SCONUL announces study on Library Management Systems

16 February, 2009

After successfully bidding for funding from HEFCE (the Higher Education Funding Council for England), SCONUL is all set to launch a new feasibility study of Library Management Systems (LMS) in higher education libraries. Library Management Systems are the large and complex software packages normally used for many modern library operations

The programme, funded by HEFCE under the shared services programme and led by a steering group involving a number of SCONUL officers and JISC representation, will look at:

• What, if any, opportunities exist to develop a shared service response within the current Library Management System (LMS) landscape for UK higher education libraries.
• What, if any, opportunities exist to develop a shared service response for a next generation open source LMS landscape for UK higher education libraries.
• Whether there is a viable business case to support any such opportunities.
• How any such shared service opportunities might be structured, delivered and governed

It is anticipated the study will begin in March with the final report expected to be submitted to HEFCE by the end of November 2009.

SCONUL Secretary Toby Bainton said:

"This study is positive news for SCONUL and all higher education libraries. It is important that higher education libraries are given every opportunity to understand the current, complex LMS landscape while also developing the capacity to map future delivery possibilities. This study will help members by ensuring shared service opportunities are thoroughly examined."