2026
Singh, Rupinder
A Feature Based Comparative Evaluation of Open-Source and Proprietary Digital Library Software Journal Article
In: International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 4665-4678, 2026, ISSN: 2349-6002.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Digital Library Digital Library, Dspace, Open Source
@article{Singh2024b,
title = {A Feature Based Comparative Evaluation of Open-Source and Proprietary Digital Library Software},
author = {Rupinder Singh },
url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=205018},
doi = {doi.org/10.64643/IJIRTV13I1-205018-459},
issn = {2349-6002},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-05-31},
urldate = {2026-05-31},
journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {4665-4678},
abstract = {The technological foundation of modern academic information services is digital library software (DLS), which allows institutions to gather, arrange, preserve, and distribute scholarly digital content to user communities throughout the world. Choosing a suitable DLS platform has become a strategic, long-term institutional decision with major consequences for cost, interoperability, scalability, and preservation quality as academic libraries make considerable investments in institutional repositories and digital collections. Six popular digital library software platforms, two proprietary (CONTENTdm and DigiTool) and four open-source (DSpace, EPrints, Greenstone Digital Library Software, and Fedora Commons) are systematically compared in this paper using eight evaluation dimensions: availability and licensing, document management, metadata standards support, storage architecture, search and retrieval, interoperability, security and user management, and accessibility and customization. The study creates an evidence-based choice framework for library directors and information professionals using official software documentation, peer-reviewed comparison studies, and Indian academic institutional adoption data. The results show that while proprietary platforms offer managed infrastructure appropriate for institutions with low technical resources, open-source platforms especially Fedora Commons and DSpace offer superior feature sets in metadata flexibility, interoperability, and customization. DSpace controls a 62% share of institutional repository deployments among national institutions, according to an analysis of adoption patterns in India. In order to translate comparative findings into practical procurement guidelines for college libraries, research institutions, archives and museums, and government data repositories, the article ends with institution-type-specific recommendations.},
keywords = {Digital Library Digital Library, Dspace, Open Source},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The technological foundation of modern academic information services is digital library software (DLS), which allows institutions to gather, arrange, preserve, and distribute scholarly digital content to user communities throughout the world. Choosing a suitable DLS platform has become a strategic, long-term institutional decision with major consequences for cost, interoperability, scalability, and preservation quality as academic libraries make considerable investments in institutional repositories and digital collections. Six popular digital library software platforms, two proprietary (CONTENTdm and DigiTool) and four open-source (DSpace, EPrints, Greenstone Digital Library Software, and Fedora Commons) are systematically compared in this paper using eight evaluation dimensions: availability and licensing, document management, metadata standards support, storage architecture, search and retrieval, interoperability, security and user management, and accessibility and customization. The study creates an evidence-based choice framework for library directors and information professionals using official software documentation, peer-reviewed comparison studies, and Indian academic institutional adoption data. The results show that while proprietary platforms offer managed infrastructure appropriate for institutions with low technical resources, open-source platforms especially Fedora Commons and DSpace offer superior feature sets in metadata flexibility, interoperability, and customization. DSpace controls a 62% share of institutional repository deployments among national institutions, according to an analysis of adoption patterns in India. In order to translate comparative findings into practical procurement guidelines for college libraries, research institutions, archives and museums, and government data repositories, the article ends with institution-type-specific recommendations.
2023
Singh, Rupinder; Kaur, Navkiran
Bridging the Gap: VuFind as a Discovery Interface and Union Catalogue at the Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Calcutta Proceedings Article
In: NACLIN 2023, Goa University DELNET, 2023.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Catalog, Discovery Tools, Koha, Library OPAC, Open Source, vufind
@inproceedings{Rupinder2023,
title = {Bridging the Gap: VuFind as a Discovery Interface and Union Catalogue at the Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Calcutta},
author = {Rupinder Singh and Navkiran Kaur},
url = {https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376811942_Bridging_the_Gap_VuFind_as_a_Discovery_Interface_and_Union_Catalogue_at_the_Centre_for_Studies_in_Social_Sciences_Calcutta},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-11-22},
urldate = {2023-11-22},
booktitle = {NACLIN 2023},
publisher = {DELNET},
organization = {Goa University},
abstract = {The open-source discovery tool VuFind enhances library catalogs, providing a futuristic search interface and enabling users to access resources efficiently, perform real-time availability checks, and utilize advanced features. This case study describes the successful integration of VuFind with three distinct Koha Integrated Library Systems (ILS) at the Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Calcutta, where the first author had worked previously. The study outlines the techniques, including protocols like OAI-PMH and REST API, emphasizing secure information transactions. Also, it demonstrates the significant impact of creating a unified catalog interface on user satisfaction, benefits reaped, and challenges encountered during the accomplishment of this task. This integration prototype offers comprehensive access to diverse library resources and serves as a valuable guide for institutions seeking to enhance their library systems with open-source solutions like VuFind.},
keywords = {Catalog, Discovery Tools, Koha, Library OPAC, Open Source, vufind},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
The open-source discovery tool VuFind enhances library catalogs, providing a futuristic search interface and enabling users to access resources efficiently, perform real-time availability checks, and utilize advanced features. This case study describes the successful integration of VuFind with three distinct Koha Integrated Library Systems (ILS) at the Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Calcutta, where the first author had worked previously. The study outlines the techniques, including protocols like OAI-PMH and REST API, emphasizing secure information transactions. Also, it demonstrates the significant impact of creating a unified catalog interface on user satisfaction, benefits reaped, and challenges encountered during the accomplishment of this task. This integration prototype offers comprehensive access to diverse library resources and serves as a valuable guide for institutions seeking to enhance their library systems with open-source solutions like VuFind.
