Jeff Tyson - Internet article
Andrew K. Pace - "Dismantling Integrated Library Systems"
Sergey Brin & Larry Page - "Inside the Google machine"
The reading I found most interesting was "Dismantling Integrated Library Systems." They really don't seem compatible with a lot of other online services, which puts a strain on the IT department of libraries. It's hard to keep all services up and running and to make sure they work properly when they don't have interoperability. Though the article says that starting from scratch is too expensive, I wonder what options open source software might open up in the future. If open source software can more easily be interworked with ILS and online systems, then there might be a solution in that. The library where I worked this past summer was planning on switching to an open source ILS, the one used by the public libraries in the state of Georgia. Currently they use SirsiDynix, which is ok, but can be a challenge to use easily. I disagree in part with the article when it states that ILS is functional because a lot of the traditional ILS systems are notoriously not user-friendly.
I'm not sure what the solution is- I haven't looked into Open Source systems really, but I have to wholeheartedly agree that some traditional ILS systems are notoriously not user-friendly- I've worked with several, and you just learn to live with them and their annoying quirks, but there's got to be a better way to do it that works for everyone involved. There are too many stupid things that just don't work right, and there's nothing you can do about it!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, due to funding, many IT departments in libraries are not aware or have the capabilities to handle certain integrated systems. I think the challenge persists even more for libraries that cannot even afford an IT department. This raises the issue on how libraries, even with limited funding can tackle this issue in a cost effective manner. Should the government do a better job in assisting in this issue? If so, would regulation make it easier or more funding?
ReplyDeleteAdam Brody
Adam raises a good point about the kinds of resources a library might have (or, well, not have). I've worked with both large and small one-man shops and the cost issue always loomed large but was especially a problem at the small museums. Open source seems promising, but there are so many hurdles!
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