While reading this week's articles I was most interested in the developing Integrated Library Systems (ILS).
I did additional research on types and the purpose of ILS and found that these systems are used as an automated way to acquire, store, organize, retrieve, and disseminate information...specifically items and patrons connected with the library.
Open Access Catalogs (OPAC) are a type of ILS and they have search capabilities and can be used by multiple users both on and off site.
There are also Circulation based ILS and they basically track check ins/outs, ILL, holds, reserve materials, and can be considered a means in which the library can keep an inventory of the materials it is holding or lending out.
LIS also contains acquisition and cataloging components embedded in the software as well.
In my own experience working in a public library, I am familiar with the Millennium Circulation LIS. Some of the challenges with this system we often encountered was its unreliability and frequent crashes. I am sure that Millennium is not the only LIS that has this problem but it is something libraries need to take into consideration when choosing LIS for their institution.
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