Open Source Meets Turnkey: Koha for Software, LibLime for Support
by Karin Dalziel from PNLA Quarterly, Spring 2008, 73(3).
Open source software, from desktop applications to library wide Integrated Library System (ILS) software, has been a hot topic of conversation lately. Increasingly libraries are looking to open source solutions to meet the evolving needs of library patrons. One of the often quoted disadvantages of open source is the lack of support. In the past, there were no vendors that could offer support, so libraries had to rely on in house technicians or a crowd of very helpful but sometimes unavailable volunteers. Today, libraries can choose open source and enjoy the benefits of full support and turnkey hosting for open source ILSs. In the US, libraries currently have two options: LibLime, which supports the
open source products Koha and Evergreen, and Equinox, which supports Evergreen only. This paper takes a look at LibLime, primarily their Koha and Koha ZOOM offerings.
Jun.16.2008