14 September 2007

Subject: Library Management Systems
Questions: Describe the commonalities between the Koha and Vubis Smart Library Management Systems.

Library Management Systems (LMS) is a term used to describe computerised systems used to manage library information resources. Automated systems can also be integrated library systems incorporating acquisition, cataloguing and loans. Collection management of library resources are made accessible via integrated library management systems. In the evolving collection management environment of today LMS, are multi-functional and facilitate access to all library resources regardless of format, conforming to the wider information resource environment.

The Koha LMS is offered free as it can be open sourced under General Public Licence, making this product very attractive as you do not need to enter into a vendor contract. Installation is left to the Library however, significant online and onsite support is on offer. Upgrades and new ‘releases’ to the software have been on offer to new and existing clients with over 100 libraries registered as users. The Vubis Smart LMS has been around for over 25 years and has over 400 customers; this system is focusing on the seamless functionality of its features, allowing libraries to tailor the services on offer within the LMS.

The size and type of library will be a major factor when considering the most suitable LMS to purchase or utilise. Both the Vubis Smart and Koha LMS are prewritten by commercial companies and are therefore, flexible and modular in nature. Both are able to manage any volume of information however, Vubis Smart is more suited to the larger quantities. Koha has the capacity to expand as needs change however, appears to be targeting growing communities. Both LMS use database systems and meet library industry standards.

Navigation is user friendly between modules and flexible in both LMS systems and can be used by any ‘type’ of library regardless of their information management needs. The LMS are modular based, meaning that there is inbuilt vendor flexibility, the vendors are able to supply and support mix and match modules and have the added attractiveness of interchangability. As discussed by Ferguson and Hebels (2003, p.140), an open system that could facilitate mix and match that supports the adding of additional modules from different vendors is necessary in today’s environment, the Koha systems appears to have the flexibility to do this. Market share for either vendor is tight and both systems are offering knowledge management systems that can compete in an evolving industry.


Each of the two LMS has an eye on the future offering integrating systems that are in use worldwide, they use multiple standard formats that can be modified by users. The systems are designed to support current and future needs of the library users. Current Library 2.0 theory suggests that there is major technology and online web based electronic resource implications for libraries in the future. There is a growing need to support web based technologies that incorporate collaborative approaches to both knowledge management and client participation.


References:

Ferguson, S., & Hebels, R., (2003). Computers for librarians: An introduction to the electronic library, 3rd edn, Centre for Information Studies, Wagga Wagga.