Open Library Environment JA-Sig May08

The document discusses plans to develop an Open Library Management System (OLMS) for academic libraries as an alternative to proprietary Integrated Library Systems. It notes dissatisfaction with current ILS due to outdated assumptions about library workflows and inability to adapt to changing collections. The OLMS would be developed using a service-oriented architecture model and designed through collaboration with the academic library community. Funding is being sought from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to create a flexible and customizable system that can meet the evolving needs of modern academic libraries.