Abstract
The adoption of Integrated Library Systems (ILS) became prevalent in the 1980s and 1990s as libraries began or continued to automate their processes. These systems enabled library staff to work, in many cases, more efficiently than they had been in the past. However, these systems were also restrictive – especially as the nature of the work began to change, largely in response to the growth of electronic and digital resources – for which these systems were not intended to manage. New library systems – the second (or next) generation library systems are needed in order to effectively manage the processes of acquiring, describing and making available all library resources. This article examines the state of library systems today and describes the features needed in a next generation library system. The authors also examine some of the next generation library systems currently in development that purport to fill the changing needs of libraries.
Highlights
Since the late 1980s and early 1990s, the library automation system has gone from inception to rapid implementation to near ubiquitous adoption
We believe that the concept and implementation of the new library automation system will catch on quickly among the all types of libraries
One of the major changes planned for Alma is the ability to manage the types of resources that cannot be effectively managed in current integrated library system (ILS)— electronic and digital resources
Summary
Since the late 1980s and early 1990s, the library automation system has gone from inception to rapid implementation to near ubiquitous adoption. The library automation system, called the integrated library system (ILS), has not changed much for the past two decades. It finds itself uneasily handling the ever-changing library environment and workflow. We believe that the concept and implementation of the new library automation system will catch on quickly among the all types of libraries. It will change how the library conducts its business and will benefit both library staff and users
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
