Introduction
This briefing is to provide details of OpenBiblio is a free, web-based free, open source library operation management software program that is perfect for smaller libraries or independent organizations (such as church or museum libraries) or other libraries or establishments that require ILS functionalities.
With the rising cost of library automation software, OpenBiblio is an excellent alternative to higher priced, commercial software.
Software Functions & Aspects:
OpenBiblio features all the necessary modules of commercial integrated library systems:
Circulation
Check-ins and Check-outs
User Registration
Fines/Billing
Holds/Reservations
Offline Circulation
Cataloging
MARC record entry for original/manual cataloging
MARC record uploads for copy or vendor cataloging
Automatic or manual assignment of unique local barcode numbers for items
Administrative
Staff accounts, privileges, and passwords
Defining collections
Defining check-out limits and fines
Defining user types
Reporting
Acquisitions and Duplicate copy reports
Check-outs and overdue fines reports
Items on hold reports
Shelf lists and checkout statistics
Generating barcode labels created in the Cataloging module
OPAC
Public interface for patrons to search the collection catalog.
Help sections, as well as extensive help forum on the company website.
The OpenBiblio user interface is user-friendly and simple to use, and does not take as long to learn as commercial integrated library systems. OpenBiblio also has predefined color schemes, and allows the option for user-defined themes, as well; to suit the visual needs of the libraries or organizations as well.
Technical Details
OpenBiblio is simple to download from the software website, but does not function on its own. As it is web-based it does require both a database and server to function. However, open-source options for both are provided: MySQL for the database, and EasyPHP for the server.
A basic degree of computer skills are required to download and build the database and server files, but instructions are provided for both, and anyone with these computer skills and that can follow instructions should be able to successfully download and create those. Of course, commercial SQL-based databases and servers may also be used, if desired.
Another technical aspect of OpenBiblio is that the files and tables can be modified in the SQL database to structure the software to the specific needs of the library or organization, if the standard settings cannot accommodate them.
Considerations for Potential Issues
To successfully use and operate OpenBiblio the organization would need to have:
Dedicated server and storage space on which OpenBiblio and the required components would operate
A back-up system would also be highly recommended
A staff member who would be able to (or be willing to learn) how to maintain the software files of the program, database, and server.
The cataloging module lacks the ability to utilize authority control for name and subject fields, so local policies may need to be developed if consistency in these fields of records is desired.
OpenBiblio has a default to keep records of user previous checkouts for six months, even after items have been returned. Adjustments would need to be made if the organization wishes to have the OpenBiblio system purge records, as many libraries do.
Conclusion
For smaller organizations and libraries looking to start using and integrated library system, OpenBiblio is an affordable, excellent choice for them to consider, it contains all of the modules and abilities of expensive, commercial software, at none of the cost. I would recommend that organizations that have a need for this software, and are looking, to definitely consider using OpenBiblio. Even though I highly recommend this software, I would not suggest that a library or organization that already has one in place switch from their current software, as they would need to manually add everything into OpenBiblio from their old system.
Additional Resources:
EasyPHP: http://www.easyphp.org/
MySQL: https://www.mysql.com/
OpenBiblio Main page: http://obiblio.sourceforge.net/
Wyoming State Library (provides a webinar and instructional resources for installing OpenBiblio): http://will.state.wy.us/ldo/OpenBiblio.html