While some libraries today still use stand alone systems, most have adopted some form of integrated library management system (LMS). Given the wide range of LMS options on offer, it is important to be aware of the characteristics and features of various systems and providers. Without this information, it would be difficult to determine which system best suits a libraries purpose. Koha and Vubis Smart by Extensity provide examples from either extreme of the spectrum of LMS's currently available to libraries.
Koha is open source software, or freeware, distributed under the General Public Licence (GPL). Koha is maintained by a team of developers across 4 countries, however under the GPL anyone can make additions and modifications which can then be made available to all users. While additions and add-ons are continuous and free, Koha provides limited support, and no hands on assistance.
Vubis Smart by Extensity (formerly Geac) on the other hand is a commercial, vendor-produced product. Vubis Smart is designed to be more user centred and features a graphical interface and customisation for users. As a commercial vendor, they provide comprehensive support for system integration and implementation.
Whilst the philosophy and aims of both of these types of vendors and systems differ, at a functional level they each serve the same general purpose and so still provide some common features in their software. By identifying the commonalities between these systems, it is possible to ascertain the essential core components of Library Systems.
Commonalities include:
Standards compliance allows for interoperability across and between systems. Both Koha and Vubis Smart support Z39.50, XML and Unicode, in addition to UNIMARC, USMARC, and MARC21 standard formats.
Full featured Integrated Library System (LIS) with core functions of circulation, acquisitions, catalogue, serials, collection management, and report generation.
Both Koha and Vubis Smart are web-based, and offer OPAC’s for web searching by users. Both also offer clear and user-friendly interfaces for searching. However, it is likely that Vubis Smart would be more refined considering it is a commercial product, which competitively aims to provide higher levels of user service. The two systems both offer fuzzy logic capabilities in their searches.
Koha and Vubis Smart can be integrated with email, thus allowing for efficient communications with the libraries online users.
References:
Koha Development Team & Katipo Communications 2005, ‘Koha’, viewed on 8 September 2007, http://www.koha.org/
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