The
LibTechRFP site (wiki) http://libtechrfp.wikispaces.com has been set
up to enable the open sharing and reuse of library system specifications. The
new service has the (UK) Core Specification-UKCS- for library management
systems (ILS in US parlance) at its heart. I'm very pleased to say that
the UKCS is now available FREE thanks to Juliet Leeves. In the past libraries
had to pay a license fee to use it. A free and re-usable core specification
should ease at least some of the pain in evaluating and procuring systems.
A library has also kindly provided their brief specification for a vertical
search/discovery service at this is available online. Many (mainly ) academic
libraries are looking at purchasing such systems so we hope this will be of
help.
We are looking at how we can provide specifications for other systems such as
ERM, RFID etc
Many on this list may be interested in helping to develop these (at the moment)
basic specifications in order to help move the market (commercial and
social) forward. We believe that tackling this at the specification or RFP
level is a valid tactic.
The article 'making it easier to specify systems' describes the service and was
published earlier this month by CILIP. For those of you who don't get a copy of
CILIP Library+Information Gazette or can't read the online version on your iPad
:) it is now available on the 'publications' page of my web site:
http://www.kenchadconsulting.com/?page_id=11
From the article:-
'It is anticipated that this... service will help to reduce costs in library
technology procurement. Another aim is that it will encourage an open dialogue
among all interested stakeholders to help develop the functionality of library
related systems'.
The LibTechRFP service is free and open to all and we welcome comments (use the
'discussion' feature or feel free to email me at ken_at_kenchadconsulting.com. Many
thanks to the librarians and others who have made this possible. It is still
very much 'work-in-progress' and we hope it will develop and become even more
useful.
Ken
Ken Chad
Consulting Ltd
Tel +44
(0)7788 727 845. Email: ken_at_kenchadconsulting.com www.kenchadconsulting.com
Skype:
kenchadconsulting Twitter: @KenChad
Open Library
Systems Specifications: http://libtechrfp.wikispaces.com
Received on Thu Dec 16 2010 - 13:07:54 EST