Hi Jo, Adrian and All,
The ILS is still librarian's only tool for managing collections, from acquisitions to circulation. But increasingly libraries complement the ILS with a Discovery Tool as the default search interface - because it integrates the OPAC with other bibliographic databases, thus giving a more comprehensive representation of a library's holdings in a single search transaction. Many libraries also connect their ILS to the Virtual Learning Environment so reading lists are presented there. And as more libraries have larger on-line collections to manage, ERM systems and link resolvers are becoming standard. Academic libraries will also tie their e-repository in... All this adds up to a modular approach to library software: a whole array of software is required to run a library efficiently; and the ILS is here to stay, but only as several packages.
Vendors of proprietary library software have, for many years, sold some of these packages as a kind of 'add-ons' to their 'core' business, the ILS. But Open Source Software has gained a lot of ground; on the one hand because it helps keep the overall cost down, on the other because Open Source packages tend to be totally standards based, so will talk to each other easily - and can be integrated with the (Open Source) Content Management Systems that handles the institution's website.
This new approach to systems is focused on functions rather than packages. You start with an analysis of the organisation's needs, then you pick the right OSS applications, combine them, have some functionality coded where necessary. And while support for OSS library software is available commercially, I am hopeful that, as libraries spend less and less on software licenses, they will invest this money in in-house systems teams.
Best wishes
Gerhard
Gerhard Bissels
Consulting Librarian
Tel. +44 (0)20 3432 0614
[log in to unmask]
library.coop
On 16 Feb 2012, at 11:51, Jo Richler wrote:
> Hi
>
> I think that you have presented a fair portrait of the current status and future concerns. The issues that I believe are located deeper in the catalogue construct are based on the one fit-fits all delivery model. Universities that can afford to think beyond the OPAC have the funding to do so. Smaller and funding deprived FE colleges are limited in their choice. If one was to think of the usual LMS procurement module for example, then you would see how this very old technology does not integrate easily with a whole college approach to e-procurement. I think that the new horizon of resources collection methodology, collating resources into thematic offerings will ensure that our systems will change, our staff will adapt and our students will demand a different level of engagement with all relevant sources of information and knowledge.
>
> Bets wishes
>
> Jo
>
>
> Jo Richler BA Hons MSc PGCert Ed FLPI
> Lead Consultant
> ciel associates
> [log in to unmask]
> +44 (0) 7967 268 084
> www.ciel.org.uk <http://www.ciel.org.uk/>
>
>
> ________________________________
>
> From: A general Library and Information Science list for news and discussion. on behalf of Adrian Watkins
> Sent: Thu 16/02/2012 09:00
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: What is the future of the Library Management System?
>
>
>
> Hi everyone,
>
> I am doing some research into the future of the LMS in my position as a Market Analyst and would like your feedback.
>
> What do you think of this perspective ?
>
>
> http://www.walternelson.com/dr/sites/default/files/ILS_future_0.pdf
>
> (this link goes to a power point presentation so takes a few seconds to load)
>
>
> Do you think this is an overly pessimistic outlook ?
>
> Your thoughts, comments are appreciated!
>
> Thanks.
>
> Adrian
> Market Analyst
> www.eosintl.com
|