Trends in integrated library systems

Abstract

Provides an overview of the present state of development of integrated library systems and identifies, describes and evaluates significant trends in the industry in relation to their context within the overall development of library services. Notes that the library systems market, and developments in library systems, are driven by Internet trends and by the software Industry rather than by the library and information community and that they are subject to global economic imperatives.

The library systems market: a digest of current literature

“…A very comprehensive article on trends in integrated library systems was written by Ebenezer and published in 2002. Its foci are developments in Web technologies and standards in relation to ILMSs, overall software industry developments and enhancements in functionality and information access from the user's perspective, and she identifies several of the trends discussed below (Ebenezer, 2002). She observed that trends within the IT industry in general are being reflected in library systems, and this has also been noted elsewhere (Kochtanek, 2001).…”

“…They allow systems staff in libraries to modify the vendor's software to fit local requirements, and also allow faster upgrading of software. This could be a very useful facility for libraries which enjoy systems support from skilled computing staff (Chvatal and Shoffner, 2003; Ebenezer, 2002).…”

“…This facility is now included by most library systems suppliers in their product portfolio. There is a great deal of literature on portals, and indeed they do seem to be developing sophisticated functionality at an impressive rate (American Libaries Association, 2002; Chvatal, 2003; Coyle et al ., 2003; Davidson, 2001; Dorman, 2003b; Dorner and Curtis, 2003; Ebenezer, 2002; Evans, 2001; LCPAIG, 2003). However, Breeding sounded a note of caution when he wrote “I believe that development on these products [which implement metasearching and reference linking] is in a very early stage … the larger portal infrastructure is still very much in flux”, and added “I'm sure that within the next year or so we'll see significant progress in this area” (Breeding, 2003).…”

“…Where the ASP provides and houses all server equipment and library staff and users access the system over a VPN (Virtual Private Network), is a trend identified by some writers (Barry, 2000; Breeding, 2002a; Ebenezer, 2002; Evans, 2001). This outsourcing model is more suited to smaller libraries with less money and fewer systems staff.…”

“…VTLS's FASTRAC).Access to OPACs, including both searching and patron functions, via mobile devices such as wireless PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) and mobile telephones (e.g. Innovative Interfaces’ AirPAC).Integration of reading list and resource management software into Web OPACs, using third‐party software such as Sentient's DISCOVER (formerly ReadingListDirect).Several of these features are noted by Ebenezer (2002). New products being developed by library system vendors that are separate from, but complementary to, the traditional ILMS include:portal products, which offer users the ability to search a number of resources at once via a single interface.…”