[Web4lib] An Analysis Of Open Source ILS Market Penetration

[Andrew Cunningham]

Abramson, Alicia wrote:
> I agree with Karen's point--there has to be more of a proven
> infrastructure that supports Open Source ILS' before more than a handful
> of bleeding edge of libraries can adopt them.  

ɪʲd argue that most public libraries in our state are not in a position 
to migrate to an opensource ILS. They have neither the staff nor the 
capacity. I suspect that sufficient critical mass of more adventurous 
libraries willing to sharing their learnings will be required first. And 
consortia approaches (including sufficient IT support) would help.

That said, migration to an opensource ILS has quite a few positives.

One of the issues I have with most ILS vendors is the web interface into 
their systems. If I were to evaluate an ILS product based on its web 
interface according to mandatory state government web publishing 
guidelines, I'd have to reject most of the products as non-compliant.

At least with opensource solutions it is possible to enhance the web 
absed user interfaces.

Opensource solutions also offer a glimmer of hope for a better 
internationalised product.

Andrew
-- 
Andrew Cunningham
Research and Development Coordinator (Vicnet)
State Library of Victoria
328 Swanston Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Australia

Email: andrewc+AEA-vicnet.net.au
Alt. email: lang.support+AEA-gmail.com

Ph: +613-8664-7430                    Fax:+613-9639-2175
Mob: 0421-450-816

http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/            http://www.vicnet.net.au/
http://www.openroad.net.au/           http://www.mylanguage.gov.au/
http://home.vicnet.net.au/~andrewc/