There are many different library management systems (LMS) that a library can choose to adopt (although according to Fisher (2000) a library manager will only be required to make the big decision once or twice in their entire career). Consequently librarians often have little experience in selecting a system and find it difficult to make a wise choice.
Another factor that contributes to making the librarian’s choice hard is that each system is created and promoted by different organisations, and therefore comparing features can be quite complicated.
A comparison of two systems
Two recently developed systems include Koha and Vubis Smart. Koha is an open-source LMS which has been in use in libraries since 2000. As an open-source product it is constantly being enhanced by programmers and library technology staff. Vubis Smart is the latest creation from Geac, a well known provider of library management systems. Vubis Smart’s most recent version was released in May 2007.
A study of the websites for these information systems (The Koha Development Team & Katipo Communications 2005; Extensity 2006) revealed certain similarities between the systems and, as expected, some differences.
Main features unique to Koha
• Open source (which means no fees, regular maintenance and updates, improvements based on the library communities needs and no lock in to a vendor, but also less support).
• Add ons (called Koha Extensions, these are new coding written to add to the products original features).
• Useable on any platform (Windows, Mac, Unix or Linux. Vubis Smart cannot be used on Mac platforms).
Main features unique to Vubis Smart
• User education services (to train staff in the use of this new system).
• Project management services (to assist in implementing the new system).
Common features
The most common features are clearly the core functions: catalogue, circulation, acquisitions and serials management. Both systems also feature a web based, searchable OPAC. The Vubis Smart OPAC also provides auto spelling correction and fuzzy logic capabilities.
Another similarity is their compliance with library standards, including MARC21, UniMARC, and Z39.50.
As most LMS provide these basic utilities, a decision to choose one over the other must be made based on characteristics such as user-friendliness and attractive interfaces (Parab 2004). Both Koha and Vubis Smart claim to offer clear search interfaces. In fact Vubis Smart’s search interface can be tailored to specific libraries needs.
A trial of both products would reveal more differences and similarities. Obviously Koha has an advantage in that the trial (and adoption if chosen) would be free, however the support provided by Geac for Vubis Smart may be more important, depending on the library’s needs.
REFERENCES
Extensity 2006, ‘Vubis Smart – a new approach’, viewed 14 September 2007,
http://www.library.geac.com/page/vubiseng_LIB.html.
Fisher, S 2000, ‘On the quality and usefulness of the specification in determining a customer’s requirements: A survey of UK library system suppliers’, OCLC Systems and Services, vol. 16, no. 4, pp. 168-174.
Koha Development Team & Katipo Communications 2005, ‘Koha’, viewed 14 September 2007, http://www.koha.org/.
Parab, N 2004, ‘A strategic analysis of Eloquent systems’, Simon Fraser University, viewed 14 September 2007, http://ir.lib.sfu.ca/retrieve/3996/etd0443.pdf.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Developments in (online) library services: Improving service delivery
It is a well known fact that technology is advancing at a great rate. Libraries have not been slow to follow this trend and incorporate new technologies into their services. Virtually every library in Australia provides access to the internet and hosts a library web page with library information and an online catalogue.
Margaret Hyland’s article details some of the new developments the ACT Public Library is undertaking regarding online library services (Hyland 2006). Using the library web page as the foundation which provides library locations and program details, online searchable catalogue, account management facilities (including loan requests and renewals, personal details update facilities and interlibrary loan request options), the ACT public library is providing further developments.
Learning pathways
Learning pathways direct you to resources that will help you to learn in a particular area. The ACT Public Library have learning pathways for school students, young children, people learning computer skills and job seekers (ACT Library and Information Services 2007).
They employ this service to encourage lifelong learning and literacy. These goals support the local community aims of social inclusion.
Live homework help
This is a service where school students can speak to tutors over the internet and get help with their core subjects. It involves simultaneous exchange of information imitating a real conversation.
This service is important in encouraging literacy in young children and also in teaching them that the library (physical or virtual) is a good place to go to satisfy their information needs.
Digital literacy training
The ACT Public Library understand the significance of computers and the internet in today’s information society. They are committed to reducing the digital divide in their local area and because of this commitment they provide digital literacy training online using free web-based tutorials, and in person at library branches.
What online services are other libraries offering?
Many libraries are using online services such as ‘remote access to online databases, virtual reference services, online tutorials, e-reserves, document delivery, and the development of web-based portals and gateways’ (Nicholas & Tomeo 2005). Others are using blogs, social networking sites, RSS feeds, almost every emerging technology, to improve service delivery for their clients (both traditional and non-traditional).
With all these exciting new advancements in service delivery, it is easy to neglect traditional services. Hyland notes ‘the ACT Public Library has not discontinued other services and programs to resource expanding delivery of online services’ (Hyland 2006). This is the key to providing enhanced service delivery, rather than simply providing the same old service in new formats.
REFERENCES
ACT Library and Information Services 2007, ‘Lifelong learning at your public library’, viewed 9 September, last updated 6 March, http://www.library.act.gov.au/learn/summary.
Hyland, M 2006, ‘ACT Public Library online information services’, inCite, viewed 9 September, http://alia.org.au/publishing/incite/2006/03/print.html?ID=25.
Nicholas, M & Tomeo, M 2005, ‘Can you hear me now? Communicating library services to distance education students and faculty’, Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, vol. 8, no. 2, State University of West Georgia.
Margaret Hyland’s article details some of the new developments the ACT Public Library is undertaking regarding online library services (Hyland 2006). Using the library web page as the foundation which provides library locations and program details, online searchable catalogue, account management facilities (including loan requests and renewals, personal details update facilities and interlibrary loan request options), the ACT public library is providing further developments.
Learning pathways
Learning pathways direct you to resources that will help you to learn in a particular area. The ACT Public Library have learning pathways for school students, young children, people learning computer skills and job seekers (ACT Library and Information Services 2007).
They employ this service to encourage lifelong learning and literacy. These goals support the local community aims of social inclusion.
Live homework help
This is a service where school students can speak to tutors over the internet and get help with their core subjects. It involves simultaneous exchange of information imitating a real conversation.
This service is important in encouraging literacy in young children and also in teaching them that the library (physical or virtual) is a good place to go to satisfy their information needs.
Digital literacy training
The ACT Public Library understand the significance of computers and the internet in today’s information society. They are committed to reducing the digital divide in their local area and because of this commitment they provide digital literacy training online using free web-based tutorials, and in person at library branches.
What online services are other libraries offering?
Many libraries are using online services such as ‘remote access to online databases, virtual reference services, online tutorials, e-reserves, document delivery, and the development of web-based portals and gateways’ (Nicholas & Tomeo 2005). Others are using blogs, social networking sites, RSS feeds, almost every emerging technology, to improve service delivery for their clients (both traditional and non-traditional).
With all these exciting new advancements in service delivery, it is easy to neglect traditional services. Hyland notes ‘the ACT Public Library has not discontinued other services and programs to resource expanding delivery of online services’ (Hyland 2006). This is the key to providing enhanced service delivery, rather than simply providing the same old service in new formats.
REFERENCES
ACT Library and Information Services 2007, ‘Lifelong learning at your public library’, viewed 9 September, last updated 6 March, http://www.library.act.gov.au/learn/summary.
Hyland, M 2006, ‘ACT Public Library online information services’, inCite, viewed 9 September, http://alia.org.au/publishing/incite/2006/03/print.html?ID=25.
Nicholas, M & Tomeo, M 2005, ‘Can you hear me now? Communicating library services to distance education students and faculty’, Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, vol. 8, no. 2, State University of West Georgia.
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