Koha: Is an Open Source ILS viable in a large public library system?

Although open source ILS has been successful in many small to medium sized systems – the Nelsonville Public library being the most noteworthy – the fact remains that a system as large as TPL might be ill equipped to deal with many of the unknown factors. For example, the estimation of the TCO for Koha is approximately $1M. However, this does not take into consideration the many factors, such as: bugs in the source coding, the amount of time needed to debug the software, create patches, or design software updates. Furthermore, an effective ILS would not be complete without a backup ILS. Unfortunately, there is little information to even suggest such a precautionary measure, nor whether the current backup ILS at TPL, PC Reliance, would be compatible with Koha. This recommendation then, is basically a question of sustainability over time. It is common knowledge that the City of Toronto is forcing budget cuts to the TPL system. While the idea of implementing an open source ILS has the appearance of meeting the requirements of an ILS, as well as being cost effective, there is not enough known about adopting this type of software for an organization the size of TPL. In saying this, it would also be counterproductive to ignore the possibilities and opportunities that Koha offers, specifically where the discussion of Library 2.0 is concerned. It is recommended, then, that TPL form a pilot program to better gage the possibilities of adopting open source ILS in the future.

Double Digits!

Do you remember that moment when it dawned on you that you were no longer 9, and becoming a double digit seemed so cool? Well, on Sunday October 21st (also my mother's birthday), I celebrated ten years working for the Toronto Public Library System.

Double digits - are not so cool when you do the math; ten years means I was fifteen when I started, and much of my youth was spent with books. Come to think of it, I was raised in the library, a perfect library brat. Actually, I have a lot to show for my ten years, the best of all? My decision to apply for and begin my MISt at U of T.

Who'd'a thought? Jen, the librarian-t0-be.....

Library 2.Oh no!

The following is an excerpt from my conclusion re: Do Libraries Matter? The Rise of Library 2.0

The main argument put forth by the authors is that technology is fast advancing, and subsequently, so are its users (Chad & Miller, 2005). Thus, this begs the question of what the traditional library system – a physical structure whose main function is offering physical material – will evolve into. This question becomes significant in considering the implications of Library 2.0. That is, that libraries accommodate to the growing demand for free, open source technology that will enable library users to access information in the moment that the information is requested. While the argument presented by the authors is backed up by information and findings that are a commonality in the library field, the reality of this document is that it is a commercial publication, where the author’s intent is to sell a product through the guise of education. That said, the education and discussion of Library 2.0 would be best disseminated through the lens of librarians, and other pertinent library workers.

Will this be me one day??

"In the public psyche, a librarian is a woman of indeterminate age, who wears spectacles; a person with either a timorous disposition or an austere disposition, wearing a long sleeved blouse buttoned to the neck; someone who loves silence, likes books, and suffers people. Librarians don't laugh. They are covered with a thin film of dust. They have pale skins, which, when touched (as if one ever could) might flake and prove to be reptilian scales."

From "Between the Stacks", by Barry Bowes
(London: Landesman, 1979)

Library Innovations

I work in the Toronto Public Library system - whose circulation is second in the world (according to 2006 statistics), behind Japan I believe.

Circulation is largely important in the public library system; it is linked to everything from - among others - demographics, book collection/selection (for example, which languages are more prevalent), and finally, the amount of staff allotted per branch (both permanent and part-time). But I wonder - besides books, what else makes a library a library?

I consider the TPL system to be a dinosaur - an immovable feat in a fast-paced technologically advanced world. Mainly, I base this on the fact that there is a huge emphasis on the customer service aspect of books; display the books prominently so library patrons will take them out. Be polite and considerate to the patron, so that he or she will return again. And lastly, collect and check-in books in a timely manner to ensure that it goes out to the next eager patron. But really, is that all a library is? An institution that collects and lends books?

I believe that libraries are a means of accumulating and sharing information, be it through the written word, or other means of communication. There is a library in Denmark that is challenging the norm with innovative technologies and forward thinkers. Wouldn't it be cool if this was the norm in Toronto?? I've attached the link below to a video of the library:

http://www.aakb.dk/sw49714.asp

Blogging in a school context... take 2!

Two years ago I began my own blog in response to an assignment at Ryerson, where I completed my undergraduate degree in Social Work. I know what you're all thinking; what does blogging have to do with Social Work? Simply, most organizations cannot operate nowadays without networking and sharing resources - a feat which has been made easier through globalization and technologies such as blogs.

Now, as for the title of my blog itself, 1311 happens to be the newest course that has asked that I create and submit a blog. The idea here is that students can increase their knowledge base by sharing ideas and thoughts by reading and commenting on other's blogs. Finally, an assignment I'm excited about doing!