Open Source Software ILS discussion/options

As you probably know, folks here at the State Library, library partnership organizations (including the Regional Library Systems, OHIONET, LibLime, OLC) and librarians across the state have had several sessions and discussions on the opportunities and challenges of utilizing an Open Source Software Integrated Library System (OSS ILS). In fact I believe that it was nearly exactly a year ago (April 07) that we held the first State Library-initiated “statewide” meeting to discuss options.

Since then I have had the opportunity to talk with many directors who are anxious about the state of vendor-driven ILS, particularly with regard to Horizon 8.0.

Several months ago, we had a meeting to discuss roles and responsibilities surrounding the possibility of offering an OSS ILS in the state of Ohio. Representatives from all Regional Library Systems, Dianna Clark (SEO), Stephen Hedges, Joshua Ferraro (LibLime), Doug Evans, David Namiotka (Director of IT, State Library) and I were in attendance. Although OHIONET was not able to send a representative, Michael Butler was aware of the meeting and was updated at a later time.

We have continued to have conversations on this topic and several questions have been raised:

Who can and/or should house a solution?

What solutions are being offered across the state?

Who is interested in a consortial OSS ILS solution?

What is the correct business model?

Koha OSS ILS is being implemented across the state. We are very fortunate to have LibLime here in Ohio. But as yet there has not been an implementation of PINES Evergreen software which is what the State Library of Georgia has implemented for most of the public libraries in that state. Several library directors have asked if there is a role for the State Library of Ohio regarding offering PINES Evergreen software for building a consortium.

You all probably know that I am very supportive of anything that will assist librarians in providing excellent library service to the residents of our state. But this specific topic is multi-faceted and gives me some concern. Whatever happens with the OSS ILS offering in the state, especially in the consortial arena, has the potential to have an impact on SEO – both positive and negative. Because SEO is an integral part of the State Library, I would like to make that impact as positive as possible.

Dianna Clark, Director of SEO, and I have discussed this frankly and openly. One of the options that we have discussed is setting up an OSS ILS consortium at SEO for libraries who are interested in taking advantage of the Evergreen software as is currently available. We have discussed offering this AS IS while at the same time we identify functionality which would enhance this software.

Please note: IF this were to be done, this would be done as an additional service, NOT as a replacement of the Horizon consortium of SEO. Funding of this service would be independent of the Horizon consortium funding.

We are in discussions with Equinox to determine the feasibility of this. These discussions have just begun. I wanted to let you know this was happening. I brought this up to the Governing Board of SEO on Monday, March 31st. They were supportive of looking at this option.

As we move forward with these discussions, I promise that I will keep you all apprised. While we have cancelled the April 23rd videoconference, we still have one scheduled for May 21st. This may be an opportune time to bring you up-to-date on our ongoing discussions. Please watch for details in the upcoming weeks.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions regarding this, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you.

Jo Budler
State Librarian