Evaluating Cataloging Software

Chester Kozikowski IIIILS 506 Summer 2006

Southern Connecticut State University

Libraries are being given greater responsibility as we are engrossed in an information overload.

Libraries and their staff are having their roles redefined, requiring more efficiency in every area.

Budget concerns may leave a library with less staff and less time available for functions like cataloging.

The internet has created a whole new world for cataloging, requiring libraries to adapt.

The need for Cataloging Software

The cons…

Training staff and patrons.

COST

Detailed evaluation of software options

Low quality vendor records.

Reduce duplication of records (and staff effort).

Can increase circulation of print and digital resources.

Reduces the burden on already overtaxed staff.

The pros…

Koha

Evergreen

ResourceMate

The Contenders…

Open-source. Fully customizable. Applied in libraries around the

globe, and in every type. Frequent updates and patches. Copy cataloging & Z39.50. MARC21 and UNIMARC for

professionals. Survey conducted labels Koha

as the first choice, regardless of library type.

Koha…Libraries using Koha

Graphical User Interface for adding MARC records walks the user through the process in nine easy steps.

Koha…

Documentation◦ Tutorials◦ Manuals◦ How-To’s◦ Forums

Koha…

Open-source. Consortia software. Development began in 2005. “Road Map” has a long list of coming

enhancements.

Evergreen…

“Evergreen Development Roadmap…highlights of high-level, outward-facing developments implemented or planned for Evergreen. From 1.2 forward, each historical section below links to corresponding release notes with full details about new and improved features, bug fixes, and technical improvements. It is intended to help Evergreen stakeholders plan the future, but it is fluid and subject to change as the community's needs evolve.” www.open-ils.org

Key cataloging features from Evergreen◦ Through library-defined statistical categories for

items, you can define arbitrary fields and field entries to record item information at any level of the organization hierarchy.

◦ Record-merging preview in bibliographic buckets allows for side-by-side comparison of MARC records before merging.

◦ Powerful mechanisms for moving volumes and copies within and across records and volumes.

◦ Unlimited notes for annotating items.

Evergreen…

Lackluster Graphical User Interface Poor Documentation

Evergreen…

ResourceMate School Advanced Cost of $3262.00 and it includes (selected):

◦ 1 ResourceMate® Plus Multi-User ◦ 1 Scheduler  ◦ 1 Serials  ◦ 1 Soundex  ◦ 1 Levels 1,2 & 3 Training Videos  ◦ 1 Extended Support for ResourceMate® Plus Multi  ◦ 1 Patron Cards  ◦ 1 MetroLogic MS9520 Handsfree Laser Scanner and

Stand  ◦ 1 Epson TM88IV Thermal Receipt Printer 

ResourceMate…

Detailed menus allow anyone to professionally create new records, or edit existing ones.

Those who prefer the MARC view can easily toggle back and forth.

ResourceMate…

Superb Interface will allow any user to quickly adapt.

ResourceMate…

A Public School Library will pilot a new software for a year, with the intention of deploying it to the entire district the next.

The proposal…

Drum roll…

Koha Evergreen ResourceMate

Cost None None $3262.00

Features Excellent Excellent Excellent

GUI Good Poor Excellent

Compatibility Good Good Excellent

Target Audience Any Consortia School

ResourceMate

The Winner…

Please visit: ◦ Koha http://www.koha.org/◦ Evergreen http://www.open-ils.org/◦ ResourceMate

http://www.resourcemate.com/

For More Information…