Charge
The FY2024 Open-Source ILS Exploration Project Group (OSILS) recommended that the Alliance form a new project group for FY2025 to continue exploration of open-source library systems. This new group will:
- Continue to monitor the changes taking place in the open-source library software space, including the ongoing development of FOLIO, Project ReShare/OpenRS, and Aspen.
- Install Aspen on an Alliance test server, attempt the required customizations for use with Alma, and perform user testing to determine if the project merits further investment.
- Inventory all systems in use by Alliance member institutions affected by the choice of SILS, including Ex Libris add-on products and third-party integrations with Alma and Primo.
- Identify how staffing levels and workflows would be affected by a migration, and any potential impacts of moving from the unified Alma and Primo VE to a network of interconnected solutions.
- Follow up with U.S. regional consortia who selected FOLIO, OpenRS, and/or Aspen after they have completed their implementations, met their development goals for consortial functionality, and observed the effects of the system migration on member library staff.
- Obtain quotes for hosting FOLIO, Project ReShare/OpenRS, and Aspen from appropriate vendors, and/or produce a detailed estimate of the costs of self-hosting and the additional central staffing required.
- Liaison with RSF working groups involved in testing Project ReShare.
