Library Services Platforms The state of the art
Library Services Platforms: The state of the art Marshall Breeding Independent Consultant, Author, Founder and Publisher, Library Technology Guides http: //www. librarytechnology. org/ http: //twitter. com/mbreeding October 24, 2017 Internet Librarian 2017
Description Breeding coined the term “Library Services Platforms” to describe the new genre of products for the management of library collections and operations which differs substantially from the long-standing category of integrated library systems. This session includes an updated view of the characteristics of library services platforms, how they differ from ILS, as well as status of the current products and projects. Those that follow a hybrid model or which partially incorporate the characteristics are also discussed. Breeding shares his insights as to whether library services platforms have lived up
Library Systems Trends
Integrated Library Systems Longstanding model of library automation Emerged during the era when libraries were dominated by print materials Modular organization persistent across vendors and products: � Cataloging – Circulation – Acquisitions – Serials Management – Catalog Bibliographic + Transactional databases
Evolution of the ILS Persistent through multiple cycles of technology: � Mainframe – Terminal � Client/Server with graphical interfaces � Client/Server with Web interfaces Functionality continually evolves Well established for print resource management
Scope of management ILS: Print + ebooks ERM (electronic resource management) subscriptions to e-resources and open access content Link Resolver: Knowledgebase + Open. URL link server Digital asset management: digital images, video, sound Archival Management System: archives + Special Collections Discovery Interface: provide access to multiple content repositories Discovery Index: article-level index for scholarly literature
Legacy: Fragmented Environment Integrated Library System for management of (mostly) print Duplicative financial systems between library and university Electronic Resource Management E-Resource knowledge base and Link Resolver A-Z e-journal lists and other finding aids Interlibrary loan (borrowing and lending) Digital Collections Management platforms (CONTENTdm, Digi. Tool, etc. ) Separate systems for archival materials and special collections Discovery-layer services for broader access to library collections No effective integration services / interoperability among disconnected systems, non-aligned metadata schemes
Fresh Start: Opportunity to create a new model of resource management and discovery for libraries Not follow the prevailing models for organizing functionality Initial scope: Electronic + Print resource management
Launch of a new genre of products Ex Libris: Alma � Universal Resource Management OCLC World. Share Management Services � Web-scale management Services Pro. Quest Intota Kuali OLE � Open library environment
Current Products In production � Ex Libris: Alma � OCLC: World. Share Management Services � Axiell: Quria (as of Oct 2017) In development � FOLIO
What counts? Meant as a descriptive term to describe a new set of products Not a value judgement The integrated library system continues as a viable model of library automation Over time these genres could converge
Library Services Platforms “This new generation of products - more appropriately called something like library services platforms rather than integrated library systems addresses the fundamental changes that libraries have experienced over the course of the last decade or so toward more engagement with electronic and digital content. In their own distinctive ways, these recently announced or delivered systems aim to break free of the models of automation centered mostly on print materials deeply embodied by the incumbent line of integrated library systems. ” Breeding, Marshall. (2011). A Cloudy Forecast for Libraries. Computers in Libraries 31 (7), 32 -35.
Library Services Platform Library-specific software. Technical infrastructure to help libraries automate their internal operations, manage collections, fulfillment requests, and deliver services Services-oriented architecture � Exposes Web services and other API’s � Facilitates the services libraries offer to their users � Platform General infrastructure for library automation � Consistent with the concept of Platform as a Service � Library programmers address the APIs of the platform to extend functionality, create connections with other systems, dynamically interact with data �
Library Services Platforms New genre of resource management Workflows unified across electronic, print, and digital formats Flexible metadata management: MARC, Dublin Core, BIBFRAME, etc Deployed via web-native multi-tenant platform Built-in analytics and decision support
Library Services Platforms – Functional Manages electronic and print formats of materials Replaces multiple incumbent products Extensive Metadata Management Multiple procurement workflows Knowledgebases Built-in collection analytics Decision support for collection development
Platform characteristics Technical infrastructure to support complex business applications Delivers common services: data stores, messaging, events, workflow engine Agnostic relative to structure of higher-level applications Common UI framework Designed for multitenancy
Software as a Service Multi Tennant Saa. S is the modern approach � One Software functionality delivered entirely through Web interfaces � No copy of the code base serves multiple sites workstation clients Upgrades and fixes deployed universally � Usually in small increments
