Greenstone Digital Library Management System – a functional review based on selected criteria

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a functional review of Greenstone based on selected criteria, viz., user friendliness, administration, customization, international metadata standards and interoperability, search and browse capabilities, security aspects, statistical reports, unique features and limitations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is solely based on secondary information collected from different sources like books, articles from national and international journal articles, reports of various organizations and local newspapers as well as the resources available in various websites.

Findings

It was observed that the Greenstone on Windows is less robust than the other operating systems such as Linux. It was reported that during the collection building process of some documents, the system hangs and the user has to turn off the browsers and the interfaces, and no alternate method is available to restore normalcy. The software has been reviewed on selected criteria, and it is suggested to use Greenstone Digital Library Management System (DLMS) system as the most suitable and convenient for installation, uploading of documents and usage for small- and medium-type organizations.

Practical implications

This paper would be of great help for library professionals to learn about diverse features available in the software and in selecting the best DLMS.

Originality/value

The Greenstone DLMS is functionally reviewed and analysed based on selected broad criteria, viz., user friendliness, administration, customization, international metadata standards and interoperability, search and browse capabilities, security aspects and statistical functions.

Citation

Parichi, R. and Nisha, F. (2015), "Greenstone Digital Library Management System – a functional review based on selected criteria", Library Hi Tech News, Vol. 32 No. 10, pp. 16-21. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-06-2015-0041