Public Library Automation Systems

Integrated Library Systems (ILS) in Public Libraries of South Africa

There are great disparities with regards to integrated library systems (ILS) and information and communication technology (ICT) in the 9 Provinces public libraries. In South African the public library services in the Gauteng Province have the most IT resources in public libraries and therefore are the leader in automation of public libraries and information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure in South Africa.

The other 8 Provinces in South Africa have public libraries that have yet to acquire integrated library management systems (ILS) to automate functions. Some of these public libraries have never been computerized (automated) and are on the manual card system.

The following trends are identified:

Outside Gauteng Province , the use of integrated library systems (ILS) for the automation of library functions are limited
Outside Gauteng Province , the use of computers for patrons/users Internet connectivity is less
South African public libraries are heavy reliant on donor assistance (whether it be financial assistance/grants from public institutions or Provincial Government) for the purchase, maintenance and development of ICT facilities and library automation
No public library in South Africa has an adequate ICT budget
Funding is a major problem area, whether for initial implementation, for maintenance or for expansion.

Public libraries in South Africa have the option either to go the Open Source or Propriety (Commercial) route when automating their libraries.
See Open Source library systems

Open source is not so black and white, having on the one hand fully Open Source free software and on the other hand closed commercial software (Proprietary software). There are many different integrated library systems (ILS) that have Open Source licensing models in the market and mixed models of free and commercial(Proprietary software). There are many organizations and companies using a mix of commercial and Open Source software in the integrated library systems (ILS) market.

Commercial (Proprietary) integrated library systems (ILS) for example Sirsi Unicorn, has a lot of advantages over Open Source products currently available. For the money the customers pay, they get a local support Vendor (in this case UKS), a service level agreement (SLA) for the software including software upgrades. Sirsi is currently a better alternative than any Open Source products available. This is also true of the outdated Provincial Library and Information Services consortium system PALS (an obsolete command-based system).

Integrated Library System (ILS) software in use in South African Public Library’s

