Implementing an open source integrated library system (ILS) in a special focus institution

摘要

Purpose - The paper aims to explore the circumstances and processes involved in implementing and migrating from a proprietary integrated library system (ELS) (Follett's Destiny) to an open-source ILS (Koha) for a special focus institution. Design/methodology/approach - In 2012, the campus libraries of God's Bible College (GBC) migrated to Koha. After locally hosting and supporting Koha for three years, GBC contracted a vendor (ByWater Solutions) to provide hosting and support, beginning in the fall of 2015. Findings - The paper offers experiences and practical recommendations in migration and implementation. The paper will demonstrate that libraries, including special-focus institutions, can migrate efficiently and without vendor support. Additionally, the paper examines some of the reasons why libraries might consider vendor hosting and support. Practical implications - The paper gives libraries a framework, illustrated with a special-focus institution case study, for selecting and migrating from a proprietary ILS to an open-source ILS. Such information will be of assistance in clarifying the process of migration and implementation for institutions seeking to move from a proprietary system, especially Destiny, to an open-source ILS. Originality/value - The paper covers the steps taken to successfully migrate the database and offers a series of best practices for the adoption and migration process of an open-source ILS, providing librarians and other key stakeholders both theoretical and practical information in the selection and implementation of an open-source ILS.