2014-2015
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Procure a Next Generation Library System
The Library sought assistance from The Galecia Group to procure a next generation library system. The goal was not to simply assume that migrating from their current integrated library system (ILS) was a given but instead to explore the options currently available from ILS vendors and their strategic partners. To that end, The Galecia Group (including Lori Ayre, Lucien Kress and Sam McBane Mulford) worked with the Library to define the requirements for what they would consider a next generation library system. These requirements were distributed to library vendors from the integrated library system world as well as the vendors that provide critical services to library and which have critical integrations with the ILS such as automated materials handling and RFID vendors, self-service vendors, public computer and copy/print vendors, and discovery layer vendors. The Galecia team developed an RFP and assisted the Library in evaluating the options.
Based on the findings, the Library decided to pursue a discovery layer solution and forego transitioning from their existing library system for the time being. The decision resulted in a vast improvement for the patron experience with very little disruption to staff and patrons and cost a fraction of what a full ILS migration would have cost (for an insignificant gain on the staff side).