Community, modularity, choice: the redefining of the Integrated Library System (ILS)

The integrated library system (ILS) has traditionally focused on managing all aspects of the library’s operations. The ILS includes functionality and modules that are tightly integrated and deliver an ‘all in one’ approach for library management. But has this decades-old model run its course? Would libraries benefit from a new model based on openness, allowing for choice of applications from multiple providers, both vendors and libraries alike?

To achieve as much, the ILS must have integration and extensibility at its core, allowing for the easy integration of a variety of applications, and supporting flexible workflows. Already, open source library systems such as Koha provide libraries the opportunity to build out much needed functionality. What development and business models can better support innovation in library technology?

This presentation will look at principles of openness, community and choice as the core of the library system. The presenter will discuss a new collaboration between vendors and libraries to develop an open source, community-driven library system - one that will provide a hub for ‘plugging-in’ applications both open source and proprietary. And the presenter will discuss the ideas behind platform extensibility: ready deployment, development, enhancement, and integration of applications from multiple providers.