Article,
The open source ILS: still only a distant possibility
Information Technology and Libraries, 21 (1): 16-18 (March 2002)FE: refs.; SH: 4496.368710.
Abstract
Considers the possible impact of open source software (OSS) on the library automation industry and OSS' potential to effect radical changes to libraries should it produce an integrated library system (ILS) that earns a level of acceptance on the same order that Apache did in the World Wide Web server market. Like Apache, an open source ILS would have to offer top-of-the-line features and performance to gain acceptance over its commercial rivals. It is concluded that Linux and Apache represent a worldwide victory over high-powered commercial opponents in the operating system and Web server arenas but such victories of OSS over commercial products in the ILS arena are not to be expected. Both broad historical and recent trends argue against a movement toward libraries creating their own library automation systems, either in an open source or closed development process. An undeniable trend in library automation involves a movement toward vendor-supplied systems and away from locally developed ones. Libraries large and small recognize that they do not have the resources to develop and maintain library automation systems. (The author may be contacted by electronic mail at mailto:breeding@library.vanderbilt.edu). (Quotes from original text)
