Top 10: ILS software

2023. Soutron ILS gets Auto Catalogue Import module



Library management system Soutron has released update 4.1.9, which offers numerous improvements and security updates. Migration of bibliographic record import to the new administrator application enables new features such as automatic copy creation and import history. In the updated catalog editing screen, the "Orders" tab now allows viewing current and completed orders/holds for selected book. Also, users can now flexibly customize the default search results template depending on the device/screen used. The new integration with Google Drive allows to display image collections directly in Soutron's search portal using the new Media Player plugin


2023. Bibliovation 7.2 gets online payment options



LibLime introduces the latest version of its ILS software Bibliovation 7.2. It is entirely web-based, granting researchers, library staff and system administrators access through web browsers. By leveraging the FedRAMP authorized IaaS and PaaS certification from Amazon AWS Cloud, along with a special security authorization from the US Department of Defense's cybersecurity experts for SaaS, Bibliovation provides libraries with a highly secure and cost-effective hosting solution. It supports various standards such as MARC21, Dublin Core, RDA and geotagging, enabling libraries to manage both physical and digital content on a single Rest API-based platform. The Bibliovation circulation subsystem is purpose-built to facilitate shared union catalog solutions, granting individual consortium members significant autonomy, including ownership of local bibliographic records, item records and patron records. Bibliovation MARC cataloging allows for local control over cataloging rules that can complement or surpass AACR2 and RDA rulesets. The acquisitions subsystem in Bibliovation is EDI-compliant, featuring a multi-tiered fund hierarchy and supporting the import of csv data converted into the MARC21 format for streamlined acquisition workflows. Additionally, Bibliovation now includes online payment options and comprehensive NCIP support. With hosted production, reporting and test systems, libraries have the necessary capabilities and control to effectively support their daily operations.

2022. