The Process of Evaluating a Cloud-Based ILS

Karen R. McElfresh
Jacob L. Nash
Robyn Gleasner
Victoria B. Rodrigues
Laura J. Hall

This poster was presented at the Quint Chapter meeting of the Medical Library Association on October 14, 2014 in Denver, CO.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe the process our library used to evaluate OCLCs WorldShare Management Services (WMS), a new cloud-based Integrated Library System (ILS), as a potential replacement for our current system. METHODS: After forming an ILS Review Committee consisting of the staff from the library's technical services, circulation, and IT departments, we viewed multiple webinars and demonstrations given by OCLC staff. We also searched the literature for articles and case studies about WMS, and viewed several online presentations given by libraries that have already implemented WMS. We also conducted telephone interviews with librarians from two different libraries that are currently using WMS. RESULTS: WMS offers many advantages over our current system. WMS combines traditional catalog functions with an Electronic Resource Manager (ERM), which will eliminate the need to maintain records in two places. WorldCat Local, the discovery layer of WMS, is much more intuitive to use, which will be a tremendous benefit to our users. Our research into the experiences of other libraries was predominantly positive, and all libraries reported that they were happy with WMS. CONCLUSIONS: OCLC's WorldShare Management Services is truly an integrated system that will allow our library to provide a more modern and seamless search experience to users. In addition, WMS will help us to streamline the processes and workflows for our technical services staff. For these reasons, our library made the decision to purchase WMS, and we anticipate going live in January 2015.'