Choosing an Integrated Library System (ILS)

Selecting an ILS for your school

The system you select needs to meet your users’ needs and provide fast, efficient and user friendly access to information. This includes appropriately managed access to physical, multimedia and online resources.

Questions to ask your ILS vendor or supplier

When you talk to ILS suppliers, ask for the following information.

• What the ILS can do

  Ask questions about the functionality that the ILS offers.

  • Does the system include modules for cataloguing, circulation, reporting and an Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) for students to search?

  • Does the system include Z39.50 information retrieval standard and Machine-Readable Cataloguing (MARC) data compliance?

  • What report functions does the system offer?

  • Is there a web-based interface that includes library homepage integration, multimedia and web resource access and management and offsite access for students?

  It's a good idea to involve your school's ICT provider in discussions with the vendor about the system specifications and capabilities.

• How the ILS works with other systems

  Your ILS will be more effective if it works well with other systems, including the other systems your school uses.

  • How does the system work with catalogue record services including our Record Manager and Australia's Schools Catalogue Information Service (SCIS)?

  • Will the system work with with your school’s Student Management System (SMS) and Learning Management System? For example, it should be possible to transfer borrower records easily between your SMS and ILS.

  • How well does the system work with the Student Management System? For example, will it be easy to transfer borrower records?

  Cataloguing service for schools

  SCIS

• Training and support

  Ask what training and support is available.