Press Release: Lyrasis to Manage Open Source ILS Feature Comparison Tool

Atlanta, GA - May 13, 2014 - LYRASIS and The Galecia Group announce that LYRASIS will be managing and hosting the Open Source ILS Feature Comparison Tool under the LYRASIS FOSS4LIB project, beginning immediately. The move is part of the Open Source Decision Support Tools project, funded in part by a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The Open Source ILS Feature Comparison Tool, previously on galecia.com, is now available at https://ils.foss4lib.org/

The Open Source ILS Feature Comparison tool compares more than 1,000 features between the Koha and Evergreen open source integrated library systems, and was designed to help libraries navigate open source software options and determine the best fit for their needs. The tool was created in 2012 by The Galecia Group with help from dozens of content contributors from the Koha and Evergreen communities. The project was funded through the Empowering Libraries with Open Source project, part of an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant awarded to the King County Library System (WA). This move is part of a wider enhancement effort on the FOSS4LIB site, with integration of the ILS feature comparison site with the main FOSS4LIB site, including unified logins and links between the two sites coming soon. The ability to compare other types of software packages in addition to integrated library systems will also be added in the coming months. After completing a registration process, librarians can create custom reports of just the features they need for their libraries. Those who have already registered can still use their login. New users can register athttps://ils.foss4lib.org/user/register.

Peter Murray, LYRASIS Assistant Director of Technology Services Development, says of the move, "I'm grateful for the work that The Galecia Group and the Koha and Evergreen communities have put into creating this great tool for libraries considering open source software. It nicely complements the existing resources on FOSS4LIB.org."

"I'm delighted to have found the perfect home for the work we did on the Features Comparison project. With the IMLS grant, we were able to get this useful resource under way and now it will be maintained going forward, and it will be easier for library users to find along with all the other great resources available on FOSS4LIB," says Lori Bowen Ayre, Principal at The Galecia Group.

About LYRASIS
LYRASIS partners with member libraries and cultural heritage organizations to create, access and manage information with an emphasis on digital content, while building and sustaining collaboration, enhancing operations and technology, and increasing buying power. For more information, please visit www.lyrasis.org.

About The Galecia Group
The Galecia Group provides technology consulting by providing analysis, procurement, implementation, and change management services. We are deeply committed to open source software for libraries and have worked with the Koha and Evergreen communities for the last six years. We also provide website development services for libraries using the open source content management system, Drupal. Other areas of expertise are RFID, automated materials handling, self-service technologies, and workflow optimization. Visit galecia.com for more information.