OPAC Module in Open Source Library Management Software: A Comparative Study

A variety of open source library management software is (LMS) available in the library arena. However, only a few of them are fully compatible with latest technological changes and support maximum technological features. The work focuses only on those open source LMS packages which are available on the web for download freely and still releasing their updated versions and aims to discuss the OPAC module in those packages to trace the features and characteristics with special reference to searching and online services provided through web interface of the said packages. The comparative study is made from the review of earlier studies, information from the web-pages of the LMS packages and hands-on practice in local installation done. The comparative study will be helpful for library and information professionals who are planning to automate their libraries with open source package and also planning to provide OPAC facility to their users for better use the library documents.