The viability of open source ILS

Abstract

Following an era lasting more than two decades where companies offering integrated library systems (ILS) under traditional closed- source license arrangements, the library automation industry has seen a burst of activity in the last few years involving open source ILS alternatives. As libraries consider the field of ILS options today, a thorough investigation includes both traditionally licensed and open source alternatives. This article focuses on questions regarding to what extent open source ILS products can be considered viable alternatives. It looks at open source ILS viability from four perspectives: market acceptance, support options, product development and functionality and risk factors. The open source ILS movement has progressed past the point where its viability can seriously be questioned. The current momentum of open source ILS adoption makes it almost inevitable that it will represent an increasing portion of the library automation landscape.