Library 2.0 Gang June 2008: Bolt-on OPACs

Against the background of Web 2.0 and Library 2.0, we have seen the emergence of complementary, or bolt-on, products for Library Systems. Gradually we are seeing a moving away from the tradition of libraries purchasing absolutely everything from their ILS vendor.

It is now becoming normal for libraries to purchase URL Resolvers, Electronic Resource Management software, and Federated Search products from 3rd parties. This trend is becoming most prevalent in the area of search and discovery interfaces, these ‘Bolt-on OPACs’ being available from both commercial and open source providers.

Our guest Taco Ekkel is Director of Development for Medialab Solutions, the Amsterdam based company who produced Aquabrowser, the first commercial example of a complementary OPAC. He is joined by Gang members Matt Goldner, Betsy Graham, Andrew Nagy, Marshall Breeding, and Carl Grant, to discuss where these products are going and what was learnt from Aquabrowser.

Format: mp3
Duration: 42:55