The document discusses the Michigan Evergreen project, an open source integrated library system. It provides background on the need for an affordable ILS compatible with the statewide MeLCat resource sharing system. A pilot project launched with 7 libraries from 4 vendors. Next steps include integrating all pilot libraries into MeLCat by year's end and adding more libraries. Challenges include maintaining the database and cataloging, as well as providing support, training, and software development for the young Evergreen company.

1. Michigan Evergreen: An Open Source Project Randy Dykhuis October 28, 2008

2. Today’s Presentation Background Pilot Project Next Steps Challenges

3. Background MLC MeLCat – statewide resource sharing system Based on INN-Reach Open to any library in Michigan Nearly 300 participating libraries Many libraries with inadequate automation Small Resource poor – finances & human

4. Background ILS system goals Compatibility with MeLCat Full featured Affordable by small libraries Value-added Commercial solutions Open Source options Koha Evergreen

5. Background June 2007 Field trip to Atlanta Informal market research in summer/fall 2007 MLC Board approval in January 2008

6. Pilot Project 7 libraries, 4 different ILS vendors Timeline Go Live

7. Pilot Project Cost-sharing Staffing MLC Grand Rapids Public Library Equinox

8. Next Steps All pilot project libraries live by end of 2008 Into MeLCat Additional libraries into the shared system Figuring out our organizational structure

9. Challenges Database maintenance & cataloging Support & training Software development Evergreen Young company Coopetition

10. Contact Ruth Dukelow, dukelow@mlcnet.org Evette Atkin, atkine@mlcnet.org Elaine Ross, rosse@mlcnet.org Randy Dykhuis, dykhuisr@mlcnet.org Blog: www.mlcnet.org/evergreen