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Unicorn and STILAS are multiuser client/server systems developed in and for the Unix environment to automate all aspects of information management, from cataloging and authority control to intelligent access of non‐SIRSI databases. In keeping with the client/server concept, SIRSI has introduced a graphical user interface (GUI) to Unicorn and STILAS. The SIRSI system provides a path to information both inside and outside the library. SIRSI provides a standard interface, an “Intelligent Interface” client to diverse database systems and other vendors' library automation systems. SIRSI's Reference Database Managers provide an intelligent connection to locally mounted reference databases. SIRSI's VIZION, a stand‐alone desktop client, provides an automatic graphical user interface to hundreds of online sources of information and services available through the Internet and via modem. Furthermore, SIRSI has recently introduced WebCat, which facilitates mounting and access to the complete catalogs and other services of libraries over the Internet's World Wide Web.

Today, VTLS is a comprehensive, integrated solution to the automation requirements of academic, public, and special libraries around the world. No two libraries are alike; no two regions are alike. VTLS recognizes these differences and offers libraries the flexibility of numerous options to configure the system that best meets their functional and financial needs.

This paper is based on a survey of the literature on integrated library management systems published between 1999 and 2003, with a bias towards the academic market in the UK and North America. It describes how new functionality within ILMSs and products complementary to these integrated systems are being offered by software vendors, causing libraries to replace legacy systems with next generation systems and spend more money on add‐on products. Recent trends in integrated library management systems are noted and predictions for their future identified in the literature, are described. Open source software is highlighted as being likely to have a growing impact on the ILMS of the future, after an initial resistance to this from vendors. The paper concludes that the growth of Web services may enable a new approach to the procurement of library management systems.

Lancashire County was formed, following Local Government Reorganisation in 1974, from eighteen constituent parts, including the former County and several independent Borough Authorities.

With the aim of discovering the important factors in training staff to use newly installed automated circulation systems, the appropriate libraries in New Zealand were sent a questionnaire in 1988. This asked how libraries had trained their staff, and the outcome of the training in terms of satisfaction with their decisions, sparseness of mistakes after implementation and time taken for staff to attain efficiency after implementation. The most important factors in training were that the vendor should be heavily involved in organizing and carrying out training; training should be given before the system went live; staff should be given detailed training in the whole system; and a number of different training methods should be used. These factors were especially important for libraries installing their first automated system, those installing integrated systems, those with few staff, and those installing their systems in the earlier years of automation; that is, those libraries whose staff have the least background in the system being installed, have the greatest need for excellent training.

This paper aims to study streamlined request services based on discrete systems’ integration in an academic library. The integration of discrete systems allows patrons to use the library’s online public access catalog to send requests and have the requests automatically transferred to the local integrated library system (ILS), the consortia borrowing system, and an interlibrary loan system. The integration of discrete systems also allows adding the consortia service without adding any library staff.

The authors introduce library holdings behind the search interface, the discrete library systems and the authentication system. The paper illustrates how patron requests can be automatically transferred to discrete library systems.

Resource sharing has become a hot topic in the library world where libraries are facing budget cuts, space limits and employee shortage challenges. Systems’ integration will help libraries to add new services without adding staff.

The consortia borrowing system can be seamlessly integrated into discrete library systems and a campus authentication system. Pepperdine University’s experience can serve as an example for libraries which have a plan to implement consortia borrowing systems or want to streamline their workflows.

This paper takes a fresh look at the traditional request services using cloud-based systems.

The integration of information systems must consider various aspects, including the individuals of an organization, cooperating with other vendors, and the connections within this organization. The advantages of integration include shortening the negotiation process among the organization and the cooperating vendors, saving time for the users, and identifying the interface management. However, the greatest difficulties are how to integrate different system platforms and implement technical aspects into a suitable Web‐interface for users to operate. Information technology companies have developed Web Services which rely on the flexibility of the Extended Mark‐up Language. The services not only apply to integrated information systems, but also provide open services in Web environments. This article evaluates the feasibility of Web Services for application in integrated library information systems.

In the Spring of 1985, the library at the Mitre Corporation in Washington, DC, installed OCLC's LS/2000 integrated library system as a turnkey system on a Data General S‐140 minicomputer housed in the company's computer center. Access to the system was to be via the existing Sytek local area network. This paper is intended to convey the issues the library faced in designing, implementing and offering LS/2000 to users via the LAN. Discussed are LAN issues in general and how each was addressed at Mitre. They include: requirements, equipment, reliability, growth, security and traffic. The installation of the LAN and system interface is addressed next, followed by the benefits accrued by the use of a LAN for an online library system, includ‐ing: a. Convenience of the online public catalog. b. Increased visibility for the library within the organization. c. Further electronic communications with users. d. Shared resources. Finally, the drawbacks of using a LAN are probed, including: a. Distance of the user from library staff. b. Reliability of the LAN. c. Security problems. d. User expectations.

This paper aims to study the open source integrated library management systems, i.e. Koha and NewGenLib, to inform librarians about what considerations to make when choosing an open source integrated library management system (ILMS) for their library.

The paper provides a detailed comparative analysis of both types of software, i.e. Koha (3.2.4) and NewGenLib (3.0), which are undertaken in the study. The methodology used for the study is “Evaluation method” which is followed with the help of structured evaluation checklist prepared after the thorough study of reference tools, reference statistical data available and related literature. Both types of software are evaluated and compared qualitatively and quantitatively.

Both types of software are web‐enabled and support library automation. Koha has more specific characteristics of open source ILMS. Koha needs to upgrade, modify and improve its features. Koha requires very little hardware and is easy to install. Koha has advanced database features. NewGenLib has better functionality of modules than Koha. More formats and standards are supported by Koha. Digital library functionality of NewGenLib is more specific in terms of technology, data structure and programming. Also NewGenLib provides more user help and support whereas Koha provides more user‐friendly downloads and a documentation facility. NewGenLib has more enhanced features which are significant for ILMS while selecting software for automation.

The comparative analysis of the open source ILMS done in the study will help librarians in making necessary considerations while choosing an open source software for the library.

The paper presents a detailed evaluative study carried out using a comprehensive checklist designed for the study.

This paper aims to study the perceived usefulness and adoption of Koha Integrated Library System (ILS) by librarians in universities in Southern Nigeria.

The study adopted a survey method. The researchers designed a structured questionnaire using Google form and shared it online. Data were gathered from respondents whose libraries had adopted Koha.

Koha was highly perceived useful in acquisition, cataloguing, circulation and serials operations. There was moderate adoption of Koha generally. However, it was rarely adopted for making payment and placing of orders for book purchases and serial subscriptions. Perceived usefulness had positive influence on Koha’s adoption. Inadequate training of library staff on Koha use was a major challenge to Koha adoption. Hence, it was recommended that there should be regular training on the use of Koha and strategic decisions that would enhance the useful objectives behind the gunning for Koha, should be taken and implemented by the management of libraries.

The study highlighted the perceived usefulness of Koha and the extent to which it has been adopted by librarians in the university libraries under study. It will avail the management of these libraries the opportunity to re-evaluate if the ILS is well maximized in terms of adoption and usefulness.