Open Source Library Open Source Library Automation Automation

The Current State of the Art The Current State of the Art Marshall BreedingMarshall BreedingDirector for Innovative Technologies and ResearchDirector for Innovative Technologies and ResearchVanderbilt UniversityVanderbilt Universityhttp://staffweb.library.vanderbilt.edu/breedinghttp://www.librarytechnology.org/

Program DescriptionProgram Description

““Open Source Library Automation”Open Source Library Automation” will examine the recent movement will examine the recent movement toward the adoption of open source toward the adoption of open source integrated library systems, considering integrated library systems, considering the relative advantages, the relative advantages, disadvantages, risks, costs, and the disadvantages, risks, costs, and the functionality of the products available. functionality of the products available.

Recent UpheavalsRecent Upheavals

Industry Consolidation continuesIndustry Consolidation continues Abrupt transitions for major library automation Abrupt transitions for major library automation

productsproducts Increased industry control by external financial Increased industry control by external financial

investorsinvestors Demise of the traditional OPACDemise of the traditional OPAC Frustration with ILS products and vendorsFrustration with ILS products and vendors Open Source alternatives hit the mainstreamOpen Source alternatives hit the mainstream

Breeding, Marshall: Perceptions 2007 an international survey of library automation. http://www.librarytechnology.org/perceptions2007.pl January 2008.

ILS Industry in TransitionILS Industry in Transition

Consolidation through mergers and acquisitions Consolidation through mergers and acquisitions have resulted in a fewer number of players; larger have resulted in a fewer number of players; larger companiescompanies

Uncomfortable level of product narrowingUncomfortable level of product narrowing Increased ownership by external interestsIncreased ownership by external interests Yet: Some companies and products continue on Yet: Some companies and products continue on

solid groundsolid ground

Breeding, Marshall “Automation system marketplace 2008: Opportunity Out of Turmoil” Library Journal. April 1, 2008.

Results of industry turmoilResults of industry turmoil

Disruptions and business decisions to narrow Disruptions and business decisions to narrow options have caused major shifts in the library options have caused major shifts in the library automation industryautomation industry

fueled the open source movement and created a fueled the open source movement and created a huge market for companies supporting open source huge market for companies supporting open source ILSILS

Influx of business towards companies with reliable Influx of business towards companies with reliable track recordtrack record

Traditionally licensed and open source ILS Traditionally licensed and open source ILS alternatives will coexist in the ILS arenaalternatives will coexist in the ILS arena

Open Source ILS enters the Open Source ILS enters the mainstreammainstream

Earlier era of pioneering efforts to ILS shifting into Earlier era of pioneering efforts to ILS shifting into one where open source alternatives fall in the one where open source alternatives fall in the mainstreammainstream

Off-the-shelf, commercially supported product Off-the-shelf, commercially supported product availableavailable

Still a minority player, but gaining groundStill a minority player, but gaining ground– Next LJ Automation System Marketplace article will Next LJ Automation System Marketplace article will

update the scoreupdate the score

Are they next-generation systems or open source Are they next-generation systems or open source version of legacy models?version of legacy models?

Open Source SoftwareOpen Source Software

Broad TrendsBroad Trends

Open Source InfrastructureOpen Source Infrastructure

IT InfrastructureIT Infrastructure

LinuxLinux ApacheApache

– LuceneLucene– SolrSolr

MySqlMySql PostgreSQLPostgreSQL

Web Server deploymentWeb Server deployment

Source: Netcraft www.netcraft.com

Operating System Market ShareOperating System Market Share

IDC figures for OS on new server shipments IDC figures for OS on new server shipments 3Q 2007:3Q 2007:

Windows Server: Windows Server: 67.1% 67.1% Linux: Linux: 22.8% 22.8%

– Slight gain for Windows/loss for Linux over Slight gain for Windows/loss for Linux over previous quarterprevious quarter

TrendsTrends

Open Source Software well established in Open Source Software well established in for general IT infrastructurefor general IT infrastructure

Linux emerging as the dominant flavor of Linux emerging as the dominant flavor of UnixUnix

