A Study of the Development Process of Library Software, From Integrated Library System to the Library Services Platform

Hassanzadeh Dizaji, Elaheh; Momeni, Esmat; Nouzar, Samaneh; Pakdaman Naeini, Maryam; Poursalehi, Nastaran; Biranvand, Zeinab; Zarinkamar, Fatemeh

doi:10.22054/jks.2024.81622.1669

A Study of the Development Process of Library Software, From Integrated Library System to the Library Services Platform

Document Type : Review Paper

Authors

Elaheh Hassanzadeh Dizaji ¹

Esmat Momeni ²

Samaneh Nouzar ³

Maryam Pakdaman Naeini ⁴

Nastaran Poursalehi ⁵

Zeinab Biranvand ⁶

Fatemeh Zarinkamar ⁶

¹ Ph.D. in Knowledge and Information Science, National Library and Archives of Iran, Tehran, Iran

² Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran.

³ PhD in Library and Information Science, National Library and Archives of Iran

⁴ PhD in Library and Information Science, Alzahra University / Lecturer and Head of the Department of Scientific Publications and Writings, Alzahra University,Tehran, Iran.

⁵ Department of Information Science and Knowledge Management, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran

⁶ National Library and Archives of Iran, Tehran, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22054/jks.2024.81622.1669

Abstract

Introduction
The main feature of library software in the era of communication technology was networking and widespread access to library resources. Information science and knowledge specialists have always taken steps to realize the idea of information integration based on storage and retrieval standards in all past generations. Because the future of library resources being searchable and observable all over the world was not far from imagination. Accordingly, various standards were established to describe the entities of various library resources and were used in the early generations of library software. In addition, the maturity in the software perspective of information science and knowledge specialists, the development of information needs of library audiences, and the emergence of competing platforms in the information society have led to the emergence of a new way of thinking in providing library services, which is indicative of platform thinking. In this approach, libraries act as audience-oriented platforms in providing information services. Information technology, along with communication technology, has focused on the three main pillars of libraries and information centers, including librarians, resources, and audiences. Since the main platform of library services has emphasized information regardless of its types of media, these centers have responded much earlier as information centers to the emergence of information and communication technology. Given the importance of the role and position of software in libraries, it is necessary to study the evolution of this type of software in order to provide solutions to prepare the necessary infrastructure and to provide greater attention to policymakers and activists in this field. Therefore, the researchers of this article intend to examine the emergence and use of software in libraries and information centers with a historical approach and outline the prospects for this type of technology with an emphasis on the library service platform. In other words, the library services platform is the next generation of library management systems that provides capabilities for better management of library collections (in all formats) and management of the ever-increasing means of accessing electronic resources and printed materials. The process of development tools in libraries and information centers can inform the selection of appropriate and visionary solutions. Libraries, as organizations that serve people, have consistently adapted their resources, facilities, and services to align with the evolving information needs of their patrons. Therefore, the current research aim is studying the development and evolution of library’s software.
Literature Review
The research background shows that library software has undergone a vast transformation from the first systems based on stapled sheets to new generation library service platforms. The beginning of library automation dates back to the 1960s and the development of the MARC format, which paved the way for the standardization and automation of library processes. In the following decades, with the expansion of personal computers, the Internet, continuous catalogs and web technology, library software transformed from simple lending systems to integrated print and digital resource management systems. In the 2010s, the concept of a “library service platform” was formed with the aim of integrating resources, user interaction and providing web and network-based services.
In Iran, in line with global developments, the development of library software began in the 1980s using CDS/ISIS software and gradually continued with the design of native systems, the development of mark standards, the creation of digital libraries, and the formation of inter-library cooperation plans. The launch of systems such as "Rasa", "Saman", "Ganj", and "Iranian National Memory" indicates a move towards information integration, the development of digital access, and the provision of new library services. In general, previous studies indicate that the development of library software has always been influenced by the advancement of information technology, user needs, and new approaches to knowledge management and sharing.
Methodology
This article employs a historical approach to the method of narrative review and review of the best evidence. It attempts to illustrate the trajectory of domestic and foreign research from the 1950s to the present, describe and explain suitable examples of library software, and identify future directions. From the initial indications of automation in libraries, to the emergence of bibliographic data software, integrated systems, web-based and interactive software, and now at the threshold of transforming library software into a communication platform between different stakeholders, this research has introduced and reviewed the features of new generation software, including WMS, Alma, Follio, BlueCloud, Sierra, OpenSkies, Follett.
Results
A review of the historical development of a phenomenon can provide insights that inform future directions and strategies. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that the major library software companies in Iran assess the capabilities of their software in comparison to the capabilities of the included popular software. New generation library service will be based on technology of platform and also, adaptability, complexity and testable, visibility, relative advantage. Based on a review of popular software such as WMS, Alma, FOLIO, BlueCloud, Sierra, OpenSkys, and Follett, it is suggested that major library software companies in Iran, in the form of research, measure the capabilities of these software with the current capabilities of their software and, with the support of their stakeholders, provide a path for a new evolution of library software in Iran. Finally, it is suggested that more empirical studies be conducted in the field of librarians' awareness of library service platforms.
Conclusion
Readiness to change from the library management system (ILS/LMS) can be examined with appropriate technology acceptance models; the characteristics of Rogers's theory of diffusion of innovation (adaptability, complexity, trialability, observability, and relative advantage) of library service platforms and cloud computing can be tested in an empirical study; a comparative study of the capabilities of library platform service software; providing a comprehensive and native model of library platform service software.

Keywords

Library software evolution

integrated library system

library services platform

platform technology

library automation

digital transformation

information technology in libraries

Subjects

Knowledge Management Systems and Technologies

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