Overview of Public Library Automation Software
System Name	Vendor Name
`BookFind`	In-house
In-house library system used by the Main Library in Kimberley and was used a few years ago at Krugersdorp Library.
BookPlus	Geac Computer Corp
Is a library system developed in Australia . This integrated library system (ILS)application has a complete set of fully integrated modules conceived in such a way that keystrokes, commands and logic all follow the same pattern. The system is command driven system and the time has come to move/migrate to a new updated system. The Vubis Smart is the next generation integrated library system (ILS) upgrade for BookPlus clients/users. Vubis Smart will deliver to the upgrading BooKPlus customer even greater flexibility in the public interface, seamless publishing of statistical information such as pie and bar charts, better and easier overall reporting, and simplified administration - all features that have been similarly incorporated into Extensity's next generation product.
Erudite	Universal Knowledge Software (UKS)
Is a library system developed by Universal Knowledge Software ( UKS). UKS became a distributor (in Africa) of Unicorn for the SirsiDynix Corporation in 2005. Many of the public libraries using the Erudite library system have since moved to another library automation system or to Sirsi Unicorn/Symphony. See: Sirsi Unicorn/Symphony
Millennium	Innovative Interfaces Inc.
Is a library system developed in the USA. The previous name for the software was INNOPAC. Innovative Interfaces supply its Millennium system to the South East Academic Libraries System (SEALS consortium of academic libraries), situated in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The SEALS Millennium system runs on one central server. The consortium (seven member libraries) will have a combined catalogue. All of the modules are fully integrated with one another.
PALS	PALS
PALS - Provincial Automated Library system The PAL system is a National system (initially installed in 1991 at the Cape Provincial Library Service), which is hosted by the State Information and Technology Association (SITA). Functionally it is maintained by an organization named LIBTECH. The PAL’s system is command-based system working on Unisys platform. The time has come to move/migrate to a new updated system. SLIMS is the acronym for SITA Library Information Management System. The SLIMS solution is powered by the CIPAL Brocade Library System. SLIMS replaces the older mainframe-based PALS library system. See: Brocade Library Services
ProLib	Computer Bureau
The first version of the system, called Prolib (Provincial Library system), was implemented in 1989. It ran on a mainframe computer and was developed on an IDMX database. A change from SAMARC to MARC21 format was implemented in 2002. The Prolib system was developed in-house by the Computer Bureau and IT staff of the Provincial Government.
Symphony	SirsiDynix
SirsiDynix's flagship offering is SirsiDynix Symphony (an upgrade from Unicorn). SirsiDynix Symphony, blending the best of the Unicorn GL3 and Horizon 8/ Corinthian systems. It is built on the proven SirsiDynix Unicorn architecture that is in use by more library organizations around the world than any other single integrated library system. Architecture to grow on: SirsiDynix Symphony features an design that employs n-tier architecture. The flexibility of n-tier design enables scalability and modularity. SirsiDynix Symphony uses the same software architecture employed by the industry-standard relational database management system (RDBMS) technology of Oracle® databases, SAP, and most of today’s major commercial information systems.
Unicorn	SirsiDynix
SirsiDynix Symphony (upgrade from Unicorn)
Urica	Universal Knowledge Software (UKS)
Urica was originally developed in the late 1970’s. In 1998, Urica Integrated Systems merged with a company that offered the competing Erudite library automation system to form a company called Universal Knowledge Software (UKS). Urica eventually slipped into obsolescence. UKS became a distributor of Unicorn (in Africa) for SirsiDynix Corporation in 2005. Many of the public libraries using the Erudite library system have since moved to another library automation system or to Sirsi Unicorn/Symphony. See: Sirsi Unicorn/Symphony
Brocade Library Services	CIPAL (inter-municipal ICT-Agency in Belgium)
Brocade Library Services was officially launched at the end of May 2002. CIPAL (an inter-municipal ICT-Agency in Belgium) is the sole distributor of – and commercial organisation behind - Brocade Library Services. The Brocade Library Management System Brocade is developed by the University of Antwerp (Belgium) in cooperation with CIPAL. SITA (Pty) Ltd is the local distributor of Brocade Library Services in South Africa. In South Africa the product is called SLIMS (SITA Library Information Management System) - it is the complete Brocade-suite.
Papyrus Library Administration System	Parity Software
Parity Software is the developer of Papyrus. It was founded in 1982 and is based in Johannesburg. The Papyrus Library software is used by schools, companies and public libraries.
Libwin	Libwin Library Systems CC
Finfo Software Development, which was part of the Finfo group of companies, was approached in 1994 by Roedean School in Parktown, Johannesburg to do research with regards to a library automation and management software package. Roedean commissioned Finfo Software Development to write them the necessary software, which became the then Libwin1, in 1995. In 1996, it was decided to incorporate a separate company from Finfo Software Development, whose sole aim was to develop, market and support Libwin - this company, founded in March 1996, became the continued owners of Libwin - Libwin Library Systems CC. In August 1999, Libwin Library Systems CC broke away from the Finfo group when the group of companies was sold to a South African listed company. Libwin Library Systems is the sole developer, marketer and supplier of Libwin, ActiveConnect, and its related products. Libwin is our library automation & management software solution and ActiveConnect is our Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC).