Commercial options continue to prosperCommercial options continue to prosper

Open Source Library SoftwareOpen Source Library Software

(non-ILS)(non-ILS)

General Infrastructure ComponentsGeneral Infrastructure Components

Index DataIndex Data– YAZ toolkitYAZ toolkit

Z39.50Z39.50 SRU/WSRU/W

– Zebra XML Search EngineZebra XML Search Engine– Pazpar2 federated search enginePazpar2 federated search engine– MasterKey federated search hosted serviceMasterKey federated search hosted service

Digital Repository ApplicationsDigital Repository Applications

FedoraFedora

Open source digital repository engineOpen source digital repository engine Not an out-of-the-box solutionNot an out-of-the-box solution

– Many organizations have developed their own Many organizations have developed their own interfaces and applications built on top of interfaces and applications built on top of FedoraFedora

VTLS Vital product based on FedoraVTLS Vital product based on Fedora Supported by Fedora CommonsSupported by Fedora Commons

– http://www.fedora-commons.org/http://www.fedora-commons.org/

DspaceDspace

Institutional Repository ApplicationInstitutional Repository Application Originally developed by Hewlett Packard Originally developed by Hewlett Packard

and MITand MIT http://www.dspace.orghttp://www.dspace.org Widely deployed by Universities for Widely deployed by Universities for

institutional repository projectsinstitutional repository projects

KeystoneKeystone

Developed by Index DataDeveloped by Index Data Open source digital repository applicationOpen source digital repository application

– Digital content managementDigital content management– Federated searchFederated search– OAI harvestingOAI harvesting– Link resolver servicesLink resolver services

Open source discovery Open source discovery productsproducts

AKA: Next Generation CatalogsAKA: Next Generation Catalogs

VUFind – Villanova UniversityVUFind – Villanova University

Based on Apache Solr search toolkitBased on Apache Solr search toolkit

http://www.vufind.org/http://www.vufind.org/

eXtensible CatalogeXtensible Catalog

University of Rochester – River Campus University of Rochester – River Campus LibrariesLibraries

Financial support from the Andrew W. Mellon Financial support from the Andrew W. Mellon FoundationFoundation

http://www.extensiblecatalog.info/http://www.extensiblecatalog.info/– Just received a second round of funding from MellonJust received a second round of funding from Mellon

$283,000 (April 2006)$283,000 (April 2006) $749,000 (October 2007)$749,000 (October 2007)

– Wider institutional participationWider institutional participation

A Mandate for OpennessA Mandate for Openness

Opportunities for OpennessOpportunities for Openness

Open SourceOpen Source– Alternative to traditionally licensed softwareAlternative to traditionally licensed software

Open SystemsOpen Systems– Software that doesn’t hold data hostageSoftware that doesn’t hold data hostage

More Open SystemsMore Open Systems

Pressure for traditionally licensed products to become Pressure for traditionally licensed products to become more openmore open

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) let libraries APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) let libraries access and manipulate their data outside of delivered access and manipulate their data outside of delivered softwaresoftware

A comprehensive set of APIs potentially give libraries more A comprehensive set of APIs potentially give libraries more flexibility and control in accessing data and services and in flexibility and control in accessing data and services and in extending functionality than having access to the source extending functionality than having access to the source code.code.

Customer access to APIs does not involve as much risk to Customer access to APIs does not involve as much risk to breaking core system functions, avoids issues of version breaking core system functions, avoids issues of version management and code forking associated with open management and code forking associated with open source models.source models.

More Open SystemsMore Open Systems

Pressure for traditionally licensed products to become Pressure for traditionally licensed products to become more openmore open

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) let libraries APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) let libraries access and manipulate their data outside of delivered access and manipulate their data outside of delivered softwaresoftware

A comprehensive set of APIs potentially give libraries more A comprehensive set of APIs potentially give libraries more flexibility and control in accessing data and services and in flexibility and control in accessing data and services and in extending functionality than having access to the source extending functionality than having access to the source code.code.

