Performance Evaluation of Library Management Software Packages in Selected Libraries of Kota, Rajasthan: A Comparative Study of KOHA, SOUL, and E-Granthalaya

DOI: 10.22161/ijeab.114.4

Abstract:
This study examines the performance and effectiveness of three Library Management Software (LMS) packages—KOHA, SOUL 4.0, and E-Granthalaya 4.0—used in selected libraries in Kota, Rajasthan, India. The libraries included in the study are the Central Library of Jai Minesh Adivasi University, The Indian Institute of Information Technology Kota and The Government Divisional Public Library Kota. The study aims to evaluate the role of LMS in library operations, assess service efficiency, compare software modules, identify challenges, and analysis cost and user satisfaction. The research employed interviews, questionnaires, observation, and site visits as primary methods of data collection. The evaluation was based on a Likert scale to measure feature usage and technical support across the selected LMS packages. The findings reveal that LMS has significantly improved library automation, information retrieval, and service delivery in all three institutions. KOHA was found to be the most cost-effective and feature-rich system, E-Granthalaya was highly economical and suitable for public libraries, and SOUL provided strong technical support and operational capability despite higher financial costs. The study concludes that LMS adoption is essential for modern libraries, but its success depends on effective staff training, regular updates, and institutional support.

Keywords:
Artificial intelligence (AI), Integrated library management software (ILMS), software for university library (SOUL), E-Granthalaya (EG), Indian institute of information technology Kota (IIITK), Jai Minesh Adivasi University Kota (JMAUK), Government Divisional public library Kota (GDPLK).

Article Info:
Received: 03 Jun 2026; Received in revised form: 27 Jun 2026; Accepted: 02 Jul 2026; Available online: 13 Jul 2026

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