Case studies document FOSS solutions for libraries

Through its pilot project programme, EIFL-FOSS encourages implementation of FOSS solutions in libraries. In 2011, new pilot projects from Armenia, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Zimbabwe were selected to demonstrate implementation of a service that addressed their local needs. They then evaluated and documented their experiences. 

The pilots addressed a range of challenges facing libraries; from tools to support users by enhancing access to library resources, such as guided searching software or disability aids, to software to enable the library to operate digitally such as Integrated Library Systems (ILS) software or digital repository tools.  Read their case studies.

CUFTS

Case Study: full case study

Compiled by: Andrew Sokolov, Scientific Library of St. Petersburg State University, Russia.

About CUFTS: A serials management and link resolver that enables users to discover and access e-resources, and librarians to manage expanding e-resource collections cost-effectively. Learn more  

Disability tools

Case study:  overview | full case study

Compiled by: Yeukai Chimuka, Tendai Mataranyika and Darlington Musemburi, University of Zimbabwe

About Disability tools: Tools that support library users with disabilities. These include tools to aid viewing of the screen (such as magnification, colour change), tools to aid usability (e.g. making the cursor more visible), tools to aid reading (e.g. text-to-speech tools in many languages), information presentation tools (e.g. mind mapping software) and more. Learn more 

J-ISIS

Case study:  overview |  full case study

Compiled by: Tigran Zargaryan, National Library of Armenia

About J-ISIS: It is a general purpose Open Source database system entirely written in Java and based on existing and solid FOSS software packages, such as Berkeley DB and Lucene, from the Apache Foundation. Learn more 

KOHA Union Catalogue

Case study:  overview  | full case study

Compiled by: Dibyendra Hyoju, Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya (MPP), Nepal

About Koha:  It is an Integrated Library System with a full range of features including, MARC based cataloguing, circulation, Union Catalogue facility, customizable search, cataloguing module with integrated Z39.50 client, and a simple acquisitions system for the smaller library. Learn more.

OpenBiblio  

Case study:  overview | full case study

Compiled by: Tigran Zargaryan, National Library of Armenia

About OpenBiblio: It is an Integrated Library System created under a GNU General Public License (GPL). Written in PHP, it contains OPAC, circulation, cataloguing, and staff administration functionality. It is designed for small libraries and is based on MARC21 cataloguing. Learn more. 

SimpleSAMLphp

Case study: full case study 

Compiled by: Simon Ball, EIFL-FOSS programme manager, based on presentations and materials provided by Stanislav Tsymbalov, American University of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan

About SimpleSAMLphp: It is a tool that is builds onto existing databases of users (e.g. LDAP or radius) to support single sign-on local authentication for remote access to e-resources. Learn more. 

SubjectsPlus

Case study:  overview | full case study

Compiled by: Amos Kujenga, NUST Library, Zimbabwe

About SubjectsPlus: It allows librarians to easily create web pages that display their online resources in a customised format, including A-Z lists, resources by subject or by course. Learn more.

Past pilot projects

Additional case studies from past pilots projects are available for Koha and Evergreen.