Customer access to APIs does not involve as much risk to Customer access to APIs does not involve as much risk to breaking core system functions, avoids issues of version breaking core system functions, avoids issues of version management and code forking associated with open management and code forking associated with open source models.source models.

Opportunity out of the UpheavalsOpportunity out of the Upheavals

More optionsMore options– Commercial + Open SourceCommercial + Open Source

More vendorsMore vendors– New open source support companies provide new New open source support companies provide new

competitioncompetition More library involvementMore library involvement

– Libraries re-energized to make significant contributions Libraries re-energized to make significant contributions to the body of library automation softwareto the body of library automation software

Traditionally licensed and open source automation Traditionally licensed and open source automation systems will co-exist. We have an interest in the systems will co-exist. We have an interest in the success of both alternatives.success of both alternatives.

Web 2.0 / Collaborative Web 2.0 / Collaborative ComputingComputing

Currently implemented ad hocCurrently implemented ad hoc Many libraries putting up blogs, wikis, and Many libraries putting up blogs, wikis, and

fostering engagement in social networking sitesfostering engagement in social networking sites Proliferation of silos with no integration or Proliferation of silos with no integration or

interoperability with larger library Web presenceinteroperability with larger library Web presence Next Gen: Build social and collaborative features Next Gen: Build social and collaborative features

into core automation componentsinto core automation components

Open Source in the ILS arenaOpen Source in the ILS arena

Products and trendsProducts and trends

Open Source ILS enters the Open Source ILS enters the mainstreammainstream

Earlier era of pioneering efforts to ILS Earlier era of pioneering efforts to ILS shifting into one where open source shifting into one where open source alternatives fall in the mainstreamalternatives fall in the mainstream

Off-the-shelf, commercially supported Off-the-shelf, commercially supported product availableproduct available

Still a minority player, but gaining groundStill a minority player, but gaining ground

Tracking the Open Source Tracking the Open Source MovementMovement

Through Marshall’s articles and Through Marshall’s articles and columnscolumns

March 2002: Open source ILS: still a March 2002: Open source ILS: still a distant possibilitydistant possibility

““I do not, however, expect to see such victories of I do not, however, expect to see such victories of Open Source software over commercial products Open Source software over commercial products in the integrated library system arena. Both broad in the integrated library system arena. Both broad historical and recent trends argue against a historical and recent trends argue against a movement toward libraries creating their own movement toward libraries creating their own library automation systems—either in an Open library automation systems—either in an Open Source or closed development process.”Source or closed development process.”

Early open source efforts included Avanti, Early open source efforts included Avanti, Pytheas, OpenBook, and KohaPytheas, OpenBook, and Koha

3 out of 4 now defunct3 out of 4 now defunct

Source: Information Technologies and Libraries, Mar 2002

Oct 2002: An update on Open Oct 2002: An update on Open Source ILSSource ILS

““the open source systems such as the three the open source systems such as the three mentioned above are but a small blip on the mentioned above are but a small blip on the radar. Compared to the thousands of radar. Compared to the thousands of libraries that acquire automation systems libraries that acquire automation systems from commercial vendors each year, the from commercial vendors each year, the handful that use open source systems handful that use open source systems cannot yet be noted as a trend. “cannot yet be noted as a trend. “– Discussed Koha, LearningAccess ILS, Avanti Discussed Koha, LearningAccess ILS, Avanti

MicroLCSMicroLCS

Source: Information Today, Oct 2002http://www.librarytechnology.org/ltg-displaytext.pl?RC=9975

… … then the world changedthen the world changed

Mar 2007: On update on Open Mar 2007: On update on Open Source ILSSource ILS

““As I look back at my 2002 column on open source ILS, I see that I As I look back at my 2002 column on open source ILS, I see that I mentioned both Koha and the Learning-Access ILS. Over this 4-year mentioned both Koha and the Learning-Access ILS. Over this 4-year time period I have seen Koha usage increase from a single library time period I have seen Koha usage increase from a single library system to two or more library systems plus a few individual public system to two or more library systems plus a few individual public libraries and a large number of other small ones. The LearningAccess libraries and a large number of other small ones. The LearningAccess ILS is used in 15 libraries. Evergreen currently represents the largest ILS is used in 15 libraries. Evergreen currently represents the largest group of libraries sharing a single open source ILS implementation.group of libraries sharing a single open source ILS implementation.

