Open Source LMS in the UK

PTFS have taken what appears to be the first tentative steps to bring the two main Open Source LMS platforms to the UK.

PTFS, a leader in developing digital library and content management solutions, and the provider of the industry-leading ArchivalWare digital archiving software, has announced that the company plans to release a turnkey open Source Integrated Library System (ILS) and integrated Digital Library content management solution. Systems will be available for installation at customers’ sites or as a hosted solution (SaaS) beginning in Q4 of 2008.

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The turn-key offering will include a choice of the Koha or Evergreen Open Source ILS applications integrated with PTFS’ ArchivalWare digital archiving software as a seamless content management solution. Combined with an integrated user interface, patrons will be able to search and manage bibliographic catalog records as well as digital object metadata for electronic files. All features of ArchivalWare will be provided to include full text search of PDF files and over 200 other file types. The seamless capability will allow users to locate books on shelves as well as electronic resources available with one search. Tight integration will include a relevancy ranked hit list as well as integrated administrative tools.

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PTFS will install or host and support the “free” open source ILS solution when clients purchase ArchivalWare and ILS user interface applications. Support will include the open source ILS, ArchivalWare and the total integrated solution. The solution will benefit special, academic and public libraries that want to utilize capital funds for building a Digital Library Content Management solution while obtaining an ILS functionality at no additional cost. The investment will provide libraries with an integrated ILS/Digital Library solution at a cost that is significantly less than the cost of commercial ILS software alone.

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PTFS services include full digital library development and installation, integration services as well as open source ILS support. PTFS will also offer optional ILS software development services. Software specifically developed for the open source ILS will be added to the Open Source code base which will benefit future libraries with additional functionality at no additional cost.