Data as a service Saa. S provides opportunity for highly shared data models World. Cat: one globally shared copy that serves all libraries Primo Central: central index of articles maintained by Ex Libris shared by all libraries implementing Primo / Primo Central Knowledge. Works database of e-journal holdings shared among all customers of Serials Solutions products General opportunity to move away from library-bylibrary metadata management to globally shared workflows
Resource Management Models Category Resources managed Physical Progressive integrated library System Print, electronic Technology platform Server-based Multi-tenant Saa. S Knowledgebases None Patron interfaces Browser-based e-holdings, bibliographic Browser-based Staff interfaces Browser-based Procurement models Graphical Desktop Browser-based (Java Swing, Windows, Mac OS) Purchase, license Hosting option Local install, ASP Saa. S Only Interoperability Batch transfer, proprietary API Sirsi. Dynix Symphony, Millennium, Polaris Batch transfer, RESTful APIs, Sierra, Sirsi. Dynix Symphony/BLUEcloud, Polaris, Apollo APIs (mostly RESTful) Products Integrated Library System Library Services Platform Electronic, Physical license World. Share Management Services, Alma, FOLIO
Product Development Timeline https: //librarytechnology. org/chron/libraryservicesplatforms. pl/
LSP Sales + Installations Library Services Platforms Product Alma Company Ex Libris World. Share OCLC Management Services Total Contracts Install 2016 2015 2014 2016 132 88 43 829 83 68 79 440
Weighted annual sales reports Alma: � https: //librarytechnology. org//guides/ils-annual-salesreport. pl? Product=Alma&Year=2016 OCLC World. Share Management Services � https: //librarytechnology. org//guides/ils-annual-salesreport. pl? Product=World. Share%20 Management%20 Services&Y ear=2016
Ex Libris Alma Strategic resource management platform from Ex Libris Adopted primarily by academic and research libraries, national libraries, consortia, networks Global multitenant platform deployed across multiple global data centers
Pro. Quest acquires Ex Libris December 2015 “Ex Libris, A Pro. Quest Company” Ex Libris becomes the primary technology business unit for Pro. Quest Matti Shem Tov subsequently named as President and CEO of Pro. Quest Product portfolio = Ex Libris + Pro. Quest Workflow Solutions
Ex Libris Product suite Ex Libris Pro. Quest Workflow Solutions Alma Intota v. 2 Primo Summon SFX 360 Link Alma Analytics 360 Resource Leganto Manager Voyager Aleph Intota Assessment Campus. M SIPX Rosetta Commitment to existing development and support timelines for all products used by libraries as production
Pro. Quest – EBSCO dynamic Pro. Quest Content: Pro. Quest platform Ex Libris + PQ product suite EBSCO Information Service � Alma � Primo, Summon Strategy of platform bundling: Alma + Primo EBSCOhost EBSCO Discovery Service Strategy of Integrating discovery into all other platforms Open Source Strategy: � FOLIO � Koha
Elsevier recent acquisitions Bepress: institutional repository (Aug 2017) Mendeley: research collaboration platform (April 2013) Pure: research information management system (Aug 2012) Social Science Research Network (May 2016) News. Flo: track news coverage of scientific research (Jan 2015) Plum Analytics: measure impact of research (Feb 2017)
Ex Libris Knowledgebase and Index Strategy Interfaces and applications will remain, with internal content components consolidated Summon index will be extended with unique content from Primo Central New consolidated index will power both Summon and Primo Pro. Quest knowledge base will be extended with unique content from SFX / Alma knowledgebase New knowledge base will power Alma, SFX, 360 Link, etc
Alma discovery strategy Primo bundled with Alma by default � Tight integration, shared knowledgebases Summon now offered as a supported patron interface Active support for open source discovery: � Blacklight, Vu. Find Other options possible via APIs
Ex Libris Dominating Academic Library Tech Alma receiving strong reception � Large Academic libraries � Multi-campus Systems � Consortia Proven ability to support collaboration among institutions through shared infrastructure
Academic Shared Infrastructure Projects selecting Alma Orbis Cascade Alliance (37 libraries) WHELF: Academic libraries in Wales BIBSYS: 89 National, Academic, Special libraries in Norway California State University (23 campuses) University of Georgia system: all public universities Detroit Area Library Network Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges Österreichische Bibliothekenverbund Service Gesellschaft in Austria
Alma Migration Report
Alma Implementations by Type
Alma Implementations by Size
ALMA Perceptions scores
Ex Libris moving beyond Alma Alma continues to evolve in functionality, but now considered by Ex Libris a stable and robust system Leverage the platform to address other pressing needs of academic institutions, even beyond the library Leganto: integration of library resources into learning management systems SIPX: Management of course materials and copyright management Management of research data campus. M platform: mobile-friendly content management platform for academic institutions
OCLC World. Share Management Services Strategic resource management platform developed by OCLC Other apps built on the World. Share Platform: � World. Share License Manager � World. Share Interlibrary Loan � Tipasa ILL management system (replaces ILLiad)
WMS Adoption 440 implementations reported as of the end of 2016 In the United States, the majority are mid-sized academic libraries Includes 3 members of the Association of Research Libraries Many larger libraries in Europe National Libraries: Library and Archives Canada