Over the same time period, well over 40,000 libraries have purchased a Over the same time period, well over 40,000 libraries have purchased a commercial ILS. So, relative to the entire library automation arena, commercial ILS. So, relative to the entire library automation arena, those using an open source ILS still represent a minuscule portion of those using an open source ILS still represent a minuscule portion of the whole.the whole.

That said, conditions are ripe for a more rapid adoption of open source That said, conditions are ripe for a more rapid adoption of open source ILS than we have seen in the past. “ILS than we have seen in the past. “

Source: Computers in Libraries, Mar 2007http://www.librarytechnology.org/ltg-displaytext.pl?RC=12445

Mar 2008: Making a business case Mar 2008: Making a business case for Open Source ILSfor Open Source ILS

We’re living in a phase of library automation characterized by We’re living in a phase of library automation characterized by an an increased interest in open sourceincreased interest in open source-not just in back--not just in back-end infrastructure components but also in the mission-end infrastructure components but also in the mission-critical business applications such as the integrated library critical business applications such as the integrated library system. Open source library automation systems, including system. Open source library automation systems, including Koha and Evergreen, have been propelled into the Koha and Evergreen, have been propelled into the limelight. Recent survey data fails to corroborate broad limelight. Recent survey data fails to corroborate broad interest that libraries are ready to adopt open source ILS. interest that libraries are ready to adopt open source ILS. The success of early adopters of open source ILS now The success of early adopters of open source ILS now serve as a catalyst for others. Paths now exist with serve as a catalyst for others. Paths now exist with more mature systems and professional support more mature systems and professional support options.options. As the open source movement matures, these As the open source movement matures, these system will need to compete on their own merits and not system will need to compete on their own merits and not solely on a philosophical preference. solely on a philosophical preference.

Source: Computers in Libraries, Mar 2008http://www.librarytechnology.org/ltg-displaytext.pl?RC=13134

Apr 2008: Automation System Apr 2008: Automation System Marketplace Marketplace

““Last year marked the launch of the open source ILS Last year marked the launch of the open source ILS into the mainstream; it received major attention in into the mainstream; it received major attention in the press and at library conferences. From a the press and at library conferences. From a business perspective, open source ILS contracts business perspective, open source ILS contracts represented a very small portion of the library represented a very small portion of the library automation economy. The success of early automation economy. The success of early adopters' implementations has already diminished adopters' implementations has already diminished skepticism. Many indicators suggest that open skepticism. Many indicators suggest that open source ILS contracts will displace larger source ILS contracts will displace larger percentages of traditional licensing models in each percentages of traditional licensing models in each subsequent year.subsequent year.

Source: “Automation System Marketplace: Opportunity out of Turmoil” April 1, 2008

An industry in turmoilAn industry in turmoil

Disruptions and business decisions to Disruptions and business decisions to narrow options have fueled the open source narrow options have fueled the open source movementmovement

Benefit to libraries in having additional Benefit to libraries in having additional optionsoptions

Traditionally licensed and open source ILS Traditionally licensed and open source ILS alternatives will coexist in the ILS arenaalternatives will coexist in the ILS arena

Open Source vs Traditional licensingOpen Source vs Traditional licensing

Taking sides?Taking sides? Both viable optionsBoth viable options Avoid philosophical preferenceAvoid philosophical preference Which best supports the missions of Which best supports the missions of

libraries?libraries? Which approach helps libraries become Which approach helps libraries become

better librariesbetter libraries

Current Open Source ILS Current Open Source ILS Product OptionsProduct Options

Koha: first Open Source ILSKoha: first Open Source ILS

Koha + Index Data Zebra = Koha ZOOMKoha + Index Data Zebra = Koha ZOOM Components:Components:

