KOCHI: Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) library is taking the free software route thanks to ‘Koha’, an integrated library system being extensively used in libraries across the country and abroad. The engineering library of the university has been fully computerised using this free software. Surendran Cherukodan, Junior Librarian at the School of Engineering, Cusat, said that ‘Koha’ has many advantages and can be downloaded from the Internet free of cost. Highlights Some of the highlights of the free software include simple, clear interface for librarians and members, customisable search, circulation and borrower management, full acquisitions system including budgets and pricing information, simple acquisitions system for the smaller library, and ability to cope with any number of branches, patrons, patron categories, item categories, items, currencies and other data. Mr. Cherukodan said that around 30,000 books owned by the School of Engineering library can be searched through the ‘Koha’ online catalogue. The library catalogue is available on http://soelibrary.cusat.ac.in. The software will also update on the books available with the users and its date of return. Digital library The university has also set up a digital library by using ‘D Space’, another free software. Over 2,300 documents have been collected for the benefit of students and faculty members using this facility. Some of the documents available in the digital library include research papers of faculty members, seminar and project reports, syllabus of courses and contents of various journals. The digital library also has nearly 1,500 previous question papers for the benefit of students. Cusat digital library will be available on http://dpsace.cusat.ac.in/dspace. News Courtesy: www.hindu.com http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/22/stories/2009112252250600.htm -- Vimal Kumar V. Asst. Librarian Asian School of Business Technopark, Trivandrum-695 581 Web: www.vimalkumar.co.nr Blog: http://vimalkumar.oksociety.in OK Society Volunteer. http://oksociety.in --------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I forget what I was taught. I only remember what I have learnt" -Patrick White