrated library
automation package, all modules are comprehensively
established. Even though NewGenLib has some
drawbacks/problems, with anticipation problems can
be solved by next upcoming version, that should be
remain OSS.
Apart from that developer of NewGenLib has to
provide much more online as well as off line support
about proper training, technical help, annual
maintenance etc. Then it would be smart product to
the library community, and also parallel competitor to
the commercial software packages.

25. Any Questions ?
&
suggestions