– PerlPerl– ApacheApache– MySqlMySql– Zebra: search engine option for larger Zebra: search engine option for larger

installationsinstallations

Libraries committed to KohaLibraries committed to Koha 300+ libraries300+ libraries Horowhenua Library TrustHorowhenua Library Trust Nelsonville Public LibraryNelsonville Public Library

– Athens County, OHAthens County, OH Crawford County Federated Library SystemCrawford County Federated Library System

– 10 Libraries in PA10 Libraries in PA Howard County, MDHoward County, MD

– Service area population: Service area population: 266300266300 – 4.7 million circulation transactions in 20064.7 million circulation transactions in 2006– 1 million volumes1 million volumes

Central Kansas Library SystemCentral Kansas Library System Santa Cruz Public LibrarySanta Cruz Public Library

– Central, 9 branchesCentral, 9 branches– 2 million volumes2 million volumes

Near East University LibraryNear East University Library– 1.5 million volumes1.5 million volumes

KohaKoha

EvergreenEvergreen

Developed by the Georgia Public Library Developed by the Georgia Public Library ServiceService

Small development teamSmall development team June 2004 – development beginsJune 2004 – development begins Sept 5, 2006 – live productionSept 5, 2006 – live production Streamlined environment: single shared Streamlined environment: single shared

implementation, all libraries follow the same implementation, all libraries follow the same policies, one library cardpolicies, one library card

Libraries using EvergreenLibraries using Evergreen

Georgia PINESGeorgia PINES– http://http://gapines.orggapines.org

Georgia PINES:Georgia PINES:– 1 Installation1 Installation– 54 Public Library Systems54 Public Library Systems– 260+ library facilities260+ library facilities– Does not include municipal systems: Atlanta-Fulton County, Does not include municipal systems: Atlanta-Fulton County,

Cobb CountyCobb County Province of British Columbia in Canada – SITKAProvince of British Columbia in Canada – SITKA Kent County, MDKent County, MD Evergreen IndianaEvergreen Indiana Under consideration by academic libraries in Under consideration by academic libraries in

CanadaCanada

EvergreenEvergreen

OPALSOPALS

Open source Automated Library SystemOpen source Automated Library System– http://www.mediaflex.net/showcase.jsp?record_id=52http://www.mediaflex.net/showcase.jsp?record_id=52

Developed and Supported by Media FlexDeveloped and Supported by Media Flex– Harry Chan Harry Chan – Original developer of MandarinOriginal developer of Mandarin– Installation ($250) and Hosting services ($750)Installation ($250) and Hosting services ($750)

South Central Organization of (School) LibrariesSouth Central Organization of (School) Libraries consortium of K-12 school libraries in NYconsortium of K-12 school libraries in NY

Libraries using OPALsLibraries using OPALs Dutchess County BOCES School Library System Union Catalog Dutchess County BOCES School Library System Union Catalog Rockland County BOCES School Library System Union Catalog Rockland County BOCES School Library System Union Catalog

– manage as many as half a million unique titles and close to a manage as many as half a million unique titles and close to a million holdings. million holdings.

South Central Organization Of (School) Library SystemsSouth Central Organization Of (School) Library Systems– 1.7 million titles and more than 3 million holdings for 300 schools 1.7 million titles and more than 3 million holdings for 300 schools

24 school libraries in Rockland County use OPALS open source 24 school libraries in Rockland County use OPALS open source software to manage the daily operations of their libraries software to manage the daily operations of their libraries

In New York State, 15 BOCES School Library Systems provide In New York State, 15 BOCES School Library Systems provide interlibrary loan services and building level management services to interlibrary loan services and building level management services to 900 school libraries using OPALS open source software900 school libraries using OPALS open source software

Source: Harry Chan. MediaFlex

OPALSOPALS

NextGenLibNextGenLib

ILS designed for the developing worldILS designed for the developing world Originally traditionally licensed, introduced 2003Originally traditionally licensed, introduced 2003 Transition to Open Source in Jan 2008Transition to Open Source in Jan 2008 122 Installations (India, Syria, Sudan, Cambodia)122 Installations (India, Syria, Sudan, Cambodia) Collaborative project:Collaborative project:

