[Publib] What's good about a good ILS?

[Robert L. Balliot]

Greetings,

I have to agree with Diedre that one of the main issues is
flexibility.  I think that there are so many changes coming
about that you need to be able to respond to those changes
without being locked into an outdated methodology.

Since you are qualifying the audience as "governing
officials", the idea of poor system or good system
would depend on their goals.

1. Would the goal be to save money by having an automated
system that will replace staff?

2. Would the goal be to augment the in-house intellectual
capabilities of staff in order for them to make better
decisions and to extend the choices, satisfaction, and 
capabilities of the patrons?

3. Would the goal be a long term contract and commitment
to an ILS process, or would it be possible to change the
process as technology changes?

Libraries can and have operated without ILS.  Books can be stamped
and card catalogs can be used or created on-line using a variety
of free tools.  Orders can be placed on-line without any special vendor
software. Tools are being developed so quickly now that
they may outpace any decision that incorporates an inflexible
platorm and methodology.

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Join: http://gotbooks.ning.com/
Robert L. Balliot
1-401-441-5763
Skype: RBalliot
Bristol, Rhode Island
http://oceanstatelibrarian.com/contact.htm
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Hi folks,

In another week I'm giving a one-hour talk to library trustees about
"Integrated Library System Issues for Trustees." 

The conference blurb is thus: "What about the ILS do governing Officials
need to know?  What are the service implications for a poor system or good
system?  How can we be sure we are choosing the right system?"

I have my own thoughts, but what would you say? You can respond on or
off-list.  

K.G. Schneider
Free Range Librarian
AIM/Email: kgs at freerangelibrarian.com
http://freerangelibrarian.com  


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