In the August 2011 of Library Journal, David Rapp wrote about the pros and cons of switching from proprietary to open source integrated library system (ILS). The Evergreen ILS, created by the Georgia Public Library Service in 2006, and Koha ILS, created in 1999 by Katipo Communications in New Zealand, were the two open source ILS highlighted in the article. Major advantages of using open source ILS are its customizability, affordability and portability (ability to switch support vendors). However, some of the disadvantages include support issues and support cost. These were the issues faced by large-scale King County Library System, with a 22.4 million annual circulation recorded in 2010, when the library decided on open source migration from its previous proprietary Innovative Interfaces' Millenium ILS. In contrast, however, smaller scale libraries La Conner Public Library, Burlington Public Library and Upper Skagit Library District did not have the same problem when migrating to Evergreen. The author concluded that migrating to open source "...depends on a library system's goals and aims and the ability--and resources--to put in the required work."
Three Points
1. There is no single answer to a library's problem.
2. To do it or not to do it.
3. The upshot of all these.
What may work for others may not work for you. All libraries are not created equal. There might be semblances but, in all honesty, a library has to consider both internal and external factors before deciding between proprietary and open source ILS. The article was able to contrast two very different kinds libraries with two very different experiences on their migration to open source ILS. The larger one experienced great difficulties but the smaller ones did not encounter any hitches.
To do it or not to do it. When faced with the question whether to embrace open source ILS or to stay with a proprietary ILS, a library has to consider the advantages and disadvantages of both resources, and weigh these in the light of the library's goals and resources. The library would also benefit greatly from the stories and experiences of other libraries who have and have not done it.
The upshot of all these . Ultimately, the quest for a better library service for its primary patron is a good reason for considering whether to migrate to open source or to stay with a proprietary ILS. Support issues, affordability, and customizability are factors that should be considered as challenges but not as hindrances to fulfilling a library's goal.
2. To do it or not to do it.
3. The upshot of all these.
What may work for others may not work for you. All libraries are not created equal. There might be semblances but, in all honesty, a library has to consider both internal and external factors before deciding between proprietary and open source ILS. The article was able to contrast two very different kinds libraries with two very different experiences on their migration to open source ILS. The larger one experienced great difficulties but the smaller ones did not encounter any hitches.
To do it or not to do it. When faced with the question whether to embrace open source ILS or to stay with a proprietary ILS, a library has to consider the advantages and disadvantages of both resources, and weigh these in the light of the library's goals and resources. The library would also benefit greatly from the stories and experiences of other libraries who have and have not done it.
The upshot of all these . Ultimately, the quest for a better library service for its primary patron is a good reason for considering whether to migrate to open source or to stay with a proprietary ILS. Support issues, affordability, and customizability are factors that should be considered as challenges but not as hindrances to fulfilling a library's goal.
Implication
The library is a physical and virtual hub of information of the academic community. It is the library's purpose to serve the library patrons in the best possible way. As a librarian in these hi-tech times, it is best that I become familiar with the current library trends, especially since the library is now being challenged to be at the forefront of the information community. It is to the benefit of the community where I am serving as a librarian to offer them services that are fitting to their needs in the best way that they would understand and be able to access library resources. Whether to chose between an in-house developed, open source, or proprietary ILS depends so much on how I, as the librarian, am able to weigh key factors in the light of the library's goals.
Reference
Rapp, D. (2011). Open source reality check. Library Journal, 136 (13), 34-36.
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