– Kesavan Institute of Information and Knowledge Management Kesavan Institute of Information and Knowledge Management – Versus Solutions Versus Solutions – Versus IT Services Pvt. Ltd Versus IT Services Pvt. Ltd

http://www.librarytechnology.org/ltg-displaytext.pl?RChttp://www.librarytechnology.org/ltg-displaytext.pl?RC=13150=13150

ILS DeploymentsILS Deployments

UnicornUnicorn 17041704

HorizonHorizon 16121612

MillenniumMillennium 12891289

VoyagerVoyager 11831183

Aleph 500Aleph 500 19701970

Library.SolutionLibrary.Solution 700700

Koha (Total)Koha (Total) 500?500?

Koha (LibLime)Koha (LibLime) 260+260+

EvergreenEvergreen 8888

OPALSOPALS 58 / 170 58 / 170

Commercial Involvement Commercial Involvement

Companies formed to support Companies formed to support open source library productsopen source library products

The Open Source Business FrontThe Open Source Business Front

Index DataIndex Data– Founded 1994; No ILS; A variety of other open source products to Founded 1994; No ILS; A variety of other open source products to

support libraries: search engines, federated search, Z39.50 toolkit, support libraries: search engines, federated search, Z39.50 toolkit, etcetc

LibLimeLibLime– Founded 2005. Provides development and support services for Founded 2005. Provides development and support services for

Koha ILS. Acquired original developers of Koha in Feb 2007.Koha ILS. Acquired original developers of Koha in Feb 2007. Equinox. Equinox.

– Founded Feb 2007; staff formerly associated with GPLS Pines Founded Feb 2007; staff formerly associated with GPLS Pines development teamdevelopment team

MediaFlex. MediaFlex. – Longstanding school library automation company. Latest Longstanding school library automation company. Latest

generation ILS developed in open source modelgeneration ILS developed in open source model

X

LibLimeLibLime

Small, but growing, private company formed in Small, but growing, private company formed in early 2005early 2005

Devoted to support of Koha and other open source Devoted to support of Koha and other open source softwaresoftware

Launched by individuals involved with the Koha Launched by individuals involved with the Koha implementation at the Nelsonville Public Libraryimplementation at the Nelsonville Public Library

Acquired the Koha activities of Katipo Acquired the Koha activities of Katipo Communications (Feb 2007)Communications (Feb 2007)

Total of 20 FTE – Hiring industry veterans exiting Total of 20 FTE – Hiring industry veterans exiting from traditional ILS companiesfrom traditional ILS companies

Equinox SoftwareEquinox Software

Small companySmall company Devoted to facilitating libraries implement Devoted to facilitating libraries implement

Evergreen the open source ILS developed for Evergreen the open source ILS developed for PINESPINES

Launched by individuals related to the Launched by individuals related to the development and implementation of Evergreen at development and implementation of Evergreen at the Georgia Public Library Systemthe Georgia Public Library System

Contracts to GPLS and other libraries for the Contracts to GPLS and other libraries for the ongoing development and support of Evergreenongoing development and support of Evergreen

Care AffiliatesCare Affiliates

Recently formed company to provide support for Recently formed company to provide support for Open Source library automation products.Open Source library automation products.

Carl Grant – Former COO of VTLS, President of Carl Grant – Former COO of VTLS, President of Ex Libris (USA), Innovative Interfaces, DRA, etc.Ex Libris (USA), Innovative Interfaces, DRA, etc.

No ILS product. Limited number of contracts.No ILS product. Limited number of contracts. Primary initiative involved federated searchPrimary initiative involved federated search Company assets sold to LibLime in July 2008. Company assets sold to LibLime in July 2008.

