This book offers everything you need to know about selecting and implementing the best integrated library system (ILS) for your library, whether you purchase and install it yourself or hire a consultant to assist you.

Just as an automobile depends upon an engine to turn the wheels, a library needs an integrated library system to move forward in its daily operations. Selecting an ILS is a major undertaking—a substantial investment of funds and staff time. Luckily, you now have an ally in a comprehensive guide designed to hold your hand every step of the way.

This is the book you've been waiting for. Integrated Library Systems: Planning, Selecting, and Implementing is an all-inclusive guide to acquiring a new ILS. Detailed and practical, the book covers every step of the process, from cost-benefit analysis, to evaluating software, writing the request for proposal, and implementation and training.

You'll learn about different types of integrated library systems—standalone, turnkey, hosted, software-as-a-service (cloud computing), and open-source—and how to assess your facility and staff to find the best fit. The book also covers evaluation of software and hardware; third-party add-ons, such as RFID; and writing successful budget proposals and justification statements. There is even specific, headache-saving advice on working with sales reps, such as the warning not to ever accept the statement: "The vendor will not be held accountable to the contents of the RFP." Even if you're working with a consultant, this book will help you understand the process and make informed decisions.

Features
• A cost-benefit analysis worksheet to assist in selecting the best type of system
• A chart of ILS vendors with types of systems sold and a price comparison grid
• Time-saving forms, worksheets, and sample plans to assist the reader through the process
• A start-to-finish timeline for an integrated library system project
• A glossary of key terms such as "cloud computing," "DMZ," and "Gap file"
• A bibliography of books, journal articles and websites covering integrated library systems, strategic planning, technology, technology planning, and related topics, such as negotiating contracts with library system vendors

Highlights
• Provides a step-by-step road map for acquiring the best integrated library system for one's facility
• Collects all the information anyone might need in one book, from evaluating software and hardware to writing the request for proposal to "going live"
• Discusses frankly the dos and don'ts of working with sales consultants, from product demonstration to contract and invoice
• Helps librarians know what to expect ahead of time so they can become knowledgeable decision-makers

Desiree Webber is director of the Mustang Public Library, Mustang, OK. She has a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of California, San Diego, and a master's degree in information science from the University of Oklahoma. Webber is coauthor of two other titles for Libraries Unlimited, The Kid's Book Club: Lively Reading and Activities for Grades 1–3 and Travel the Globe: Multicultural Story Times.

Andrew Peters is associate director for technology at the Pioneer Library System, Norman, OK. He has both a master of arts in English and a master of library science from the University of Oklahoma.

Reviews
"... this book tackles the whole process and cites additional resources that can be used. Recommended for librarians seeking to automate for the first time."—Library Journal

"The audience for this title is either a librarian who has to select or replace an Integrated Library System (ILS) or a library science student studying IT. It provides solid instruction in guiding a librarian through this process, including systematic and detailed step-by-step instructions on the practical aspects of choosing an ILS; working with the vendor; budgeting and time-line planning; and implementation and training. An appendix contains an up-to-date directory of ILS vendors, including software-as-a-service, turnkey, and open source vendors. Also appended are samples of a strategic plan, a technology plan, and a request for proposal. A good primer for choosing an ILS."—Booklist Online

Endorsements
"I think it's a fantastic book for those selecting a library system. It has rafts of details, advice, procedures, worksheets, checklists and charts which make a wealth of information available in concise format. Did I mention the great charts? It's organized in stepwise/sequential fashion, breaking down each step into conceptual units with concepts getting broken down into baby steps. Despite the high density of information per square inch, it has a direct and readable style making it very accessible. Geared to the public library, it has ten chapters, four appendices, a glossary, bibliography and index, all for under 200 pages. If I were adopting a new automation system, I would use this book."—Karl Dowell, Media Director, Mustang High School