What Can BS Information Management / MLIS Graduates & Librarians Do as Freelance Professionals Online? 📚 By Nadeem Sohail

 

✍️ *This article was written with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.*

🌐 Introduction

In the era of digital transformation, librarians and information professionals are no longer confined to physical libraries. With a degree in BS Information Management or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), professionals can now extend their expertise into the world of online freelancing — working independently and globally, right from Pakistan.

💼 What Online Jobs Can Librarians Do?

🔹 Metadata and Cataloging Specialist

📝 Description: Creating metadata, MARC records, cataloging books, digital resources, and archives.

🌍 Platforms: Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr

🛠️ Skills: MARC21, AACR2, RDA, DDC, Koha, Dublin Core

🔹 Digital Archivist / Repository Manager

📝 Description: Managing digital repositories (like DSpace), organizing collections, assigning metadata.

🌍 Platforms: PeoplePerHour, Upwork

🛠️ Skills: DSpace, Greenstone, OAI-PMH, metadata standards, digitization tools

🔹 Data Entry & Management (Library-focused)

📝 Description: Entering and organizing bibliographic data, classification, and indexing.

🌍 Platforms: Fiverr, Guru, Freelancer

🛠️ Skills: Excel, Koha, LMS software, attention to detail

🔹 Virtual Research Assistant

📝 Description: Helping researchers find academic literature, compiling bibliographies, citation management.

🌍 Platforms: Upwork, Freelancer, LinkedIn

🛠️ Skills: Mendeley, EndNote, Zotero, Google Scholar, Scopus, APA/MLA styles

🔹 Information Consultant

📝 Description: Assisting institutions to set up library systems or train staff.

🌍 Platforms: LinkedIn, FreelanceDirect, Toptal

🛠️ Skills: Training, library automation, research tools, report writing

🔹 Academic Writing & Citation Formatting

📝 Description: Helping students and professionals with thesis formatting, references, and citation audits.

🌍 Platforms: Fiverr, Upwork, AcademicWork

🛠️ Skills: APA, MLA, Chicago, IEEE citation styles

🔹 Content Curation & Knowledge Management

📝 Description: Curating content for blogs, knowledge bases, and educational websites.

🌍 Platforms: Guru, Remote.co, Workana

🛠️ Skills: Knowledge management, LMS platforms, content organization

🧠 Required Skills for Freelance Librarians

To succeed in the freelancing world, you’ll need more than just library science knowledge. Here are the technical and soft skills you must develop:

Technical Skills: Koha ILS, DSpace, Greenstone, Metadata Standards (MARC21, RDA), Mendeley, EndNote, Zotero, Digital Literacy & Research Tools, Excel, Google Sheets

Soft Skills: Communication, Time Management, Client Relationship Management, Problem Solving, Proposal Writing

🌍 Accessible Freelancing Platforms from Pakistan

Here are some popular freelancing websites where Pakistani librarians can register:

🔗 Fiverr: Easy to create gigs related to cataloging, research help, and citation services. (https://www.fiverr.com)

🔗 Upwork: Project-based, long-term contracts with international clients. (https://www.upwork.com)

🔗 Freelancer.com: Competitive bidding for small projects like metadata entry, research tasks. (https://www.freelancer.com)

🔗 PeoplePerHour: Great for consultation-based freelance services. (https://www.peopleperhour.com)

🔗 LinkedIn: Professional platform for networking, direct project-based hiring. (https://www.linkedin.com)

🚀 How to Start Freelancing as a Librarian?

1. Identify Your Niche

2. Learn Marketable Skills using platforms like Coursera, YouTube, or DigiSkills.pk

3. Create Strong Profiles on Freelancing Websites

4. Offer Attractive Gigs/Services

5. Build Portfolio

6. Start Small, Deliver Big

7. Join Freelance Communities

🇵🇰 Freelancing Support for Pakistanis

These platforms can help you get started with free training:

🎓 DigiSkills.pk – Government of Pakistan's free freelancing training platform

📘 eRozgaar – Punjab Government initiative to train freelancers

🖥️ National Freelance Training Program (NFTP) – HEC-backed freelancing program

📌 Final Thoughts

Freelancing as a librarian or information professional is a real, accessible, and growing opportunity. Whether you are a fresh graduate or an experienced librarian, there are platforms and paths for you to work with global clients from the comfort of your home.

