Cross posted on LIS-PUB-LIBS. For those in HE there is further info on Open
Source on SCONUL's HELibTech wiki http://helibtech.com/Open+Source
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Robert Ruthven, Information, Library and Archives Service Manager at
Stirling Council says ( http://www.ptfs-europe.com/?p=988 )
"This open source solution offers a cost-effective way forward in sharing
services at a time of unprecedented financial pressure on local authorities.
The innate flexibility of the software and the rapid pace of development
supported by library services across the globe will allow us to do so much
more for less, enabling us to provide an enhanced, adaptable library and
information service that meets the needs of our customers."
The press release goes on to say : 'Stirling and East Dunbartonshire
Councils have chosen the Evergreen open source library management system as
a replacement for SirsiDynix Horizon. PTFS Europe are carrying out a full
implementation and providing ongoing support. The system will be hosted at
the PTFS Europe data centre in Maidenhead and is the first Evergreen
installation in the UK'.
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The pace of adoption of open source library systems seems to be quickening
with public libraries just ahead of Higher Education at the moment -at least
in terms of the LMS. Most general (i.e. non library) studies of the business
case for open source solutions still seem to put lower cost as the prime
reason but innovation is also getting more widely cited. It seems that these
themes have been picked up in the world of *library systems* by Stirling
libraries. In addition this first time UK implementation of
Evergreen---developed in particular for consortia-shared services--- is
notable.
There is more information on open source solutions for public libraries on
the Local Government Library Technology (LGLibTech) website (wiki)
http://lglibtech.wikispaces.com/Open+Source+Library+Systems+in+the+UK
Ken
Ken Chad Consulting Ltd
Tel +44 (0)7788 727 845. Email: [log in to unmask]
www.kenchadconsulting.com <http://www.kenchadconsulting.com/>
Skype: kenchadconsulting Twitter: @KenChad
Open Library Systems Specifications: http://libtechrfp.wikispaces.com
<http://libtechrfp.wikispaces.com/>
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