Library systems, comparisons and contrasts.
For the children of today, going to the library, searching through the card catalogue to look for books on topics they need to research on is quite archaic! However, many of us still remember how time consuming this was. The kids of today certainly have it easy. Imagine getting all the information you need with one-click of your mouse!?!
An integrated library system (ILS), also known as a library management system (LMS), is an enterprise resource planning system for a library, used to track items owned, orders made, bills paid, and patrons who have borrowed.
An ILS usually comprises a relational database, software to interact with that database, and two graphical user interfaces (one for patrons, one for staff). Most ILSes separate software functions into discrete programs called modules, each of them integrated with a unified interface. Examples of modules might include:
§ acquisitions (ordering, receiving, and invoicing materials)
§ cataloging (classifying and indexing materials)
§ circulation (lending materials to patrons and receiving them back)
§ serials (tracking magazine and newspaper holdings)
§ the OPAC (public interface for users)
Each patron and item has a unique ID in the database that allows the ILS to track its activity.
Larger libraries use an ILS to order and acquire, receive and invoice, catalog, circulate, track and shelve materials. Smaller libraries, such as those in private homes or non-profit organizations (like churches or synagogues, for instance), often forgo the expense and maintenance required to run an ILS, and instead use a library computer system. (Wikipedia)
Automation of the catalog saves the labor involved in re-sorting the card catalog, keeping it up-to-date with respect to the collection, etc. Other tasks which are now automated include checking-out and checking-in books, generating statistics and reports, acquisitions and subscriptions, indexing journal articles and linking to them, as well as tracking interlibrary loans.
Since the late 1980s, windowing systems and multi-tasking have allowed the integration of business functions. Instead of having to open up separate applications, library staff could now use a single application with multiple functional modules. As the Internet grew, ILS vendors offered more functionality related to computer networks. As of 2009 major ILS systems offer web-based portals where library users can log in to view their account, renew their books, and authenticate themselves for access to online databases. (Wikipedia)
In recent years some libraries have turned to major open source ILSs such as Koha and Evergreen. Common reasons noted were to avoid vendor lock in, avoid license fees, and participate in software development. Librarytechnology.org does an annual survey of over 1,500 libraries and noted in 2008 2%[3] of those surveyed used open source ILS, in 2009 the number increased to 8%[4] and in 2010(most recent year available) 12%[5] of the libraries polled had adopted open source ILSs. (Wikipedia)
The following are some examples of these automated library systems (Wikipedia):
Open-source
§ Evergreen
§ CDS Invenio
§ Koha
§ NewGenLib
§ PhpMyBibli
§ Greenstone
§ OpenBiblio
§ OPALS [6]
Proprietary
§ AutoLyb, integrated library automation software developed by Databiz Limited, a leading software house based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
§ Ex Libris Group, Aleph and Voyager (latter acquired from Endeavor Information Systems in 2006)
§ Millennium, former Innopac, from Innovative Interfaces, Inc.
§ SirsiDynix, Symphony – current version and Unicorn – a legacy system.
§ Library•Solution, Library•Solution for Schools, and CARL•X from The Library Corporation (TLC)
§ LibraryWorld
§ NOSA
§ SydneyPLUS International
§ Talis (UK and Ireland)
§ Horizon from former company Dynix, later absorbed by SirsiDynix
§ Virtua, former VTLS, from VTLS Inc.
§ Voyager from former company Endeavor Information Systems, later acquired by Ex Libris
§ (Polish) MOL, Patron and MOLIK – interface created for children
Legacy
§ NOTIS
Koha is web-based ILS, with a SQL database backend with cataloguing data stored in MARC and accessible via Z39.50. The user interface is very configurable and adaptable and has been translated into many languages.[2] Koha has most of the features that would be expected in an ILS, including:
§ Simple, clear interface for librarians and members (patrons)
§ Various Web 2.0 facilities like tagging and RSS feeds
§ Union catalog facility
§ Customizable search
§ Circulation and borrower management
§ Full acquisitions system including budgets and pricing information (including supplier and currency conversion)
§ Simple acquisitions system for the smaller library
§ Ability to cope with any number of branches, patrons, patron categories, item categories, items, currencies and other data
§ Serials system for magazines or newspapers
§ Reading lists for members
SirsiDynix (previously Sirsi Corporation), is a United States company that produces software solutions and associated services for libraries of all types (academic, public, corporate, government, public/private K–12 schools and special). The company is based in Provo, Utah, and employs approximately 400 in offices worldwide. SirsiDynix claims to be a global leader in providing “technology solutions” to libraries. The company was bought out by Vista Equity Partners in 2007, a private equity firm based in San Francisco, CA. For more than 30 years, libraries have used SirsiDynix technologies to bring the power of their collections to their communities. Our story began when Northwestern University developed a system to automate its library card catalogs in the 1960s. Since then, we have been a committed partner to libraries around the world, employing technology that allows librarians to do more than just keep track of their collection. Today, more than 23,000 library facilities in more than 70 countries use our products and services to bring the power of knowledge and information to 300 million users worldwide. (SirsiDynix)
References:
Integrated Library Systems. Wikipedia. Retrieved 28 June, 2011 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrated_library_system
Koha Software. Wikipedia. Retrieved 28 June, 2011 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koha_(software)
Sirsidynix. Retrieved 28 June, 2011 from http://www.sirsidynix.com/about
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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