The Buffalo
Train Ride

Bone Head: Story
of the Longhorn

Travel the Globe: Multicultural Story Times

The Kids’ Book Club: Lively Reading and Activities for Grades 1-3

Co-authored with Andy Peters

ISBN 1-59158-897-9 Libraries Unlimited, August 2010 To buy this book from the publisher Click Here

Just as an automobile depends upon an engine to turn the wheels, a library needs an integrated library system to move forward in its daily operations. Selecting an ILS is a major undertaking—a substantial investment of funds and staff time. Luckily, you now have an ally in a comprehensive guide designed to hold your hand every step of the way.

This is the book you've been waiting for. Integrated Library Systems: Planning, Selecting, and Implementing is an all-inclusive guide to acquiring a new ILS. Detailed and practical, the book covers every step of the process, from cost-benefit analysis, to evaluating software, writing the request for proposal, and implementation and training.

You'll learn about different types of integrated library systems—standalone, turnkey, hosted, software-as-a-service (cloud computing), and open-source—and how to assess your facility and staff to find the best fit. The book also covers evaluation of software and hardware; third-party add-ons, such as RFID; and writing successful budget proposals and justification statements. There is even specific, headache-saving advice on working with sales reps, such as the warning not to ever accept the statement: "The vendor will not be held accountable to the contents of the RFP." Even if you're working with a consultant, this book will help you understand the process and make informed decisions..

Title Features
• A cost-benefit analysis worksheet to assist in selecting the best type of system
• A chart of ILS vendors with types of systems sold and a price comparison grid
• Time-saving forms, worksheets, and sample plans to assist the reader through the process
• A start-to-finish timeline for an integrated library system project
• A glossary of key terms such as "cloud computing," "DMZ," and "Gap file"
• A bibliography of books, journal articles and websites covering integrated library systems, strategic planning, technology, technology planning, and related topics, such as negotiating contracts with library system vendors

Highlights
• Provides a step-by-step road map for acquiring the best integrated library system for one's facility
• Collects all the information anyone might need in one book, from evaluating software and hardware to writing the request for proposal to "going live"
• Discusses frankly the dos and don'ts of working with sales consultants, from product demonstration to contract and invoice
• Helps librarians know what to expect ahead of time so they can become knowledgeable decision-makers.