6/21/2022

Integrated Library
Systems
LIBS6504
The Department of
Library and Information
Studies
The UWI, Mona
Audrey M. Saddler, MSc., MLS, BA
Librarian, Systems Unit
The UWI, Mona
Audrey.saddler02@uwimona.edu.jm

• Objectives
• Students should be able to understand
Integrated • the concept of an ILS

Library •
•
growth of the ILS
the purpose of the ILS

Systems •
•
How libraries use an ILS
The ILS market place

http://www.infosciencetoday.org/library-science/libbest-rfid-library-
management-system.html
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Technology and Technology and

Libraries libraries

• Technology is now, and technology is the

The fifth law of Ranganathan states that the "Library is a
growing organism", it is expected of a library to grow in all
facets. The ancient methods of maintaining this assumption
is no longer dynamic and efficient. For expeditious
retrieval and dissemination of information and better
service for the clientele, application of modern techniques
has become absolutely indispensable.
future.
• Libraries are being swept along with the
currents of rapidly changing technology.
• Technology has impacted nearly every facet
of library work.
• Technology has forever changed the way that
librarians serve their patrons.
• Youngman 1999

Technology and Technology and

libraries libraries
Software applications, tools and technology driven information has
Advancement in telecommunications and influenced every area of libraries and has brought about rapid
computer technology have turned library changes.
automation into an ongoing process where • Deployment and use of integrated library systems
librarians keep looking for more powerful • Internet technology
and reliable systems to improve their • Global access to electronic information databases,
services. journals, e-books
Zang 1998 • Digital collections
• Expanded to include photographs, slides, video clips
• Library2.0 technologies/sophisticated NEXTGEN OPACS
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Technology has exponentially increased the librarian’s

ability to provide library service (Gharst, 7). The 21st century academic library depends
on reliably functioning, responsive,
innovative, and robust IT services.

Technology While material formats have changed, the core library

services of organizing, providing access and guiding
Technology University libraries have been leaders in
and libraries others in the use of materials has not changed. and Libraries employing IT to improve services.

Library IT infrastructure exists within the

College/University IT Infrastructure
Technology is constantly changing

Technology and
The ends?
libraries
• Increased productivity for both user and
Most if not all libraries have internet connectivity staff
• 24/7/365 access and availability
Some libraries have wireless infrastructure
Technology The means?
Some libraries use an ILS
and libraries
Application of evolving technologies
evidenced by
Some libraries provide access to electronic
resources • modernization
• transformation
Some libraries are using discovery systems • decentralization

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Technology
and libraries
Muller (2011) stated that "integrated
library systems (ILS) are multifunction,
adaptable software applications that
allow libraries to manage, catalog and
Integrated circulate their materials to patrons".
Library Systems
(ILS) According to Jost (2016) “ The selection
and implementation of an integrated
library system is one of the most
important decisions that a library can
make. The ILS provides the library with
a blueprint for its future operations, both
for staff and patrons. (Introduction)
6/21/2022
• An enterprise resource planning
system for a library, used to track
items owned, orders made, bills
Integrated paid, and patrons who have
Library borrowed.
Systems (ILS) • Automates core library functions
• System integration with other
technology within organizations
• Integration with vendors etc.
The ILS is among the most significant of all
operations running in a library.
Integrated
Almost every aspect of information management
Library Systems and retrieval is influenced and directed by systems
function.
(ILS)
A massive database structure which have been
developed over time to do much of the heavy work
of libraries, allowing for the smooth integration of
core functions.
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Modernization and transformation

Follows the history of computers
important and visible concepts
Information
technology Emerged in the late 1960’s

Modernize and
Modernization History of
Transform
Use of computers to replicate tasks
• such as acquisitions, cataloging, circulation Idea is to improve efficiencies
ILS Functionality has evolved and expanded –
basic modules have remained the same.

Transformation 1990s – client server

architecture.
Rapid expansion 2000s – Open Source
Fundamentally altering the nature of the organization and/or the services
2008 – Cloud era
it provides

Automated Library system (ALS) has seen

significant changes since its inception in the
Historical Overview:
1970s. Resulted in the move from the ALS to
the ILS.
1960s-70s
History of ALS – a simply database to house and
• Libraries offered some of the first public access to
technology:
retrieve a library’s holdings. • Dummy terminals connected to mainframes which
ILS supported workflow of backroom operations or
created systems of local inventory
• Development of databases that could store massive
amounts of information centrally which could be
ILS – robust clusters of systems involving accessed worldwide.
every process and module related to library • Dialog becomes first commercial online
operations. database in 1972

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Local inventory systems built

• Movement from ALS to ILS driven by; on ordering, acquisition, and
cataloging of materials= move
• Explosion of the World wide web (internet)
• New and innovative developments with new
Historical to integrated library systems
History of ILS
– ALS to ILS
information technologies
• Open source Overview: • Commercial development of library
• Increase in electronic resources systems
• Rising expectations of library users. 1970s-80s • Library systems became “off-the-shelf”,
using parameter tables to locally
customize systems to modernize
applications, such as circulation

