Comparing two library management or ‘integrated library systems’

Koha is a free, open–source, library specific system which was first used in 2000. It is modular and constantly evolving as users further develop its capabilities. The cataloguing module is suitable for both original and copy cataloguing and can be tailored for special libraries, both digital and physical. The circulation module includes an offline facility and the acquisitions module is advertised as simple yet comprehensive and incorporates RSS feeds alerting the librarian to new products. There are modules for serials, reserves, patron management and branch relationships, together with tracking logs. It is all based on a dual-database combining both text and RDBMS. The use of library standards and protocols including MARC and Z39.50 provide interoperability. The OPAC, circulation, management and self-check components are all platform-independent Web-based interfaces and all can be updated simultaneously. The system can be self-supported or pay-for-service with online documentation, and advice available via e-mail, wiki and chat. There are plugins, template sets, browser plugins, migration tools and command line utilities freely available. Search customization parameters enable simple, clear, federated searching. Overdues and other notices are transmitted by e-mail or text and there is an inbuilt print facility for barcodes.

Vubis Smart is a proprietary, generic system first developed by Geac (now Extensity) 30 years ago. Like Koha, it offers a Web-based OPAC but with flexible meta-data and a list of library protocols and standards, including MARC and Z39.50. There are integrated modules (incorporating large-volume database capacity), for acquisitions, cataloguing, circulation and serials, in common with Koha. Vubis Smart clients pay for deluxe versions of these features and receive bonus education and support services, project management, ‘thin client’ access and automatic updates. There is also a flexible reporting module. The portal/gateway allows multiple collections to be searched simultaneously or individually, with the single interface’s parameters being totally configurable and user-friendly. Authority control is also customisable. Authentication can open seamless access to the “deep” Web and searching is enhanced by a combination of smart data enrichment, fuzzy logic and statistical analysis. As for Koha, customer support is provided through telephone, e-mail, fax and a support website, but self-support is not mentioned. The support website provides product knowledge, downloadable documentation, user-group notes, reporting and tracking of problems, as well as access to technicians who fix the problems via the internet.

There are also extras which can be purchased including a 24/7 voice notification service, a catalogue enrichment service, a print cost management facility, a PC Reservation and internet usage monitoring system, a dynamic federated search interface using data associations and search history analysis, an electronic resources management system and an open URL resolver.


References:
The Koha Team and Katipo Communications Ltd. (2005). Koha - Open Source ILS - Integrated Library System. The Koha Development Team & Katipo Communications Ltd. Viewed September 11, 2007 from: http://www.koha.org/

Extensity. (2006). Vubis Smart - a new approach - Geac Library and information management software solutions . Viewed September 11, 2007 from: http://www.library.geac.com/page/vubiseng_LIB.html