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The purpose of this paper is to analyze the various features and functions of Koha, Libsys, NewGenLib and Virtua with the help of specially designed evaluation checklist and rank them based on features/functions of integrated library management system (ILMS).

The evaluation approach taken in this paper is similar to that of Singh and Sanaman (2012) and Madhusudhan and Shalini (2014) with minor modifications, comprising 306 features/functions and categorized as ten broad categories.

The paper explores different features of open source (OS) and commercial ILMS, which reveals that Virtua got the highest total score of 218 (77.86 per cent), followed by Koha ILMS with 204 score (72.86 per cent). Interestingly, NewGenLib got the lowest total score, that is, 163 (58.21 per cent). ILMS under study are lagging behind in exploiting the full potential of the Web 2.0 features, including cloud computing features, and needs to be addressed in their future development.

It is hoped that both the OS and commercial software will attend to the lacunae and soon develop fully functional Web 2.0/3.0 and cloud-based technologies.

The findings of this paper will not only guide the librarians in the selection of a good ILMS, which can cater to the needs of their libraries, but also abreast the knowledge of evaluation of ILMS for the students of Library and Information Science. And the findings will help the ILMS vendors to know the limitations of their ILMS, so that they can overcome the limitations faced by users and improve their products.

The reason for moving from one library system to another or from one generation of a library system to the next must be to improve the library’s ability to serve its users in a better and more effective way. An integrated library system, today, is very complex and multi‐moduled, which makes it difficult to distinguish one system from another. The article describes the long and bumpy road from the first generation VTLS classic library management system to the third generation VTLS Virtua at Lund University Libraries in Sweden.

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the functional attributes of the automated serials control systems of the libraries in seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and provide a comparative analysis.

Features of the serials control modules of the library management systems (LMSs) in use in the central libraries of the IITs are thoroughly studied by logging into the respective systems.

The paper finds that five IITs are using LibSys and two use Virtua and Troodon for their LMS. Virtua covers most of the functional attributes that comply with the international standards, LibSys has tried to incorporate the core functionality of serials control although the compliance of standards is limited, but Troodon is lagging behind.

The recommended attributes of the automated serials control system will definitely act as guidelines for the libraries of the IITs to upgrade their existing systems and the developers of the respective library management system software will also take the necessary initiative to make their system fool‐proof by resolving the identified drawbacks.

The study aimed to look at the library software in use in Nigerian university libraries, and the challenges and frustrations experienced in their automation projects.

The study adopts a descriptive survey method and covers university libraries in Nigeria. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 32 university libraries in Nigeria.

The study revealed that university libraries in Nigeria widely use library software such as KOHA, SLAM and VIRTUA for their library operations. Challenges such as lack of skilled manpower, lack of fund, absence of modern systems (computers) and erratic power supply were identified as the major problems university libraries in Nigeria encountered while using library software. Librarians recommended the use of KOHA, SLAM or VIRTUA library software for use by university libraries that are in search for library software to use.

The findings of this study will provide useful information to librarians and library administrators in Nigeria and other developing countries who want to automate their library operations.

This paper aims to discuss the progress of library management software and to trace out the characteristics and trends of software with special reference to packages that provide either web interface for some of their modules or total web‐based solutions for all management modules. The paper also seeks to compare services and facilities and technologies incorporated in library automation packages.

The paper reports on a survey of software vendors in Delhi, India, aimed at knowing about the different features of the six software packages selected for this study. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire that was circulated among the software vendors.

A variety of software is available in the software marketplace. However, only a few of them are fully web compatible and support maximum technological features.

The research focuses only on software packages which are available in Delhi.

The comparative analysis of Library Management Software Systems made in this study will be helpful for librarians who are planning to automate their libraries and will also provide help to maintain software that is most suitable to their needs.

No comprehensive survey has been carried out regarding the web interface for Library Management Software Systems in India.

This paper aims to describe the experiences of the National Library of Wales in implementing an integrated information management system.

Discusses the stages involved in the procurement process, data migration and general system implementation.

Emphasises the need for a well‐prepared yet flexible approach to project planning, and the need for consultation and an ongoing dialogue with staff.

Describes the progress of the implementation to May 2007.

This paper provides a case study for libraries looking to procure and implement an information management system.

Presents results of a survey of the Arabian Gulf region marketplace for library automation systems. The paper provides a market review and evaluates the vendors' standing and discusses the various criteria that underpin relative success or failure in this specific marketplace. The paper begins with a short history of library automation systems in the region and the changes arising in the mid‐1990s as major European and North American vendors began to recognise its potential as a territory for growth opportunities in sales and support services. A market share analysis section in which vendors' varying success in fulfilling key local requirements as well as more widely applicable criteria are analysed in relation to their marketplace success. The Horizon system from Dynix emerges as the clear market leader in the principal states of the Arabian Gulf region, due mainly to its strong Arabic and local support capabilities. Finally, two tables list the market share and the relative shares in responsibility between parent company and local vendor for each major system aspect.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the key features of information management systems (IMSs) for automation in university libraries. This study also highlights the use of library information management systems in university libraries and the satisfaction of university librarians in using various IMS.

This study is quantitative in nature. A survey research method has been applied to achieve the research objectives. Purposive sampling has been used to select the targeted population which consisted of 157 librarians working in university libraries. Data were collected through a web-based questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyze the collected data by using SPSS software.

Free and open source software are widely used in university libraries to manage the bibliographic information of library material. KOHA is the most used software for library automation in university libraries of Pakistan. The key features of library information management system (IMS) include reliability and security of the software, user-friendly interface, advance searching options, use of library standards (MARC, Uni MARC, RDA), online upgradation, technical support of developing company, shared cataloging, multilingual features of software, etc (See Figure 4). The study recommends that the above-mentioned features must be considered by university librarians when selecting any software for library automation. Results showed that apart from the use of KOHA software, there are also some other software which are being used for library automation in university libraries of Pakistan. These systems include; Virtua, Library Management System (LMS), and Library Information Management Systems (LIMSs).

This study has practical implications for university librarians in Pakistan as well as in other countries. Librarians can use the results of this study as a blueprint before selecting any information management system to automate the library record.

This study identifies the core features of IMS for automation in libraries. These features have been recommended by informational professionals who have been working in automated libraries and possess adequate professional experience in using library automation software.

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the status and application of automated acquisition in central university libraries in north India. North India is a loosely defined region consisting of northern parts of India. Significantly, all the libraries are having very rich collections of different types of documents.

Data for the present study have been collected using questionnaire. Interview and observation techniques have also been used to bring more objectivity in the present study. MS-Excel has been used for analysis of the data. Results show that varying levels of progress has been made with respect to implementation of acquisition system in the surveyed libraries.

Expectations of user community have been increased manifold in the wired world. Furthermore, suggest that the staff morale is boost up in the automated environment.

The study covers select academic libraries of north India. Application of various features of acquisition module is examined in this paper along with the staff perspective about automation. Automation process in these university libraries has been started with the selection of different library management software package in different universities. Notably, all the prominent central universities are located in north India.

The evaluation shed light on the current automation scenario in prominent academic libraries of India.

All the surveyed libraries must explore the fullest potentials of all the features available in the software to provide better services. This will help in heading toward and information rich society.

There have been a couple of studies in the past on library automation in academic libraries, but none have intended to cover collection building or acquisition activities in central university libraries of north India.