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Minis and Microcomputers

• West and Lyman identifies three phase
procession of the effect of information
Use of CD-ROMs for bibliographic data by a technology on organizations.
librarian (Murphy – BiblioFile)
Historical • Modernization
• Doing what you are already doing,
though more efficiently
Networking History of the ILS –
Overview • OS appears – UNIX West and Lyman
• Innovation
• Experimenting with new
capabilities
1980s • Serial internal from muxes to terminals

Computer labs became common on college

• Transformation
• Altering the nature of the
campuses organization through these
capabilities
Productivity software leading to office suites

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• Modernization (1970s and 1980s)
• Library systems were purpose built, stand alone,
solved a single problem.
• Primitive hardware, software and operating
systems
History of the ILS • Not designed to be interactive or user friendly
• Ran on main frames accessed via dumb
West and Lyman terminals
• Managed by information technology staff
• Covered core modules – acquisitions,
cataloguing, circulation, serials
• More efficient than paper based systems
• Transformation (21st century)
History of the • “a vast constellation of digital content and
ILS West and services that were accessible through the
network at anytime, from any place, could be
Lyman used and reused, navigated and integrated, and
tailored to meet the needs of each user”
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• Innovation (late 1980’s birth of the ILS)
• Emergence of an Online Public Access catalogue
(OPAC) (Non graphical user interface)
History of ILS • Integration of core library modules and the
OPAC
West and Lyman • Ran mostly on mini computers, but could also
use mainframe PCs and PC network
• Managed by library staff with assistance from IT
staff
Microcomputers and supermicros
• Now called multiprocessors
Internet to colleges via NSF grants
GUIs (Macs and Windows)
Transformation
Web browsers (Mosaic L Firefox)
ISPs (dialups such as AOL)
Full text availability
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• Handheld devices
• Tablets
• Smartphones
E-everything (books, journals, reserves, etc.) • Personal Digital Assistants (PDA)
• Digital libraries
Wireless networks • Customized access
• My library portal
Mobile ubiquitous phones Transformation • Movement of reference into virtual environment
Transformation •
•
Chats
Email
Client/servers • Phone
• Social media platform (Facebook)
• Simple definition: client requests and server provides over
standard communication protocols
Transformation = application of learning/user centered
technology

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History of the ILS

Integrated Library System • Early library system solving a single function

• All modules share a single bibliographic database

• Share a common command language
• Changes in one module are immediately reflected
Transformation in all other modules which use that information
Bibliographic
Database

The OPAC is an example of a

transformational application to “user
centered” technology.

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History of the ILS

• Integrated functions History of the ILS
Reference

OPAC
Cataloging OPAC
OPAC
OPAC
File Server: • New developments within the ILS
Database
Circulation leading to improved integration

Acquisition Serials A Local Area

Management
Network

Movement from automating As a result of decentralization:

staff and backroom functions to
providing direct services to end
How has IT users through technology
impacted the
Library
Reduce staff intervention and
replace with end user
empowerment
How has IT The library is “virtual”
impacted the • Resources available 24/7/365
• Not the same as a digital library
Library
Reduced or, in some instances, eliminated
barriers and boundaries of geography and time
• Distance education (Asynchronous)
• Virtual Digital reference
• Full text resources

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Decentralization also impacts:
Instruction technology
How has IT How has IT
• Becomes much more complicated
impacted the • Transformational to learning and
Library teaching
the Library
Information literacy
• Skills are needed by users to effectively
access, retrieve AND evaluate
information, especially its quality
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Libraries operate in a diverse and
rapidly expanding information
age.
Why do
Libraries use
an ILS? Faced with multiple challenges
use an ILS?
• Increased user expectations
• Improve operational efficiency
• Add value to the organization
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• Because of modernization, transformation
and decentralization, the academic library
has changed, evidenced in part by its:
• organizational structure
impacted • staffing
• fear of the unknown and uncertainty
• position descriptions
• communication methods
• services offered (remote access; proxies, etc.)
• cooperation with other information services
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Libraries are driven by technology
Helps to increase operational efficiency
Why do • Improved inventory control
Libraries
• Greater control over data input
• Eliminates duplication
• Reduces errors
Streamlines routine functions
• Controls access to specific functions
• Optimization of workflows
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Libraries need to provide efficient and The digital

age has • Research\resources are no longer
unified access to the web content, altered how tied to location.
including electronic resources licensed researchers • Are interested in the use and
by the Libraries such as databases, e- processing of information.
Why do books, e-journals.
view the
Library
Libraries use an Why do Libraries
use an ILS
ILS? Libraries need to handle and create
• Invisible
access
- remote

• Expect more -
access to electronic resources created Users impatient
by them and held by them. • Internet savvy - web2.0 gurus
• Distant programmes

Allows improved conformance to

international standards
• The digital age has altered how research is
• Bibliographic and authority control - MARC
• Full Unicode compliant Why do Libraries viewed, no longer tied to a physical location.
• Open libraries
• Z39.50 protocol
use an ILS? • Libraries without walls
Why do Libraries use • Virtual libraries
Enables access to multiple databases
an ILS? • Boundary-less libraries
• Access to local holdings and holdings of other libraries (Face of the new • Electronic libraries
• Serves as a portal to numerous information and
research databases. library) • Digital libraries

Improved management feedback – report

suites
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ILS vendors operate in a very competitive marketplace.

