We need to look at our options for replacing the current system, but while we are at it, we are also going to investigate what our library will look like in 5 years time, and what kinds of systems we need to have in place to support this.
So it is more than just replacing the library system, we will look at the directions that academic libraries are moving in, the way we relate to students and staff, the way research is conducted and published and the kinds of technologies that are available now and those that are emerging
Some of the main areas that we are looking at are:
- Web 2.0 and how it might change the way we interact with our clients
- Open source software options for the Library management system
- Where we expect to be in 5 years time, and how this might inform our decision making
- Examining what kinds of functionality we want in a new Library management system
- An audit of the currently available Library management systems and how they measure up to our expectations
- Rodney (Project manager)
- Felix (Project executive officer)
- Di (Systems Librarian)
- Linda (Policy and planning Librarian)
- Kerry (ITR Liaison)
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3 comments:
This is terribly interesting but very daunting. I'm glad we have set up a working group to look at this properly. The whole field seems like a moveable feast at present, so it seems wise to move slowly and not commit ourselves to large investments until it becomes clear where the currently confusing trends are actually leading us.
We would be interested if you have a list of Web 2.0 applications that may, or may not, be under consdiration - or is it an entirely open field at the moment?
I think this page from the University of Newcastle is interesting http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/library/help/askus.html
It would be great to offer an SMS option.
One of the things that I like about web 2.0 technologies is the collaboration that they encourage. An example of this is the Huddersfield catalogue's use of a tag cloud on the search page. I think it's a great way for students to see what other students have been searching for, perhaps if they can't think of a good term to search by they can look at what others have been using recently.
I can't remember where I saw it, but I also like the idea of a "serendipity search", which I guess is the same kind of thing that someone like Amazon uses on their website. eg: students who searched for this also searched for...
The "virtual browsing" feature on the Huddersfield catalogue is also interesting.
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