Thursday, June 15, 2006, 8:51:15 AM, you wrote:
HA> For libraries using ILS's that cannot be customized, then vote with your
HA> feet. Find an ILS vendor that does allows customizations or move to something
HA> like Open ILS, etc. I do realize that its not that easy to move to a new ILS
HA> and certainly there are costs involved, but libraries periodically weed their
HA> collections, why not their ILS when it's not meeting their needs.
Weeding can be, and is, done gradually. Even if there's a weeding
"project", it is still done fairly gradually. Also, weeding doesn't
"cost". Yes, it takes time and resources, but not money directly from
the budget. Weeding doesn't require an RFP, a bid process, heavy duty
evaluation. Weeding also fits in to normal routines (or should).
Switching to a new ILS costs, typically, six figures in cash, plus
vast amounts of time in conversion, training, and so forth.
Vendors have us where they want us. They've got us by the vital parts
and they know it. Sure, they may lose a customer in a three years or
a decade, but saying "do this right now or else" is an empty threat 99
percent of the time.
dna
--
Dan Lester, Data Wrangler dan_at_RiverOfData.com 208-283-7711
3577 East Pecan, Boise, Idaho 83716-7115 USA
www.riverofdata.com The Road Goes On Forever....
Received on Mon Jun 19 2006 - 10:51:18 EDT