College Libraries ® Vol. 39 No. 11T September 2024 3 (\’olumc 39 No. 111 COLLEGE LIBRARIES September 2024 PP 343) A Comparative Analysis of Open-Source Discovery Tools Used in the Next Generation Library Cataloguing System Dr. Debabrata Barman Librarian, Krishnath College, Berhampore, Murshidabad, West Bengal Dr. Anirban Dutta* Librarian, Krishna Chandra College, Hetampur, Birbhum, West Bengal (* Corresponding Author) Prof. (Dr.) Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay Professor, DLIS, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal Abstract This article evaluates the features and usability of open-source discovery tools, pointing out the benefits and drawbacks to assist librarians in determining the best tool to improve the single- window experience and make library operations run more smoothly. A comparison study looks at open-source discovery tools based on their features, such as search-enhancing tools, support for standards, and library automation modules. This study determined that VuFind is the most comprehensive open-source discovery tool because of its extensive functional features and ability to integrate easily with current library systems. This unique study evaluates open-source discovery tools for next-generation library cataloguing systems that provide insightful information for libraries by emphasising the best tools—like VuFind—after carefully examining their features, usability, and integration potential. Keywords: Cataloguing 2.0, Library User Interfaces, Next Generation Library Catalogue, Open-Source Software, VuFind, Web-Scale Discovery 1 Introduction Academic library users increasingly expect seamless access to both physical and digital resources through a single search interface. This search box should support metadata and full-text searches while offering user-centric services for a streamlined experience. Library cataloguing systems now manage a wide array of resources, including digital content, user-generated information, and physical collections, creating a growing demand for more accessible and efficient discovery systems. While commercial solutions provide robust unified search capabilities, their high costs make them inaccessible for many institutions, particularly in developing countries like India. Open-source software presents a practical alternative, more flexible, and innovative library cataloguing to consolidate resources without the financial burden of proprietary systems. Smaller academic libraries, such as college libraries, can develop affordable and user-friendly discovery systems using open-source tools and standards. These systems eliminate retrieval silos, integrating access to books, journals, databases, and more through a single search interface. Ultimately, they improve the user experience and enhance the accessibility of diverse library resources, meeting modern demands for efficient information retrieval. Open-source development's collaborative nature allows libraries to benefit