WMS Migration Report
WMS Implementations by Type
WMS Implementations by Size
WMS Perceptions scores
FOLIO Open source library services platform Designed for multitenancy Microservices architecture Designed for multiple deployments In development
EBSCO Supports new Open Source Project FOLIO � the Future of the Library is Open https: //www. folio. org/ A community collaboration to develop an open source Library Services Platform designed for innovation. American Libraries feature: � https: //americanlibrariesmagazine. org/2016/04/22 /ebsco-kuali-open-source-project/
Possible motivating factors Initially oriented to academic libraries Academic libraries interested in Library Services Platform Narrow options (Ex Libris Alma, OCLC World. Share Management Services) Unbundle Discovery from Resource Management � Choice for patron-facing services Alternative functional approach based on apps and modules
Technology Microservices architecture Modular Enables choice for discovery Pluggable modules Not monolithic
General Technology Trends
Fundamental technology shift Mainframe computing Client/Server Cloud Computing http: //www. flickr. com/photos/carrick/61952845/ http: //soacloudcomputing. blogspot. com/2008/10/cloud-computing. html http: //www. javaworld. com/javaworld/jw-10 -2001/jw-1019 -jxta. html
Software Development Styles Monolithic Applications � Codebase of application deployed as a single bundle of executables and libraries on a unified platform Microservices Architecture � Multiple independent software components orchestrated to form a unified application � Common infrastructure: User interface toolkit API Gateway Persistence layer
Monolithic Application: Enterprise SOA Model Scripts/ Third Party Systems User Interfaces API endpoints Web service Presentation Layer Application software Business Logic Reusable Composable Services } Enterprise Service Bus Database Engine Table Table Table Table
Microservice conceptual model Request Response REST / HTTPS Web service Service components Microservi ce Application software Run time libraries Data Store
Microservices-based Application Scripts/ Third Party Systems User Interfaces API endpoints Presentation Layer / UI Toolkit API Gateway Web service Service compon ents Microservic e Applicat ion software Run time libraries Web service Service compon ents Microservic e Run time libraries Microservic e Applicat ion software Run time libraries Web service Service compon ents Microservic e Applicat ion software Data Store Microservic e Applicat ion software Run time libraries Web service Service compon ents Microservic e Applicat ion software Web service Service compon ents Data Store Persistence / System Layer Microservic e Applicat ion software Run time libraries Data Store Service compon ents Run time libraries Data Store Web service Service compon ents Applicat ion software Data Store Web service Service compon ents Data Store Microservic e Applicat ion software Run time libraries Data Store
Open Systems Achieving openness has risen as the key driver behind library technology strategies Libraries need to do more with their data Ability to improve customer experience and operational efficiencies Demand for Interoperability Open source – full access to internal program of the application Open API’s – expose programmatic interfaces to data and functionality
FOLIO Platform
Organization Independent foundation � http: //www. openlibraryfoundation. org/ Financial support from EBSCO Index Data contracted for Initial development Community support from Open Library Environment (formerly Kuali OLE) Synergy with Global Open Knowledgebase (GOKb)
EBSCO Involvement Not owned by EBSCO provides financial and in-kind resources Governed through independent non-profit Participation by Kuali OLE Engage with developers from libraries, consortia, and commercial entities EBSCO will provide hosting services Based on modules and pluggable apps
Timeline Aug 2016: Release of base platform to developers 2017 -2018: Initial versions available for early adopters Implementable tools and modules will be available prior to a comprehensive system
Quria Open source library services platform for public libraries Fresh start for development of technology infrastructure for public libraries Digital first design Program and event management Customer service module Built-in analytics Now in production at the Drammen Public Library in Norway See: Breeding, Marshall. (2016). Axiell Launches Quria: New Library Services Platform for Public Libraries. Smart Libraries Newsletter 36 (7), 3 -6.
Hybrid products
Sirsi. Dynix BLUEcloud New set of web-based modules deployed on a multitenant platform Continues to rely on Symphony or Horizon ILS for data management and core business logic
Innovative Sierra Technology uplift for Millennium � Open source database (Postgre. SQL) � New Java-based graphical interface � Service layers consumed by internal and external interfaces � Phased release of APIs for access to data and functionality Retains the basic modular structure of Millennium Each instance operates on its own hardware configuration � Not multitenant
The current state of the art Two well-established products Two new projects in development Transition to new technology infrastructure important strategically, difficult operationally Initial focus on academic libraries spreading to Public libraries Evolution of ILS products to more resemble Library Services Platforms
Questions and discussion
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