. Linux Can Change the Face of Automated Library Information Systems Janis Teal, AHIP, Deputy Director for Library Services Greg Gaillard, Deputy Director for Technology Support T HE U NIVERSITY OF N EW M EXICO, A LBUQUERQUE, NM Objective The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center (UNM HSLIC) faced the dilemma of replacing an antiquated library information systems (LIS) server in a cost-effective manner that would make use of $10,000 available funding, improve system functionality and performance, and decrease overall system costs. Setting A medium-sized academic health sciences library Running Innovative Interfaces, Inc. (III) LIS software 180,000 catalog records Running on a 7 year old DEC Unix system with unsupported hardware A CPU with inadequate response time Full disk drives Methods Recognizing the need to upgrade the system, the Deputy Directors analyzed several options: 1) Combining systems with the main campus libraries (software version and hardware compatibility issues) 2) Purchasing a new Compaq Alpha server at $20,000 (beyond budget) 3) Implementing a Linux-based LIS running on Intel ‘commodity’ hardware (selected) We selected option 3 and, at the conclusion of the project, became the first library in the United States to implement III LIS software on a Linux server. HSLIC employees in both Library Services and Technology Support consulted with III staff through the process of configuring the server, updating the III software, and migrating records. Results 1) Successful upgrade of the hardware, operating system, and application software to current III standards. 2) Observable increase in performance and functionality. 3) Accomplished at 1/4 the cost of using a non-Intel server platform over 3 years (See Table 1). 4) Significantly decreased hardware capital and maintenance costs. 5) Eliminated need for the library to have in-house DEC Unix expertise, an intangible but significant cost savings. 6) Future cost savings anticipated by repurposing the hardware, unlike standard server hardware. Table 1. Three-Year Cost Projection Conclusions A small- to mid-sized library can effectively run a Linux/Intel LIS system at demonstrably lower cost than doing so on proprietary RISC*-based software/hardware. *Reduced Instruction Set Computing Acknowledgements Doug Randall, Innovative Interfaces, Inc. Fides Lawton, University of Technology Sydney John Abrams, Senior LAN Administrator, HSLIC Katherine Mondragon, Manager Library Operations, HSLIC Dilek Scott, Systems Analyst 3, HSLIC Server Cost Annual Mainte- nance Contract* Software License* In-House Expertise*† Ability to Reuse Hardware for Other Purposes* Total Projected Cost of Implemen- tation* Decision Proprie- tary RISC- Based Software/H ardware $20,000$6,000$1,500 (Unix License) $22,500($0)$50,000NO Linux/ Intel $10,000$0 (Warranty- serviced) $0 (UNM license covers) $4,500($3,000)$11,500YES Projected Savings (3 Years) $38,500 *Costs projected over 3 years †Includes specialized training