Open Source IssuesOpen Source Issues

Explosive interest in Open Source driven by Explosive interest in Open Source driven by disillusionment with current vendorsdisillusionment with current vendors

Seen as a solution to:Seen as a solution to:– Allow libraries to have more flexible systemsAllow libraries to have more flexible systems– Lower costsLower costs– Not be vulnerable to disruptions that come with mergers Not be vulnerable to disruptions that come with mergers

and acquisitionsand acquisitions

Beginning to emerge as a mainstream optionBeginning to emerge as a mainstream option TOC (Total Cost of Ownership) still roughly equal to TOC (Total Cost of Ownership) still roughly equal to

proprietary commercial modelproprietary commercial model

Cost issuesCost issues

Costs shifted from traditional software licensing Costs shifted from traditional software licensing modelsmodels– No initial purchase of license or annual license feesNo initial purchase of license or annual license fees

Hardware costs (same as traditional)Hardware costs (same as traditional) Vendor support costs (optional)Vendor support costs (optional) Hosting servicesHosting services Conversion servicesConversion services Local technical support (may be higher)Local technical support (may be higher) Development costs – vague models for next-Development costs – vague models for next-

generation developmentgeneration development

Risk FactorsRisk Factors

Open Source still a risky AlternativeOpen Source still a risky Alternative– Dependency on community organizations and Dependency on community organizations and

commercial companies that provide development an commercial companies that provide development an support servicessupport services

Commercial/Proprietary options also a riskCommercial/Proprietary options also a risk– Opinions vary, but:Opinions vary, but:

““the traditional ILS market is no longer a haven for the risk the traditional ILS market is no longer a haven for the risk adverse.”adverse.”

(Northern PINES talking points (Northern PINES talking points http://pines.bclibrary.ca/resources/talking-points)http://pines.bclibrary.ca/resources/talking-points)

Open source ILS BenchmarksOpen source ILS Benchmarks

Most decisions to adopt Open Source ILS based Most decisions to adopt Open Source ILS based on philosophical reasonson philosophical reasons

Open Source ILS will enter the main stream once Open Source ILS will enter the main stream once its products begin to win through objective its products begin to win through objective procurement processesprocurement processes– Hold open source ILS to the same standards as the Hold open source ILS to the same standards as the

commercial productscommercial products– Hold the open source ILS companies to the same Hold the open source ILS companies to the same

standards:standards: Adequate customer support ratios, financial stability, service Adequate customer support ratios, financial stability, service

level agreements, etc.level agreements, etc. Well-document total cost of ownership statements Well-document total cost of ownership statements

that can be compared to other vendor price quotesthat can be compared to other vendor price quotes

Measuring Interest in Open Source Measuring Interest in Open Source ILSILS

Source: Perceptions 2007: an international survey of Library Automation http://www.librarytechnology.org/perceptions2007.pl

Open Source Market shareOpen Source Market share

Open Source ILS implementations still a small Open Source ILS implementations still a small percentage of the total picturepercentage of the total picture

Initial set of successful implementations will likely Initial set of successful implementations will likely serve as a catalyst to pave the way for othersserve as a catalyst to pave the way for others

Successful implementations in wider range of Successful implementations in wider range of libraries:libraries:– State-wide consortium (Evergreen)State-wide consortium (Evergreen)– Multi-site public library systems (Koha)Multi-site public library systems (Koha)– School district consortia (OPALS)School district consortia (OPALS)

UNESCO CDS/ ISISUNESCO CDS/ ISIS

Dominant automation platform for Latin AmericaDominant automation platform for Latin America Distributed without cost but not as open sourceDistributed without cost but not as open source Software components do not form a true ILSSoftware components do not form a true ILS Difficulty with language scripts (no UNICODE)Difficulty with language scripts (no UNICODE) Transition to open source model underwayTransition to open source model underway

– Preserve compatibility with ISIS database structure at Preserve compatibility with ISIS database structure at least for the short termleast for the short term

– Integrate multiple components into a true ILSIntegrate multiple components into a true ILS

ABCD – ISIS based open source ILSABCD – ISIS based open source ILS

Rio Declaration: Sept 2008 – Reinforced Rio Declaration: Sept 2008 – Reinforced dedication to ISIS family of software in dedication to ISIS family of software in collaboration with organizations like BIREMEcollaboration with organizations like BIREME

CDS/ISIS database structureCDS/ISIS database structure UNICODE supportUNICODE support Java ISISJava ISIS ISIS Network Based Platform (NBP)ISIS Network Based Platform (NBP)

– Python based architecturePython based architecture ABCD (Automatisación de Bibliotécas y Centros ABCD (Automatisación de Bibliotécas y Centros

de Documentación) de Documentación)

Open Source perspectiveOpen Source perspective

Are open source ILS products taking library automation in a Are open source ILS products taking library automation in a new direction, or are they open source versions of what we new direction, or are they open source versions of what we already have?already have?

