Cutting the proprietary cord: A case study of one library's decision to migrate to an open source ILS

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the two leading open source library management system (LMS) packages.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper highlights the reasons behind a switch from one open source provider to another. It is based on practical experience.

Findings

Both main open source LMSs (Koha and Evergreen) are presented in terms of their current use as well as their future directions of development and opportunities.

Originality/value

This paper compares the history of Koha and Evergreen. The former is criticized because of the recent “fork”, i.e. commercial use of open source code. Problems with a local implementation of Koha are also discussed. Evergreen however, since it was developed by a library consortium, appeared the better choice for the Indiana Shared Library Catalog (ISLC), a consortium of different libraries in Indiana. ISLC runs through the Indiana Cooperative Library Services Authority.

Citation

Helling, J. (2010), "Cutting the proprietary cord: A case study of one library's decision to migrate to an open source ILS", Library Review, Vol. 59 No. 9, pp. 702-707. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242531011087024