Next Generation Library Systems

I've added a new article on next generation ('next gen') library systems.  It covers resource *management* as the new generation of library search and discovery services are covered in their own article . In trying to define 'next generation' I've listed the following characteristics:-

• Search and discovery for end users is clearly 'de-coupled' 'back-end' resource management
• The overall architecture of the system in based around a (web based) Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) model to allow easier integration with 'admin' systems such as student registry and finance. There is a move away from a silo --'stand-alone' system to what has been called a 'library platform' approach where various components and sub systems are 'loosely' coupled (SOA) to provide an overall solution
• Systems are typically 'cloud' based. This is a move away from more conventional 'hosting' to a system that is a single entity that is shared by many separate and distinct libraries. Such 'multi-tenant' systems offer economies of scale and the opportunity to better share data (bibliographic, data on suppliers, licences etc) across the organisations that share the system
• The management of print and electronic (digital) resources are integrated (or 'unified)
• Related to the above is more attention to improved workflows leading to a lower cost of ownership

These can of course be argued about and certainly not all the sysetms that might be called 'next generation' have all these attributes--at least not yet

Ken Chad
www.kenchadconsulting.com