South Africa

`Integrated Library Systems (ILS) in Public Libraries of` `South Africa`
`Province`	`Integrated Library System`
`Eastern Cape`
Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan (Port Elizabeth) [17 Libraries] (Algoa Park Library, Booysens Park Library, Chatty Library, Gelvandale Library, Korsten Library, KwaDwesi Library, KwaMagzaki Library, KwaZakhele Library, Linton Grange Library, Port Elizabeth Library, Motherwell Library, New Brighton Library, Newton Park Library, North End Library, Walmer Library, West End Library, Zwide Library)	`Erudite soon to migrate to Sirsi Symphony`
`Eastern Cape- Provincial Library and Information Service`	`PALS`
`Free State`
Kroonstad Local Municipality	`ProLib`
Mangaung Local Municipality ( Bloemfontein )	Millennium
Sasolburg Local Municipality	`Not computerized (Manual)` `soon to use ProLib`
Welkom Local Municipality	`ProLib`
Free State `- Provincial Library and Information Service`	ProLib
`Gauteng`
`Ekurhuleni` `Metropolitan` `Municipality [43 Libraries]` (Actonville Library, Alberton Library, Alra Park Library, Bakerton Library, Bedfordview Library, Benoni Library, Birchleigh Library, Birchleigh North Library, Boksburg Library, Bonaero Park Library, Bracken Library, Brakpan Library, Daveyton Library, Dinwiddie Library, Duduza Library, Dunnottar Library, Eden Park Library, Edenvale Library, Elsburg Library, Etwatwa Library, Geluksdal Library, Germiston Library, HP Mokoka Library, Isaac Mokoena Library, Katlehong Library, Kempton Park Library, Kwa-Thema Library, Leondale Library, Nigel Library, Olifantsfontein Library, Palm Ridge Library, Phomolong Library, Primrose Library, Reiger Park Library, Springs Library, Spruitview Library, Tembisa Library, Tembisa West Library, Thokoza Library, Tsakane Library, Vosloorus Library, Wattville Library, Zonkiziwe Library)	`Unicorn (SirsiDynix)`
`City of` `Johannesburg [80 Libraries]` (8th Avenue Library, Blackheath Library, Boskruin Library, Bosmont Library, Brixton Library, Bryanston Library, Chiawelo Library, Coronationville Library, Davidsonville Library, Diepkloof Zone 1, Diepkloof Zone 5, Diepsloot Library, Dobsonville Library, Dr Beyers Naude Square, Eldorado Park Ext 2, Eldorado Park Ext 5, Emmarentia Library, Emndeni Library, Ennerdale Ext 1, Ennerdale Ext 9, Florida Library, Glenanda, Halfway House Library, Hillbrow Library, Horizon View Library, Ivory Park Library, Ivory Park North, Jabavu Library, Johannesburg Public Library, Killarney Library, Klipspruit Children's Library, Klipspruit West Library, Lenasia Ext 1, Lenasia Ext 3, Lenasia South, Linbro Park Library, Linden Library, Malvern, Mayfair Library, Meadowlands Library, Melville Library, Modderfontein Library, Mofolo Library, Murray Park Library, Newlands Library, Noordgesig, Norscot Manor Library, Norwood Library, Olivedale Library, Orange Farm, Orange Grove Reference Library, Orlando East, Parkhurst Library, Parkview Library, Phiri Library, Pimville, Poortjie, Protea Glen Library, Protea North Library, Rabie Ridge Library, Randburg Library, Rhodes Park Library, River Park Library, Riverlea Library, Rivonia Library, Roodepoort Library, Rosebank Library, Rosettenville, Sagewood School, Sandringham Library, Sandton Library, Savoy Library, South Hills, Southdale Library, Strubensvalley Library, Tshepison, Weltevredenpark, Westbury Library, Wilro Park Library, Yeoville Library)	Urica `to migrate to Symphony (SirsiDynix)`
`City of` `Tshwane` `Metropolitan` `Municipality[41 Libraries]` (Akasia Library, Alkantrant Library, Atteridgeville Library, Bajabulele Library, Bodibeng Library, Brooklyn Library, Danville Library, East Lynne Library, Eersterust Library, Eldoraigne Library, Erasmia Library, Gatang Library, Glenstantia Library, Halala Library, Hammanskraal Library, Hercules Library, Irene Library, KT Motubatse Library, Laudium Library, Lyttelton Library, Mahlasedi Masana Library, Mamelodi West Library, Mayville Library, Es’kia Mphahlele Library, Moot Library, Mountainview Library, Nellmapius Library, Olievenhoutbosch Library, Overkruin Library, Pierre v Ryneveld Library, Pretoria North Library, Rooihuiskraal Library, Saulsville Library, Silverton Library, Stanza Bopape Library, Temba Library, Valhalla Library, Vt sefora Library, Waverley Library, West park Library, Winterveld Library)	`Symphony (SirsiDynix)`
