Implementing an open source integrated library system (ILS) in a special focus institution
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/DLP-02-2016-0003 |
| Published date | 01 January 2016 |
| Date | 01 January 2016 |
| Pages | 287-298 |
| Author | Joshua M. Avery |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library technology,Records management & preservation,Information repositories |
Implementing an open source
integrated library system (ILS)
in a special focus institution
Joshua M. Avery
Campus Libraries, Gods Bible School and College, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Abstract
Purpose – The paper aims to explore the circumstances and processes involved in implementing and
migrating from a proprietary integrated library system (ILS) (Follett’s Destiny) to an open-source ILS
(Koha) for a special focus institution.
Design/methodology/approach – In 2012, the campus libraries of God’s Bible College (GBC)
migrated to Koha. After locally hosting and supporting Koha for three years, GBC contracted a vendor
(ByWater Solutions) to provide hosting and support, beginning in the fall of 2015.
Findings – The paper offers experiences and practical recommendations in migration and
implementation. The paper will demonstrate that libraries, including special-focus institutions, can
migrate efciently and without vendor support. Additionally, the paper examines some of the reasons
why libraries might consider vendor hosting and support.
Practical implications – The paper gives libraries a framework, illustrated with a special-focus
institution case study, for selecting and migrating from a proprietary ILS to an open-source ILS. Such
information will be of assistance in clarifying the process of migration and implementation for
institutions seeking to move from a proprietary system, especially Destiny, to an open-source ILS.
Originality/value – The paper covers the steps taken to successfully migrate the database and offers
a series of best practices for the adoption and migration process of an open-source ILS, providing
librarians and other key stakeholders both theoretical and practical information in the selection and
implementation of an open-source ILS.
Keywords Project management, Koha, Open source, Integrated library system, Library systems,
Special focus institutions
Paper type Case study
Background
Open source ILS trends
Across the past decade, adoption of open-source integrative library systems (ILSs) in
libraries steadily increased and has become an integral part of the library landscape,
with nearly 12 per cent of public libraries in the USA currently using an open-source
system (Breeding, 2011,2015). Growth in open-source adoption among institutions of
higher education has been less robust, although nearly 29 per cent of academic library
sales contracts in 2010 were given to open-source vendors (Breeding, 2011). Indicative of
continued growth among open-source systems in academic libraries is the recent
implementation of Kuali OLE (an open source library system) by the University of
Chicago and Lehigh University, with promises from Cornell University, Duke
University, the University of Pennsylvania, Indiana University, the University of
Maryland, North Carolina State University and Villanova University, to implement
Kuali OLE across the next few years (“Cornell,” 2016; “Kuali Adopters,” 2013).
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/2059-5816.htm
Integrated
library system
287
DigitalLibrary Perspectives
Vol.32 No. 4, 2016
pp.287-298
©Emerald Group Publishing Limited
2059-5816
DOI 10.1108/DLP-02-2016-0003
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