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Integrated Library Systems (ILS)

Guidelines for selecting an Integrated Library System (ILS) for New Zealand schools

Integrated Library Systems (ILS) or Library Management Systems are integral to the access and management of resources within your school. The ILS supports the integration of both print and online resources into your school-wide teaching and learning programmes.

Contents

Introduction to selecting an ILS
ILS selection considerations
ILS checklist
ILS suppliers

Introduction to selecting an ILS

Modern library database systems form part of your school’s ICT infrastructure and Managed Learning Environment (MLE).

The system you select needs to meet your users’ needs and provide fast efficient and user friendly access to information. This includes appropriately managed access to physical, multimedia and online resources.

For support as you go through this important decision-making process, contact a Library Adviser on 0800 LIBLINE (0800 542 5463). They can offer guidance relevant to your school.

If you are changing from one ILS to another, our guide entitled Changing your Integrated Library System provides practical guidance on managing the whole process.

ILS selection considerations

Library management
  • Library management modules include cataloguing, circulation, reporting and Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC).
  • Data connection standards include Z39.50 information retrieval standard and MARC (MAchine-Readable Cataloguing) data compliance.
  • Compatible with catalogue record services including SchoolsCat.
  • Compatible with school’s Student Management System (SMS) and Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Cataloguing process includes both manual and rapid entry options.
  • Cataloguing fields are visible and easy to edit.
  • Reports function offers both prepackaged and customisable options.
  • Borrower functions include seamless SMS borrower record transfer and borrower record customisation.
  • Web-based interface includes library homepage integration, multimedia and web resource access and management.
  • Training and support including help guides and support groups.

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School’s ICT Infrastructure
  • Ease of installation
  • Ease of maintenance including data transfer, updates, backups and storage
  • Software compatibility with school’s ICT platform
  • School ICT infrastructure supports and maintains ILS connection to Z39.50 information retrieval standard and MARC (MAchine-Readable Cataloguing) data compliance,
  • School ICT infrastructure supports and maintains ILS connection to school’s SMS and LMS,
  • School ICT infrastructure supports and maintains ILS connection to catalogue record services including SchoolsCat.
  • School ICT infrastructure supports and maintains Port Forwarding / Mapping for secure ILS web access.
  • ILS software supports multiple users using different modules simultaneously.
  • Library hardware is up-to-date and included in school ICT upgrades and maintenance.
  • Library software and online access is up-to-date and included in school ICT upgrades and maintenance.
  • Dedicated Search / OPAC workstations are available for student use in the Library.
  • School ICT budget supports ongoing costs including updates, maintenance and help.
Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)
  • The OPAC, also known as the library catalogue, has dedicated search terminals available for student use in the Library.
  • Library has a visible online presence as part of the school’s Homepage and / or LMS.
  • OPAC is immediately visible and accessible on the Library Homepage.
  • OPAC screens are customisable and include student friendly design.
  • OPAC Search interface is intuitive and includes keyword, author, title and subject searching.
  • OPAC Search results list includes visual prompts depicting format, location and availability information.
  • Catalogue records have visual prompts including book covers, location maps and links to further information.
  • Online resources can be linked to and viewed, including multimedia and web resources.
  • Personal options allow user interaction including borrower profile, book reviews and lists of favourites.
  • Help information relates to where you are in the database.

ILS Checklist

 

The attached ILS checklist is a practical tool you can use to assess each system you are evaluating. This will help you make an informed decision. It is not designed to be comprehensive.

Please refer to the ILS glossary for explanations of terms you may be unfamiliar with.

ILS Suppliers

The School library suppliers’ list (PDF) includes contact details for the NZ suppliers of Integrated Library Systems.