michigan libraries and open source software

Randy Dykhuis, Executive Director, Michigan Library Consortium

November 30, 2007

Nonprofit, 501(c)3 Multitype OCLC Regional Network Group licensing Training Michigan eLibrary

Best of the Web◦ Librarian selectors

Databases◦ 35+ databases at no charge◦ Support/training

MeLCat◦ INN-Reach software◦ 200+ libraries◦ Many different automated systems

Delivery◦ ProMed, Michigan-based courier company◦ 350+ libraries using◦ Flat-rate per stop◦ 2-5 stops per week◦ $760 - $2,500 annually◦ Required for MeLCat participation

Commitment within the office Choose open source whenever possible

10 million residents 385 public libraries 100+ academics

◦ 15 public universities◦ 28 community colleges◦ 65+ private & other colleges

525 public school districts◦ 200+ charter schools

Most libraries are automated Many public and school libraries have small

stand-alone systems with limited functionality

Many libraries wish they had better systems Two problems:

◦ Small budgets for automation◦ Lack of staff to run the system

Commercial vendors◦ Innovative Interfaces – best choice for MeLCat

partcipation◦ Polaris – responsive company, affordable

Open source software◦ Koha◦ Evergreen

Used by 270+ libraries in Georgia Developed by the state library Developed especially for a consortium Up & running in September 2006 Much work left to be done

◦ Acquisitions & Serials◦ Many smaller features

Strong interest from libraries around the state◦ Mostly small-medium public libraries

Grand Rapids Public Library◦ 197,000 population served, 1.09 million volumes,

1.4 million circ◦ MLC's partner◦ Data center◦ Migration to Evergreen planned for late 2008

5 – 10 libraries to join a pilot program Go live in 2008 Costs for the pilot will be shared by the

participants◦ Hardware – Dell servers to be purchased & housed

at Grand Rapids Public Library◦ Data migration◦ Training◦ Support

Demonstrations at Michigan Library Association annual conference were very successful

Have two libraries that have committed to joining the pilot project

Have assigned two staff members to the project

Policies & implementation documentation are underway

Aiming for July 1, 2008 start-up for first libraries

Changing the marketplace A new model for acquiring an ILS System features are determined by library need not

vendor profit Brings cooperation to a new level

Development is under library control not a vendor Small gains for some translates to gains for all

Everyone plays