[Koha-devel] Koha Foundation : Librarians comments

[Russel Garlick]

Well done Irma.

Great to have some feedback on this idea.

Cheers

Russel

Irma Birchall wrote:
> Hi all,
> 
>  
> 
> As promised, here is a short summary of comments received from a few 
> librarians I spoke with, who have been involved in the evaluation and 
> selection of a new ILS for their library, in the past 5 years. They all 
> mention how challenging and time consuming a task it was. Especially for 
> syndicated libraries.
> 
>  
> 
> Factors that have been mentioned regarding the adoption of proprietary 
> software */over/* open source ILS are:
> 
>  
> 
>     * Not knowing of the existence of any open source, high-quality ILS.
>       */Koha needs marketing!/*
>     * How could they have determined whether the OS ILS is mature and
>       “business ready” enough for their purposes?  
>     * Is there continuum in the quality of the code through all the
>       functionalities?
>     * How can one rate this OS application when no other library in
>       their district or network uses this OSS.
>     * Longevity: Projects backed by commercials companies are seen to
>       have more longevity.
>     * Support: commercial software vendors have support staff dedicated
>       to helping customers solve problems with the product.  For busy
>       librarians, this was the main benefit in using proprietary software.
>     * Rapid updates: libraries struggle anyway to keep up with change.
>        Don’t open source projects all follow the “Release Early, Release
>       Often” paradigm? Some functions might need upgrading but the rest
>       is just fine.  How would that work?
>     * These librarians accept: closed source code, having limited
>       influence over roadmap, high costs, and limitations in functionality…
>     * Traditionally, libraries have depended on proprietary software
>       despite their limitations.  */There was no quality alternative./*//
>     * These libraries or their parent organizations have no clear IT
>       strategy regarding the use or non-use of open source application
>       software.
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> Regarding Koha starting a Foundation or perhaps becoming part of an 
> existing one: a few of the thoughts expressed
> 
>  
> 
>     * The response was positive when I mentioned that Koha is now 5!
>       Multilingual and used in libraries around the globe.
>     * They would feel more comfortable adopting an open source product
>       if it had published books/manuals/documentation this would be seen
>       as a strong indicator of the software’s level of maturity and
>       adoption.  The Foundation could publish these.
>     * How active and lively is the Koha community?  Being part of a
>       Foundation could add to the expertise to the Koha community.
>     * Becoming an independent foundation was viewed as a confirmation of
>       professionalism and longevity.
> 
>  
> 
> Hope that helps,
> 
>  
> 
> Irma
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> 
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Russel Garlick
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