Using open source software for digital libraries: A case study of CUSAT

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the design and development of a digital library at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), India, using DSpace open source software. The study covers the structure, contents and usage of CUSAT digital library.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the possibilities of applying open source in libraries. An evaluative approach is carried out to explore the features of the CUSAT digital library. The Google Analytics service is employed to measure the amount of use of digital library by users across the world.

Findings

CUSAT has successfully applied DSpace open source software for building a digital library. The digital library has had visits from 78 countries, with the major share from India. The distribution of documents in the digital library is uneven. Past exam question papers share the major part of the collection. The number of research papers, articles and rare documents is less.

Originality/value

The study is the first of its type that tries to understand digital library design and development using DSpace open source software in a university environment with a focus on the analysis of distribution of items and measuring the value by usage statistics employing the Google Analytics service. The digital library model can be useful for designing similar systems.

Citation

Cherukodan, S., Santhosh Kumar, G. and Humayoon Kabir, S. (2013), "Using open source software for digital libraries: A case study of CUSAT", The Electronic Library, Vol. 31 No. 2, pp. 217-225. https://doi.org/10.1108/02640471311312393