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MassCat’s move to open source software: Why? (NELINET, October 28, 2008)
MassCat’s move to open source software:Why?
(NELINET, October 28, 2008)
What is MassCat?
A resource sharing network of libraries that are not part of the other library networks in the state.
Unusual, unique and unexpected! Affordable -- the cost of operating MassCat is
offset somewhat by funding from 5 of the Massachusetts Regional Library Systems
Who belongs to MassCat?
93 libraries from all around Massachusetts currently belong.
School, special, academic, medical, and some public libraries belong to MassCat.
Member Library Details
49 Schools 20 Medical/hospital 14 Special 7 Public 3 Academic
13 from Central Region 27 from Metrowest 20 from Northeast 22 from Southeastern 11 from Western
Database Details
Over 625,000 bibliographic records Over 1,200,000 holdings New records added daily Over 1,100 loan requests negotiated among
members last year
Previous System Details
System completely Web-based and hosted by vendor.
No software (other than Web browser) needed by libraries.
Small piece of software (for cataloging full records) needed by administrator.
No shelf status available, just call number data (similar to OCLC)
Features Previously Offered to Members Web-based OPAC that library users can
search from anywhere. Rich source of MARC records and simple
cataloging interface. Electronic method of placing borrowing
requests and responding to requests for loan.
Why Change Systems?
MassCat wasn’t offering services that libraries needed and members were leaving.
ILL system was clunky and cumbersome and deterred resource sharing.
OPAC was outdated. Adding additional services to system was
expensive.
Process for Determining Need
Survey! Surveyed members regarding opinion of current system.
Asked members what services they wanted MassCat to offer.
Held focus groups with members and gathered more in-depth opinions.
Process for Changing Systems
Issued an RFP. Reviewed proposals. Held vendor demonstrations (invited
members to attend demos) Chose vendor and product.
Next Generation of MassCat
More robust OPAC. More user-based capabilities such as review
writing and ability to place and track their requests.
Circulation! Serials Management! Acquisitions!
Why Open Source?
Flexibility. More direct influence on the direction of
software development. Direct benefit from any investment made by
any other library or library system using the software.
Where is MassCat now?
Finished loading bibliographic and patron data to Koha.
Trained all 29 full circulating libraries. Ordered some development work for
cataloging module of system. Remaining 64 “associate” (non-circulating)
members will be trained once development is finished and tested.
Links and More Information
Demo Site Hosted by LibLime:
http://liblime.com/demos
(usernames and passwords are presented directly on the Webpage)
More Information
Contact me with questions anytime:
Nora Blake
MassCat Manager
413-665-5511
