Library automation

Kerala Library Association (KLA) in collaboration with National Informatics Centre (NIC), New Delhi is organizing a Three Day National Workshop on “E-Granthalaya”, an Integrated Library Management Software for Automation and Networking, during 11-13 September 2012 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Objectives of the Workshop:

i. To give awareness to the participants on the need and importance of Library Automation and Networking in the Digital era.

ii. To give an intensive and comprehensive hands-on training to the participants on one of the best and freely available Library Management Software in the country, E-Granthalaya and to make them self sufficient in its use.

Areas to be covered:

Introduction to Library Automation and Networking
Introduction to E-Granthalaya
MS-SQL Server set-up
E-Granthalaya Modules
Web OPAC Modules

(Detailed Programme Schedule of the Workshop will be published shortly)

Faculty: Shri Ram Kumar Matoria, Technical Director, Library and Information Services Division, NIC, New Delhi and his Team will conduct the entire technical sessions.

Targeted Group: Working Library and Information Science Professionals and Students in LIS.

Maximum intake: 40 participants (on first come first serve basis)

Date: 11-13 September 2012

Venue: LBS Institute of Technology for Women, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram-695 012 (website)

How to reach ? : Google Map , Location

Course Fee: Rs 1750/- (includes Course materials, refreshment and lunch) and Rs 1500/- for the members of Kerala Library Association. The amount shall be drawn as DD, in favour of Kerala Library Association, payable at Thiruvananthapuram.

Travel and Accommodation: The participants have to make their own arrangements for travel and accommodation. However, the Association will help them to find accommodation, if requested in advance.

Registration: The Application form may be downloaded from the KLA website or from here.

Download KLA-NIC National Workshop on E-Granthalaya:Registration Form

Address for Communication: The applications for Registration should reach the following address on or before 15 August 2012.

The General Secretary, Kerala Library Association, 36, 2nd Floor, Kairalie Plaza Annexe, Karamana, Thirvananthapuram-695 002.

E-mail: kla.org@gmail.com

For Details contact:

Dr A. Gopikuttan, President (I/C), KLA, Mob: Tel: 0471-2478034(O)/2368163 (R) Mob: 09446428163

S.L.Faisal, general Secretary, KLA ,Mob: 09447699724

Know more about KLA: http://keralalibraryassociation.org

Know more about E-Granthalaya: http://egranthalaya.nic.in

Automation of basic house keeping operations is the first priority of most of the libraries. Lot of commercial and Open Source library automation systems available in the market and library professionals are more confused about how to choose right one. Libsys, Libsuit, SOUL are proprietary library management systems. Koha, Evergreen, PMB and Newgenlib are Open Source softwares. You need good home work before select any library automation system. Here are few things to remember before adopting Open Source library management system.

1. Assess your libraries needs,

2. Identify your resources – strengths and weaknesses (budget, staff, computers, etc.)

3. Visit the libraries using Open Source ILS and collect the feedback,

4. Attend Open Source software training programmes,

5. Open Source software has no trial version, you can download and install the original version of the software for evaluation,

6. Ensure the availability of standards (e.g. MARC, Z39.50, NCIP etc) which are essential for data exchange,

7. Select a software with active community members, it means development is fast,

8. Lot of Live CD’s are available to download and very helpful for learning purpose and installation,

9. Migration from proprietary legacy system is very painful, it depend on vendors willingness to give back your data.

There are no differences between features and functions of commercial and open source ILS. The fundamental difference is visible in the development process and distribution. Open Source library management systems offer full control over the software and data.