Use Of Open Source Software Applications At Sultan Abdul Samad Library

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Use of Open Source Software Applications at Sultan Abdul Samad Library

Open Source Software refers to software licensed to users under certain minimum terms. Users have the right to use, copy, access, modify and distribute the software (either original or modified without royalties or other fees). There are differences in meaning and terms for Open Source Software and Free Software. Some of these differences are as shown in the following table.

Open Source Software

(Free Software)

• Free distribution of software by users without paying royalties / fees
• Source code is provided to the user
• Modification and creation of derivative works allowed
• Integrity of source code, ie owner may require user to distribute original version including modification
• No discrimination against persons who may / may not use the software
• There is no discrimination in specific areas, which can be used for any purpose
• The rights granted to the software do not require the implementation of additional licenses
• Licenses must not be restricted to certain technologies, ie technology neutral
• Licenses do not limit other software distributed together

• Free to use
• Free to copy
• Free to review and modify
• free to distribute
• free to improve

Sultan Abdul Samad Library, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has begun adopting this Open Source Software since 2008, where PSAS began using EPrints software to develop UPM Institutional Repository (UPM IR). UPM IR was developed by the system librarian. To date there are nearly four systems that use the EPrints platform; namely UPM IR, UPM eTheses, UPM MyAGRIC and PSAS Working Paper.

PSAS has also used KOHA, a free and Open Sources Integrated Library Management System. Koha was created in 1999 by Katipo Communications for the Horowhenua Library Trust in New Zealand. Currently PSAS already have 2 system using KOHA, KOHA elib and KOHA PSAS.

Later in 2010, the library used DSpace software to develop an AGRIS Portal as recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

In 2013, the Information Systems and Technology Division has developed a Memory@Serdang portal, using ResourceSpace software. Memory @ Serdang is an online gallery that keep a collections of photos stored in the Media, Archives and Conservation Division.

In addition, PSAS also developed several portals using WordPress and Joomla. All portals are developed and maintained by the system librarian. Some of the portals developed using WordPress such as; UPM Sage Portal, UPM InfoHub, UPM Data Bank, Read @ Uni and MyUniNet Portal.

In 2019, PSAS has also developed a Discovery @ Lib Portal, using Vufind. Vufind is a discovery layer software, that capable of indexing data from library systems, repository systems and open access portals.

Date of Input: 08/02/2020 | Updated: 15/04/2020 | muizzudin

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