Iowa’s Shared Library Automation System Information Session June 18, 2008

The Plan so far Create a statewide "borderless library" that provides equal access to information for all Iowans Create it using open source ILS software Create it ourselves

What do libraries get? An integrated library automation system for consortia An elegant, user-friendly, standards compliant OPAC Powerful and flexible administration The Open Source Advantage

Open Source Open source is a development method for software that harnesses the power of distributed peer review and transparency of process

Open Source Software Advantages Easy customization Fast development License cost Multiple options for support Disadvantages “Free” doesn’t mean cheap Documentation and support usually lag development

Fits library model of openness Successful implementation of Plone in PLOW No per-user, per-library, per-transaction costs Why is the State Library considering open source?

What is Evergreen? Integrated Library Automation system Circulation Catalog Cataloging Web based Small staff client

Evergreen Roadmap Release 2.0 – Summer – Winter 2008 Serials Acquisitions Course reserves Self-registration Self-check Credit card processing Batch record import/export

Why Evergreen? Developed by librarians for libraries Developed for consortia Supports an off-line capability Runs on commodity hardware Known to be able to scale 286 libraries

Evergreen Demo

Opening screen

Circulation menu

Cataloging menu

Patron record and check out

Administration menu

OPAC basic search screen

OPAC advanced search

Search results

Assumptions - How Participation is voluntary Libraries of all types may participate Growth rate must be regulated Minimum participation is both the shared catalog and the shared circulation Non-automated libraries can become automated though the system

Assumptions - How IT infrastructure will be hosted by the State Library Libraries must maintain a high-speed connection to the Internet Libraries will provide the staff workstations

Assumptions - Current practice The Locator and SILO Interlibrary Loan system will be maintained The shared catalog will not replace the Locator The shared catalog and the Locator will be synchronized

Public Catalog Available over the Internet Relevance-ranked search results Sharable patron bookbags Patron self-service interfaces Title and Metarecord level holds Vendor-independent added content integration RSS/ATOM feeds from any search

Assumptions - Catalog & Collections Libraries will continue to acquire and process their own items Libraries will catalog items in the system, with OCLC or other cataloging utility Bibliographic date will be matched and merged Libraries will add item data Current collections can be maintained

Assumptions - Circulation & Patrons One statewide library card for participating libraries One shared patron database Patron database will be built from scratch Each library honors patron confidentiality rules System is set with default circulation policies but local libraries can change to reflect current practice regarding loan periods and fines

Assumptions - Training and Support The State Library will provide training for local library staff The State Library will provide telephone support Telephone support will be provided whenever libraries are open

Anticipated Committees Cataloging Standards Circulation Policy Administrative Rules Security Rights and Permissions Advisory Transition Training Marketing

Resources Needed Additional Staff 2 developers 1 program manager 2 trainers/consultants 1 support specialist Equipment Servers, etc.

Funding and Governance Participating libraries will pay something Expected to be less Other funding sources State funds LSTA funding Grants – for transition

Advisory Group Met June 11 at State Library Representatives of all types of libraries Representatives of all sizes of libraries Will advise State Library on strategies for successful development of this project

What Questions do you have? These slides are available on the State Library’s Web site Search for “Shared Automation” State Library Contact: Marie Harms