`Midvaal` `Local` `Municipality [4 Libraries]`(Meyerton Library, De Deur Library, Henley–on-Klip Library, Randvaal Library)	`Unicorn (SirsiDynix)`
`Mogale` `City` `Local` `Municipality (` `Krugersdorp) [9 Libraries]` (Azaadville Library, Desmond Tutu Library, Krugersdorp Library, Kagiso Library, Lewisham Library, Lusaka Library, Magaliesburg Library, Muldersdrift Library, Sakkie Nel Library)	`PALS to migrate to Sirsi Symphony`
`Randfontein` `Local` `Municipality [5 Libraries] (Randfontein Library, Toekomsrus Library, Mohlakeng Library, Kocksoord Library, Randgate Library)`	`Unicorn (SirsiDynix)`
`Westonaria` `Local` `Municipality [4 Libraries]` (Bekkersdal Library, Glenharvie Library, Westonaria Library, Hillshaven Library)	`Unicorn (SirsiDynix)`
`KwaZulu-Natal`
`eThekwini` `Municipality` `(` `Durban` `)`	`Unicorn (SirsiDynix)`
`KwaZulu Natal - Provincial Library and Information Service`	`PALS`
`Limpopo`
`Polokwane` `Local` `Municipality` `Phalaborwa Public Library and Polokwane City Library`	`Papyrus`
`Mpumalanga`
Mbombela Local Municipality (Nelspruit)	`Not computerized (Manual)`
Emalahleni `Local` `Municipality` ( `Witbank)`	`Unicorn (SirsiDynix)`
`Mpumalanga- Provincial Library and Information Service`	`PALS`
`Northern Cape`
Sol Plaatjie Local Municipality ( Kimberley )	`BookFind`
`Northern Cape- Provincial Library and Information Service` `Kimberley and Kuruman`	`Brocade Library Services (SLIMS)`
`North West`
`Klerksdorp` `Local` `Municipality`	`Unicorn (SirsiDynix)`
`Rustenburg` `Local` `Municipality`	`Erudite to migrate to Sirsi Symphony`
Tlokwe Local Municipality `(Potchefstroom)`	`Unicorn (SirsiDynix)`
`North West- Provincial Library and Information Service Brits (Madibeng), Mmabatho/mafikent, Lichtenburg, Ventersdorp, Zeerust and Koster.`	`Brocade Library Services (SLIMS)`
`Western Cape`
`City of Cape Town [99 Libraries]`(Avondale Library, Bloubergstrand Library, Brooklyn Library, Central Library, Kensington Library, Kloof Street Library, Koeberg Library, Langa Library, Maitland Library, Mamre Library, Milnerton Library, Observatory Library, Pinelands Library, Sea Point Library, Table View Library, Vredehoek Library, Wesfleur Library, Woodstock Library, Camps Bay Library, Claremont Library, Fish Hoek Library, Grassy Park Library, Hangberg Library, Hout Bay Library, Kommetjie Library, Lansdowne Library, Lotus River Library, Meadowridge Library, Mowbray Library, Muizenberg Library, Ocean View Library, Plumstead Library, Retreat Library, Rondebosch Library, Simon's Town Library, Southfield Library, Tokai Library, Wynberg Library, Masiphumelele Satellite Library, Brown's Farm Library, Khayelitsha Library, Kulani Library, Lentegeur Library, Masakhane Library, Moses Mabhida Library, Nazeema Isaacs Library, Phillippi East Library, Rocklands Library, Strandfontein Library, Tafelsig Library, Town Centre Library, Weltevreden Library, Westridge Library, Athlone Library, Belhar Library, Bishop Lavis Library, Bonteheuwel Library, Bridgetown Library, Crossroads Library, Delft Library, Delft South Library, Guguletu Library, Hanover Park Library, Heideveld Library, Manenberg Library, Nyanga Library, Rylands Library, Valhalla Park Library, Adriaanse Library, Bellville Library, Bellville South Library, Bothasig Library, Brackenfell Library, Durbanville Library,Edgemead Library, Eikendal Library, Elsies River Library, Goodwood Library, Huguenot Square Library, Kraaifontein Library, Kuils River Library, Leonsdale Library, Parow Library, PD Paulse Library, Ravensmead Library, Scottsdene Library, Tygervalley Library, Eersterivier Library, Gordon's Bay Library, Helderzicht Library, Lwandle Library, Macassar Library, Melton Rose Library, Mfuleni Library, Sir Lowry's Pass Library, Somerset West Library, Strand Library, Suider-Strand Library)	`BookPlus / PALS to migrate to Brokade`
`Western Cape- Provincial Library and Information Service`	`PALS`