• Technology infrastructure implemented by
libraries can affect their ability to manage Industry has recently seen a series of mergers and acquisitions

internal operations efficiently and deliver • Clarivate acquired Ex Libris

• Proquest acquired Ex Libris
high quality service, in person or online. • Ex Libris acquired Innovative Interface

Why do • Weak or absolute technology products The ILS • Ex Libris acquired Rapid ILL
• BiblioCommons acquired by Constellation Software
• Springshare acquires Question Point
• Axiell acquires Bibits
impedes success
Libraries use • Libraries have much at stake in products
Market Trend towards hosted services/cloud based services

an ILS that align well with their strategies, resonate

Place Now dominated by a small group of large firms

with their patrons and facilitate the work of International

their staff.
Diversified
• Breeding 2016
Privately owned.

Academic Libraries School Libraries

• Ex Libris • Follett School Solutions
• Alma, Aleph and Voyager • Destiny Library Manager
• Innovative • Alexandria
• OPALS
• Millennium and Sierra
Market • SirsiDynix Market • Mandarin

• Symphony and Horizon Special libraries

Place Public Libraries
Place • Soutron Library Management system
• Corporate, legal and other special libraries
• Polaris • Lucidea
• Sierra • Corporate, medical, law and other special libraries
• Keystone Library Automation Systems
• Symphony
• Visual disabilities
• Horizon
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• “The Library technology industry has

reached a new level of maturity headed by Mergers and Acquisitions (fewer markets)
companies with considerable development
Expansion of open-source options and functionality
capacity.”
• “Consolidation has led to an industry Consortia
State of the dominated by a handful of large companies,
each of which has different product focuses Future of the Cloud – SAAS
Industry and business strategies” ILS 3rd party agreements
• Companies penetrating new international • Ebsco has emerged in partnerships which almost every ILS
markets. vendor
• Ebsco has injected a massive outlay of capital in open-source
• Global library automation industry revenue software
o Koha
stood at $1.85 billion in 2014
o Folio
• Breeding (2015)

Seamless e-book integration into ILS products

• New genre of Library service

platforms
• Comprehensively manages library
resources across all platforms
Future of the • Is based on service-oriented
architecture and web-based
ILS interface designed for deployment
through SaaS
Web-based interfaces for staff and users
Future of
the ILS
Built-in social networking capabilities
Web-scale, or indexed discovery services critical

Facilitate mobile devices – androids/smart phones

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Next generation Catalogues

• Single point of entry for all library
information
• State of the art-web-interface
• Enriched content LIBRARIES MUST EMBRACE MUST FIND INNOVATIVE
• Faceted navigation AUTOMATION AND WAYS TO REMAIN

Future of the ILS • Keyword search

• Did you mean?
Points to EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES RELEVANT OR BECOME
NEGLECTED

• Recommended/related materials
• User contribution ponder
• RSS feed

Federated searches
MUST INCREASE THEIR MUST JUSTIFY BUDGET
VALUE TO THE ALLOCATION
ORGANIZATION

What value does an ILS

References
add to the library? • Akeroyd, John and Andrew Cox. “Integrated Library management systems :
overview.” VINE 29:2 (1999): 3-10. Emerald Insight. 21 Dec. 2012.

Will libraries be able to • Breeding, Marshall. “Automation marketplace 2012: Agents of change.” Library
Journal 30, April 1, (2012).
survive without an ILS?
• Breeding, Marshall. “The Systems librarian: New Library Collections, new

Points to Can an ILS meet all of the

technologies: New workflows.” Computers in Libraries, June (2012)
• Breeding, Marshall. “Open Source Library automation.” Library Technology Reports
Library’s need? November/December (2008)
ponder • Breeding, Marshall. “Operationalizing innovation” Library Systems Report
• Breeding, Marshall. “Power Plays”. Library Systems Report 2016
2015

What are some of the

current challenges to ILS? • Yang, Sharon Q. and Melissa A. Hofmann. ”The next generation catalog: A
comparative study of the OPACs of Koha, Evergreen, and Voyager.”
Information Technology Libraries. September (2010)
What are the challenges • Youngman, Daryl C. “Library staffing considerations in the age of technology: basic
faced by your libraries? elements for managing change.” Issues in Science and Technology
Librarianship, Fall (1999). 1-5. Web. 21. Dec. 2012