2018
Singh, Rupinder
Smart Notice Boards using IoT and Single Board Microcomputers Conference
PLANNER 2018, INFLIBNET Centre, 2018.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Digital Signage, Environment Friendly Library, Green Library, Internet Of Things, IoT, IoT in Libraries, Kiosk, Library OPAC, Microcomputer, Open Source, Raspberry Pi, Smart Notice Board
@conference{nokey,
title = {Smart Notice Boards using IoT and Single Board Microcomputers},
author = {Rupinder Singh },
url = {https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rupinder_Singh32/publication/329829039_Smart_Notice_Boards_using_IoT_and_Single_Board_Microcomputers/links/5c1c7d35a6fdccfc705dbcaa/Smart-Notice-Boards-using-IoT-and-Single-Board-Microcomputers.pdf},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-11-22},
urldate = {2019-10-01},
booktitle = {PLANNER 2018},
publisher = {INFLIBNET Centre},
abstract = {Most of the academic libraries in India have budget constraints due to which they lack IT infrastructure , and ultimately it becomes a hurdle in giving effective user services.The combination of limited funding and below-average technical knowledge of staff can be a devastating combination for any institution, but for someone who is not ready to compromise with limitations and happy in experimenting and exploring new possibilities, thereis no big worry. With right information at right time, everything can be achieved. Technology is such a savior for humanity and keeps on changing-. Raspberry Pi is one such constructive innovation which has transformed the landscape for programmers to gadget lovers. Because it is so powerful, flexible and adaptable, it became very popular worldwide.Librarians around the globe have also greeted this new tech tool enthusiastically, and are experimenting in different projects. With the emergence of ICT, libraries in future will be more content rich, more user-friendly, more interactive and digital in all aspects, but only having number of servers or collection of E-Books servers doesn't make digitally future proof unless a fully paperless and eco-friendly workspace is developed. This articleis aimed at library professionals who are new to Raspberry Pi and it attempts to elaborate the use of this miniature marvel in institutional and public libraries using a case study at IIAS Library.},
keywords = {Digital Signage, Environment Friendly Library, Green Library, Internet Of Things, IoT, IoT in Libraries, Kiosk, Library OPAC, Microcomputer, Open Source, Raspberry Pi, Smart Notice Board},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {conference}
}
Most of the academic libraries in India have budget constraints due to which they lack IT infrastructure , and ultimately it becomes a hurdle in giving effective user services.The combination of limited funding and below-average technical knowledge of staff can be a devastating combination for any institution, but for someone who is not ready to compromise with limitations and happy in experimenting and exploring new possibilities, thereis no big worry. With right information at right time, everything can be achieved. Technology is such a savior for humanity and keeps on changing-. Raspberry Pi is one such constructive innovation which has transformed the landscape for programmers to gadget lovers. Because it is so powerful, flexible and adaptable, it became very popular worldwide.Librarians around the globe have also greeted this new tech tool enthusiastically, and are experimenting in different projects. With the emergence of ICT, libraries in future will be more content rich, more user-friendly, more interactive and digital in all aspects, but only having number of servers or collection of E-Books servers doesn't make digitally future proof unless a fully paperless and eco-friendly workspace is developed. This articleis aimed at library professionals who are new to Raspberry Pi and it attempts to elaborate the use of this miniature marvel in institutional and public libraries using a case study at IIAS Library.