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Dear Ken, dear List Members,
on the topic of affordable software for small to medium libraries, we'd like to introduce ourselves as another vendor of Open Source library software. Library Co-op members are librarians and communications experts; for software support and development, we partner with the Software Coop.
I believe that Open Source can achieve a lot more than lower implementation cost: it can also keep the expense of ongoing maintenance and support down - especially as libraries have free choice of provider. Open Source Software can be adapted to meet a library's changing needs - so once a library has migrated to e.g. Koha, it should always be possible to just have additional functionality added to Koha, rather than migrate systems again. And in addition to the LMS, there are Open Source solutions for other library needs, too - from Discovery Tools to Electronic Resource Management or VLEs.
In the current climate of cuts and closures, Open Source can help libraries not only reduce cost, but also deliver better, more tailored services.
Best wishes
Gerhard
Gerhard Bissels
Library Management Consultant
Tel. +44 (0)2034320614
SIP 1297201
Email [log in to unmask]
Web library.coop
Library Co-op LLP
Company registered in England and Wales no. OC366378
> There has been a couple of postings on LIS-LINK and LIS-PUB-LIBS about
> library systems for small libraries that 'don't cost much'. There are some
> great systems around and some vendors with links are listed on CILIP 2010
> 'Showcase event' web page
> http://www.cilip.org.uk/whats-on/events/Pages/lms-showcases-2010.aspx . Of
> the vendors listed those that focus on working with smaller libraries are:-
>
> Adlib Informations Systems Ltd
> Amlib/ANS Ltd
> Bailey Solutions
> EOS International
> IS Oxford
> PTFS Europe Ltd (provides support, implementation and dev for open source
> Koha)
> Softlink Europe
> Soutron Ltd
>
> You could also add Microlibrarian (popular in schools)
> http://www.microlib.co.uk/ and Access-it (also popular in schools)
> http://www.accessitsoftware.com/
>
> The systems provided by these vendors do not necessarily lack in terms of
> functionality and may outperform so called 'bigger' systems in many regards.
>
>
> As for costs the purchase price of the software may well be the smallest
> factor in overall costs. For example Koha software is open source and free
> of charge but there are still costs in terms of implementation, training etc
>
> Btw the 2011 CILIP showcase event is soon (4th November) so offers a good
> opportunity to evaluate some of the systems.
> www.cilip.org.uk/lms-showcase-autumn-2011<http://www.cilip.org.uk/lms-showca
> se-autumn-2011
>
> Ken
> Ken Chad Consulting Ltd
> Tel +44 (0)7788 727 845. Email: [log in to unmask]
> www.kenchadconsulting.com
> Skype: kenchadconsulting Twitter: @KenChad
> Open Library Systems Specifications: http://libtechrfp.wikispaces.com
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