Open Source Library Software Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs Quiz) on Library and Information Science
Open Source Library Software refers to software applications that are designed to manage and automate library functions and services, with the source code made available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute.
This type of software is part of the broader Open Source Software (OSS) movement, which emphasizes user freedom and collaborative development.
Here are 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on Open Source Library Software and Applications. Each question includes the correct answer and a brief explanation.
MCQs
- What does OSS stand for?
- A) Open Source Software
- B) Open Standard Software
- C) Online Software System
- D) Open Security Software
Answer: A) Open Source Software
Explanation: OSS refers to software for which the source code is made available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute.
- Who coined the term “Open Source Software”?
- A) Richard Stallman
- B) Eric Raymond
- C) Linus Torvalds
- D) Tim Berners-Lee
Answer: B) Eric Raymond
Explanation: Eric Raymond popularized the term “Open Source” in the late 1990s to describe software that is freely available and can be modified.
- Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Open Source Software?
- A) Free Redistribution
- B) Source Code Availability
- C) Proprietary Licensing
- D) No Discrimination Against Users
Answer: C) Proprietary Licensing
Explanation: Open Source Software must allow free redistribution and access to source code, unlike proprietary software.
- What is the main purpose of the GNU General Public License (GPL)?
- A) To restrict software usage
- B) To allow free software distribution
- C) To promote proprietary software
- D) To limit modifications
Answer: B) To allow free software distribution
Explanation: The GPL allows users to freely use, modify, and distribute software, provided that the same rights are preserved in derivative works.
- Which of the following is an example of Open Source Integrated Library Software?
- A) Microsoft Word
- B) Koha
- C) Adobe Photoshop
- D) Oracle Database
Answer: B) Koha
Explanation: Koha is a widely used open-source integrated library management system.
- What year was the GNU Project founded?
- A) 1983
- B) 1991
- C) 1998
- D) 2000
Answer: A) 1983
Explanation: Richard Stallman founded the GNU Project in 1983 to promote free software.
- Which of the following licenses is designed specifically for creative works, not software?
- A) GPL
- B) MIT License
- C) Creative Commons
- D) Apache License
Answer: C) Creative Commons
Explanation: Creative Commons licenses are used for various types of creative works, including art and literature, not specifically for software.
- What does the term “copyleft” refer to?
- A) Restricting software use
- B) Allowing modifications with conditions
- C) Making software proprietary
- D) Freezing software updates
Answer: B) Allowing modifications with conditions
Explanation: Copyleft is a licensing method that allows users to modify and redistribute software as long as the same rights are preserved in derivative works.
- Which of the following is a disadvantage of Open Source Software?
- A) High cost
- B) Lack of vendor lock-in
- C) Slower development due to lack of formal management
- D) High user involvement
Answer: C) Slower development due to lack of formal management
Explanation: Open Source projects may lack formal management structures, which can lead to slower development processes.
- Which Open Source software is known for its file compression capabilities?
- A) Apache
- B) 7-Zip
- C) MySQL
- D) DSpace
Answer: B) 7-Zip
Explanation: 7-Zip is an open-source file archiver known for its high compression ratio.
- What is the primary function of DSpace?
- A) File compression
- B) Digital library system
- C) Web server management
- D) Email client
Answer: B) Digital library system
Explanation: DSpace is designed to capture, store, index, preserve, and redistribute the intellectual output of research institutions.
- Which of the following is a feature of Evergreen?
- A) Supports only small libraries
- B) Includes circulation and cataloging features
- C) Proprietary software
- D) Developed for Windows only
Answer: B) Includes circulation and cataloging features
Explanation: Evergreen is an open-source integrated library system that includes features for circulation and cataloging.
- Which license allows software to be used commercially but requires modifications to be shared?
- A) GPL
- B) LGPL
- C) MIT License
- D) BSD License
Answer: B) LGPL
Explanation: The Lesser GPL allows the software to be used in commercial applications while requiring that modifications to the LGPL-licensed code be shared.
- What is one of the major advantages of Open Source Software?
- A) High licensing fees
- B) Vendor lock-in
- C) Lower software costs
- D) Limited community support
Answer: C) Lower software costs
Explanation: Open Source Software typically does not require licensing fees, reducing overall software costs.
- Which software is an example of a digital library software written in PERL?
- A) DSpace
- B) EPrints
- C) Koha
- D) OpenBiblio
Answer: B) EPrints
Explanation: EPrints is a digital repository software that is written in PERL.
- What is the main goal of the Open Source Initiative (OSI)?
- A) To promote proprietary software
- B) To advocate for open source software
- C) To restrict software distribution
- D) To create commercial software
Answer: B) To advocate for open source software
Explanation: The OSI promotes the benefits of open source software and educates the public about its advantages.
- Which of the following is a popular Open Source Library Management Application?
- A) Microsoft Access
- B) Drupal
- C) Adobe Acrobat
- D) Oracle
Answer: B) Drupal
Explanation: Drupal is an open-source content management system that can be used for library management applications.
- What does “technology-neutral” mean in the context of open source licenses?
- A) Specific to a technology
- B) Not dependent on any individual technology
- C) Requires specific hardware
- D) Only for web applications
Answer: B) Not dependent on any individual technology
Explanation: Open source licenses must not favor any specific technology or interface, allowing broader applicability.
- Which of the following best describes the term “Free/Libre and Open Source Software” (FLOSS)?
- A) Software that is free of cost only
- B) Software that allows users to run, modify, and share
- C) Software that is only available for purchase
- D) Software without any user rights
Answer: B) Software that allows users to run, modify, and share
Explanation: FLOSS emphasizes both the freedom to use software and the absence of cost.
- Which of the following is a key principle of Open Source Software?
- A) Limited access to source code
- B) User freedom to modify software
- C) High licensing fees
- D) Proprietary restrictions
Answer: B) User freedom to modify software
Explanation: A core principle of open source is that users have the freedom to modify the software as they see fit.
Key Features of Open-Source Library Software
- Accessibility of Source Code: Users can access, modify, and enhance the software according to their needs. This is a fundamental principle of open source, allowing libraries to tailor the software to better fit their specific requirements.
- Community Collaboration: Open source library software often benefits from contributions by a community of developers and users. This collaborative environment can lead to rapid improvements and innovations.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Many open source library systems are free to use, which can significantly reduce the costs associated with library management compared to proprietary software that requires licensing fees.
- Flexibility and Customization: Libraries can modify the software to add features, improve functionality, or integrate with other systems, ensuring that the software evolves alongside the library’s needs.
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