📚 References

https://www.fiverr.com

https://www.upwork.com

https://www.freelancer.com

https://digiskills.pk

https://www.erozgaar.pitb.gov.pk

https://nftp.pitb.gov.pk/

https://www.linkedin.com

Installing DSpace 7.5 on Ubuntu 22.04 Through Packages: a Step-by-Step Guide by Nadeem Sohail

 Introduction:

DSpace is a widely-used open-source repository software for managing and preserving digital assets. If you're looking to install DSpace 7.5 on Ubuntu 22.04, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process using packages. By following these instructions, you'll be able to set up a robust repository system to organize and share your digital collections effectively.

Prerequisites:

Ubuntu 22.04 installed and updated.

Basic knowledge of Ubuntu terminal commands.

Step 1: Update System Packages

Start by updating your system's package lists and upgrading existing packages to their latest versions. Open a terminal and run the following commands:

sql

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sudo apt update

sudo apt upgrade

Step 2: Install Dependencies

DSpace requires several dependencies to be installed on your system. Run the following command to install them:

arduino

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sudo apt install default-jdk maven tomcat9 postgresql

Step 3: Configure PostgreSQL

Create a new PostgreSQL database and user for DSpace. Execute the following commands:

mathematica

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sudo su - postgres

createuser -U postgres -P dspace

createdb -U dspace -E UNICODE -O dspace dspace

exit

Step 4: Download DSpace

Create a directory to store DSpace and navigate to it:

bash

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sudo mkdir /opt/dspace

cd /opt/dspace

Download DSpace 7.5 using the following command:

bash

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sudo wget https://github.com/DSpace/DSpace/releases/download/dspace-7.5/dspace-7.5-release.tar.gz

Extract the downloaded file:

arduino

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sudo tar -xvzf dspace-7.5-release.tar.gz

Step 5: Build and Install DSpace

Navigate to the DSpace source directory:

arduino

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cd dspace-7.5-release

Build DSpace using Maven:

go

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sudo mvn package

Install DSpace by running the installer script:

bash

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sudo ./dspace/target/dspace-installer/install

Follow the prompts and provide the necessary information, such as the installation directory, PostgreSQL database details, and Tomcat installation path. Choose the "Ubuntu with Tomcat 9" option during the installation.

Step 6: Configure DSpace

Once the installation is complete, configure DSpace by running the setup script:

bash

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sudo dspace/bin/dspace create

Follow the interactive setup wizard and provide the required information, such as the administrator email address, site name, and initial administrator password.

Step 7: Start DSpace

Start the Tomcat service to launch DSpace:

sql

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sudo systemctl start tomcat9

Step 8: Access DSpace

Open a web browser and enter the following URL:

bash

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http://localhost:8080/xmlui

Congratulations! You have successfully installed DSpace 7.5 on Ubuntu 22.04. You can now begin customizing and configuring DSpace to suit your specific requirements.

Conclusion:

Installing DSpace 7.5 on Ubuntu 22.04 through packages provides a straightforward way to set up a powerful digital repository. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a robust platform to manage and preserve your digital collections efficiently. Enjoy exploring the features and functionalities of DSpace to enhance your digital asset management capabilities.

Regards:

Nadeem Sohail

"Supercharge Your Digital Library and Institutional Repository with DSpace 7.5 on Ubuntu 22.04!

🚀 Unlock the full potential of your digital collections with our expert DSpace installation services. Whether you're a library or an institution, we're here to help you harness the power of DSpace 7.5 on the robust Ubuntu 22.04 platform.

✨ Seamlessly Integrate DSpace: 

Our team of experienced professionals will handle the entire installation process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free setup. Say goodbye to technical headaches and let us handle the complexities for you.

🔧 Customization to Fit Your Needs: 

We understand that every digital library and institutional repository is unique. That's why we offer tailored customization services to align DSpace with your specific requirements. From branding to metadata schemas, we'll ensure DSpace reflects your organization's identity and workflow.

💡 Expert Guidance and Support: 

Our experts are not just installation wizards but also DSpace enthusiasts. We'll provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to empower you in maximizing DSpace's capabilities. Rest assured, you'll have a dedicated partner by your side.

💪 Optimize Performance and Security: 

With our meticulous attention to detail, we'll configure DSpace to deliver optimum performance and robust security. Your digital assets will be protected while providing users with lightning-fast access to your valuable collections.

