One of the library staff’s big projects for 2013 is to switch the library software to a new system. This change is overdue as our current system, InfoCentre, has seen no development since 2008, and will soon no longer be supported. After a long and thorough look at available options, we chose a new system, Koha, which is an open source system developed by librarians with a good track record and positive reviews from other libraries. This new software will improve access for borrowers to their accounts (including borrowing history, holds, wish lists, etc.) and to library materials of all kinds (including e-materials). Koha will also give staff more control over the data and much better reporting features. In continual development, Koha is much better equipped to accommodate the rapid changes in library services and materials.
The Madison Library has contracted with Bywater Solutions to migrate the data from InfoCentre to Koha, provide training on the new software for library staff, host the system on mirrored, frequently backed-up off-site servers, and provide ongoing technical support, including managing upgrades to the software. To reduce the price of the contract with Bywater Solutions, the Trustees of the Madison Library, along with Trustees of the Cook Memorial Library in Tamworth and the Jackson Public Library have formed a cooperative purchasing group, and librarians have negotiated a reduced cost for migration, training and annual hosting fees.
The Friends of Madison Library have been strong supporters of library automation since 2001, when funds donated to the Friends in memory of Virginia Dearman were allocated for the initial automation of the library. Since 2001, the Friends of Madison Library have provided funds annually for software support for the library’s automation system, and for the server needed to host the system at the library. The Friends will be providing the cost of the migration and training for Koha, but will no longer be providing funds for annual software support. This year, there is a new line item in the library’s operating budget for annual software support.