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Who creates Hurdle in Implementing Open Source Solutions (OSS) for Libraries?

Dear All,

Since two years i am working on open source solutions for the libraries and trying to assist the libraries who is not yet automated, digitized etc. I am continuously trying to make the systems easy so that any professionals can use it without any fear in the libraries. Some of the hurdles which i observed during the process are as follows:

1. Lack of Technical man power in the Library.
2. Lack of devotion and service related attitude towards the library.
3. Lack of support from authority/superordinate.

Dear professionals please note that now a days up to some extend technical capability of the professionals are increasing due to interest of the young professionals and market demand, But lack of support from Authority/superordinate to implement the OSS is major hurdle in my view.
It has been observed that they are not confident to check the possibility of using OSS just by investing 20/25 thousand rupees or by free community supports, but they are ready to invest 50/60 lakhs rupees without any practical implication of the systems in future. I have seen many libraries have invested huge amount in RFID technology specially government but unfortunately neither using all RFID equipments nor the whole system could be used successfully. The reason is just poor planning because no body is going to loose their next month salary which is always send to our account on time without any restrictions.

Some young professionals when attempting to learn the OSS and trying to implement in their libraries unfortunately they are also not getting support because of the techno fear problems of those who are decision makers.Here i would like to congratulate some libraries like IISER Bhopla, Assam Univ. Silchar, Central Univ. of Odisha, IIT Roorkee Saharanpur Campus etc. who have taken our assistance for implementation of Koha and saved lakhs of public money and using since long back effectively as well as developed the skills to handle the software.

Therefore its my humble request to all authorities/decision makers kindly think over it in the public interest and attempt to use OSS in libraries without any fear before going for any commercial solutions. I along with many LIS professionals who are eager to assist for the noble cause and betterment of this profession are always ready for the above.

Please download Latest Koha Live DVD: http://sourceforge.net/projects/vkmkoha/files/

Please feel free to contact for any assistance to:

VK Mishra: +919439420860
DP Tripathi: +918895296796

Thanking You.


MY INTENTION IS TO HIT YOU FOR THE NOBLE/SOCIAL CAUSE BUT NOT TO HURT YOU!

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I received the following response in an email from Sharmila Ghosh:

Some of this is true and therefore the unspoken reality in the world of Librarians!
Mostly, as I have observed in the course of my work, it is the problem with the Library professionals themselves and other factors are just incidental. 
Till date a major chunk of library professionals do not wish to be convinced about OSS and the tendency to backtrack from IT systems is very much there.. 
They feel more safe with proprietary softwares and are comfortable with the company staff to help technically. 
As for the monetary part, I have come across librarians saying.. "why do I need to bother? if the Director sanctions the money, and the budget allows, what do I care? mujhe kaunsi sansthan ki paisa bachana? etc etc " this is undoubtedly a very unfortunate situation :-(

Since I have essentially worked / served the non-profit sector (NGOs) with limited budgets and dependencies on external funds, I notice that these centres are extremely OSS-pro ... for obvious reasons. But the apprehension still remains.. "what will happen if the database crashes? where do we get IT support? "
So, it is very important for the Librarian to be adequately conversant with system operations, apart from the OSS  
Confidence and the ability to assure team members - is required.

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