🌐 Seamless Web Interface: 

Experience the user-friendly XMLUI web interface of DSpace 7.5 on Ubuntu 22.04. Your patrons will enjoy a modern and intuitive browsing experience, making it effortless to explore and discover content within your digital library.

📞 Contact us today:

 +923324877620 or email us at nadeemsohail4u@gmail.com to discuss your DSpace installation needs. Let us transform your digital library and institutional repository into a cutting-edge platform that propels your organization forward!

Unlock the Power of DSpace 7.6 on Ubuntu 23.05 – Your Pathway to Digitally Empowering Knowledge!"

How to install ILS koha on Ubuntu through pakges a step by step guide

ILS Koha Installation on Ubuntu Through Pakges: a Step-by-Step Guide by Nadeem Sohail

Step 1: Update System Packages

Open a terminal and run the following commands to update your system's package lists and upgrade existing packages:

sql
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Step 2: Install Required Dependencies Koha requires several dependencies to be installed. Run the following command to install them:

arduino
sudo apt install apache2 mysql-server memcached tomcat9 default-jre-headless

During the installation, you will be prompted to set a root password for the MySQL server. Make sure to remember this password.

Step 3: Install Additional Packages Next, install some additional packages required by Koha:

lua
sudo apt install libapache2-mod-perl2 libyaml-libyaml-perl libxml-libxml-perl libnet-ldap-perl libnet-z3950-zoom-perl libyaml-perl libmarc-perl libtext-csv-perl libpdf-api2-perl libclass-accessor-perl libdata-random-perl libtest-deep-perl libtest-exception-perl libtest-differences-perl libtest-manifest-perl libtest-mockobject-perl libtest-warn-perl libdbd-mysql-perl libcache-memcached-perl libdbi-perl libdatetime-perl libhtml-template-perl libtemplate-perl libjson-perl libpdf-create-perl libtext-csv-xs-perl libxml-sax-perl libxml-sax-expat-perl libxml-libxslt-perl

Step 4: Configure MySQL Now, you need to configure MySQL for Koha. Run the following command:

sudo mysql_secure_installation

This command will guide you through securing your MySQL installation. Follow the prompts and make sure to select "Y" (yes) for all the questions.

Step 5: Download and Install Koha Download the latest version of Koha using the following command:

arduino
wget https://download.koha-community.org/koha-latest.tar.gz

Extract the downloaded file using the following command:

tar -xvzf koha-latest.tar.gz

Move into the extracted directory:

bash
cd koha-<version>   # Replace <version> with the actual version number

Install Koha by running the installation script:

lua
sudo ./debian/koha-create --create-db mylibrary

This command will create a new Koha instance called "mylibrary." You can replace "mylibrary" with a name of your choice.

Step 6: Configure Apache Web Server Create a new Apache configuration file for Koha:

bash
sudo nano /etc/apache2/sites-available/koha.conf

Add the following lines to the file:

mathematica
<VirtualHost *:80>
    ServerAdmin webmaster@localhost
    DocumentRoot /usr/share/koha/intranet/htdocs
    ServerName your_domain_or_IP
    ServerAlias www.your_domain_or_IP
    <Directory /usr/share/koha/intranet/htdocs>
        Options FollowSymLinks
        AllowOverride All
        Require all granted
    </Directory>
</VirtualHost>

Replace "your_domain_or_IP" with your actual domain name or IP address.

Enable the new configuration and restart Apache:

sudo a2ensite koha
sudo systemctl restart apache2

Step 7: Set Up Koha Access the Koha web installer by opening a web browser and visiting:

arduino
http://your_domain_or_IP

Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Koha instance, providing the necessary information such as database details, administrator credentials, etc.

Once the installation is complete, you can access your Koha library system by visiting the URL you specified during the installation.

Here are some additional tips for installing Koha on Ubuntu:

• If you are using a firewall, you may need to open port 8080 to allow access to Koha.
• If you are having problems installing Koha, you can try searching for help on the Koha forums or mailing list.

I hope this tutorial was helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions.

That's it! You have successfully installed Koha on Ubuntu using packages. Remember to consult the official Koha documentation for more detailed configuration and customization options.

Regards:

Nadeem Sohail

Transform your library with Koha - the leading open-source ILS! 📚💻

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