Library Technology Buying Strategies (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780838914670)

The prospect of a new automation system can be daunting. When do the benefits of moving to something new surpass the deficits of keeping the status quo? Can the products on the market deliver what libraries need to survive and prosper? Are those based on open source more flexible than proprietary systems? What about those deployed in the cloud? These and dozens more questions arise when libraries enter a selection process. Knowing the options is key to arriving at the best answers for your own organization. Marshall Breeding, who has followed the ins and outs of library technology for more than 30 years, gathers together a roster of fellow experts in the field to offer new practioners, library decision makers, and budgeting staff a comprehensive survey of what's out there. Providing substance beyond the buzzwords and hype, this guide quickly brings readers up to speed while providing practical advice on such topics as RFPs: what they are, how to write them and tips for getting bids; standards, interoperability, and trends in resource sharing; distinguishing between infrastructure-as-service, software-as-service, and platform-as-service when it comes to cloud computing; what you need to know to start planning for cloud computing; how library service platforms differ from the traditional ILS; and factors to consider when comparing e-book platforms Armed with this book's clear-sighted perspective, libraries will be empowered to make informed and responsible decisions concerning their technology infrastructure.

Author: Marshall Breeding
ISBN-10: 0838914675
ISBN-13: 9780838914670
Publisher: ALA Editions
Language: English
Published: 06/13/2016
Pages: 146
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.45lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.31d

Review Citation(s):
Voice of Youth Advocates 10/01/2016
Library Journal 11/15/2016 pg. 101