Will current slate of companies be able to support Will current slate of companies be able to support increasing numbers of libraries without the same difficulties increasing numbers of libraries without the same difficulties as the incumbent ILS vendors?as the incumbent ILS vendors?

The ILS landscape is forever changed by the open source The ILS landscape is forever changed by the open source alternativesalternatives

Open Source ILS catching up with the Legacy ILS. Both Open Source ILS catching up with the Legacy ILS. Both moving headstrong into the past.moving headstrong into the past.

Urgent need for a new generation of library automation Urgent need for a new generation of library automation designed for current and future-looking library missions and designed for current and future-looking library missions and workflows. workflows.

Open Library Environment (OLE) Open Library Environment (OLE) projectproject

Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Andrew W. Mellon Foundation – Research in Information Technology programResearch in Information Technology program– Solicited proposal / Lead institutionSolicited proposal / Lead institution

Duke University selected to lead projectDuke University selected to lead project Core Participants: Kansas University, Lehigh University, National Core Participants: Kansas University, Lehigh University, National

Library of Australia, Library and Archives Canada, University of Library of Australia, Library and Archives Canada, University of Pennsylvania, Marshall BreedingPennsylvania, Marshall Breeding

Advisory Participants: University of Chicago, Wittier College, University Advisory Participants: University of Chicago, Wittier College, University of Maryland, ORBIS Cascade Alliance, Rutgers Universityof Maryland, ORBIS Cascade Alliance, Rutgers University

Status: Project underway: First in-person meeting, scope document Status: Project underway: First in-person meeting, scope document underway, SOA training, first public webcast. Participants actively underway, SOA training, first public webcast. Participants actively engaged in process.engaged in process.

http://oleproject.org

Combine and Consolidate?Combine and Consolidate?

What is the ideal configuration to use an ILS?What is the ideal configuration to use an ILS?– Single Library (including branches)Single Library (including branches)– Shared regional systemShared regional system– State- Province-wide ILS?State- Province-wide ILS?

Trend toward increased numbers of facilities sharing an Trend toward increased numbers of facilities sharing an ILSILS– Several examples of multiple consortia combining to share one ILS Several examples of multiple consortia combining to share one ILS

implementationimplementation– Many initiatives toward statewide ILS implementationsMany initiatives toward statewide ILS implementations– Internationally: some country-wide ILS implementations (e.g. Internationally: some country-wide ILS implementations (e.g.

COBISS in Slovenia)COBISS in Slovenia) The days of the one-library ILS are fadingThe days of the one-library ILS are fading

Scalability?Scalability?

The viable size of an implementation not as The viable size of an implementation not as much an issue as in earlier phases of much an issue as in earlier phases of computingcomputing

Hardware scales almost infinitelyHardware scales almost infinitely Major ILS products scale almost infinitelyMajor ILS products scale almost infinitely

Opportunities for the Opportunities for the underservedunderserved

Many libraries in the United States operate with no Many libraries in the United States operate with no automation system or use PC-based systems with no Web automation system or use PC-based systems with no Web access or resource sharing optionsaccess or resource sharing options

Many libraries run outdated systems Many libraries run outdated systems Current models put automation out of the reach of public Current models put automation out of the reach of public

libraries with small local tax baselibraries with small local tax base Large-scale automation efforts can offer affordable (or free) Large-scale automation efforts can offer affordable (or free)

access to these librariesaccess to these libraries Compare: Number of un-automated public libraries in the Compare: Number of un-automated public libraries in the

UK: 1UK: 1 Question: are shared / consolidated models applicable in Question: are shared / consolidated models applicable in

Argentina?Argentina?

Questions and DiscussionQuestions and Discussion