Empowering Libraries through Open-Source Solutions: Valedictory Function of National Workshop on Koha and DSpace Concludes at Maulana Azad Library

Aligarh : The six-day National Workshop on “Open-Source Software: Koha and DSpace” concluded with a valedictory ceremony held at the Cultural Hall of Maulana Azad Library, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). Organized from January 20 to 25, the workshop trained 90 participants from across India, representing states; Delhi, Haryana, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Telangana, Bihar, Sikkim, and Rajasthan.

The workshop aimed to empower library professionals with practical knowledge of open-source software, focusing on Koha, an Integrated Library Management System (ILMS), and DSpace, a digital repository solution. Participants were guided on installation, configuration, customization, and best practices for implementation in academic and public libraries, promoting a cost-effective approach to library automation.

The Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr.) Vinod Kumar Jain, Former Vice Chancellor of Tezpur University and Doon University, highlighted the transformative potential of open-source software in library management. He also discussed the government’s KAPILA scheme, which incentivizes patented works. Prof. Jain highlighted the importance of transitioning to open-source solutions to meet the evolving needs of academic institutions.

The Guest of Honor, Mr. S. Mustafa K.Q. Zaidi, former Chairman of the Department of Library and Information Science, AMU, commended the Maulana Azad Library for addressing relevant topics and emphasized the importance of software customization to cater to library-specific needs.

The valedictory function began with an introduction of dignitaries by Dr. Syed Shaz Husain. Prof. Nishat Fatima, University Librarian and Workshop Convener, in her address, highlighted the significance of adopting open-source solutions in modern libraries. Dr. Monawwer Eqbal, Deputy Librarian and Workshop Coordinator, presented the workshop report, emphasizing the 19 technical sessions and hands-on training conducted during the event.

The workshop featured a panel of resource persons, including Mr. Christopher Cormack from New Zealand, Prof. Aditya Tripathi (BHU), Prof. Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay (Kalyani University), Dr. Jameel Ahmad (Jamia Millia Islamia), Mr. Vijay Pratap Singh (ELIBSOL, New Delhi), and Dr. Saiful Amin (Semantic Consulting Services, Bangalore).

The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. T.S. Asghar, Assistant Librarian, Maulana Azad Library.