LMS Migration: Problems and Solutions By Dr.D.N.Phadke Consultant Librarian &Coordinator,PGDILIT Contact Details Mob.Phone:

Definitions LMS=Library Management Systems ILMS=Integrated Library Management Systems Library computerisation means carrying out all essentially house keeping functions with the help of computer and a standard library software LMS Migration=Means process of leaving old LMS and adopt new LMS

Background cases for LMS migration 1.Library had adopted LMS a few yearsback.Most of activities are being carried our except a few activity which is under framing. Suddenly software vendor refuses to bring some more improvements.Moreover, they refuse to take software maintenance responsibility or refuse to provide next version 2.Software company has vanished and there is no one to to take care of software maintenance. Library wishes to have paid service from the vendor but they do not respond 3.Library wishes to change the platform from windows to Linux. The existing vendor doesn’t respond to calls 4.Library wishes to upgrade LMS software language to current or web bases language

LMS Migration Cases 5. LMS has become obsolete 6.Does not support adoption of RFID or self check out system. Vendor asks money to provide necessary interface 7.Software does not upgrade or no more features are possible to add 8.LMS dose not allow to export the database or locks the data and they do not allow library to change LMS 9.Computersised system does not function smoothly, it fails frequently 10.Library does not affords to bear the cost of commercial software maintenance.

Reasons for LMS Migrations 1.LMS fails to upgrade or give improved versions or ask for addl. Cost for it 2. LMS company is no more existing 3.LMS lack in having database standardisation affect the services and reports 4.High maintenance cost 5.Library wants to change the LMS platform 6.LMS does not support adoption of RFID or self checkout system 7.LMS lacks in having modern features.

Data conversion Problem in LMS migration If the old LMS does not allow to export the data or the data is not in compatible form to convert such as: Windows: MS Access, Excell,Word /Text-Is is not difficult to convert such format or there are tools to do this. PDF or file format Fox –pro In these situations data conversion programmes are essentially required If data base is in MARC,ISIS or compatible to ISO then it is easy to import it in new software

Data conversion tools DB2ISO/DB or DB2ISO-to convert Dbase or FoxPro format to ISO 2709 TXT2ISO XML2ISIS GENESIS used to prepare Library OPAC without having any LMS

Care to be taken while LMS migration or Freshly LMS adoption 1.LMS decided must have prepared with some standardisation 2.Technology and software must be modern or current 3.Data format or structure and database management system used should be latest one 4.Flexible to accept new improvements 5.Flexible to adopt /interface new technology like RFID or self checkout system 6.Open source based LMS are easy to maintain or trouble shoot 7.Have agreement with vendor to cover cost of LMS maintenance for next 3-5 years in the basic cost 8.Must provide post sales service 9.A few Future improved version should be available free

Care to be taken Contd.- 9. Proprietary of bibliographic database must be with library and not with LMS vendor 10 Library must sign an legal agreement wit LMS vendor and it must have clause to return entire money if LMS vendor fails to cooperate or in delivering expected service 11.Library should not buy LMS in a quotation system 12.LMS purchase committee to be formed 13.Librarian must have place in the LMS decision making process

To see New Features in future LMS 1.Online suggestion system. Providing transparency to indenter to check the suggestion status. Facility to see the budgeting details to approving authority 2.Online book purchasing system 3.Using expert systems for library classification or subscribing online classification system and interfacing subject heading electronic source 4.Widening coverage of OPAC 5.Providing virtual browsing facility 6.Incorporate digital documents in LMS data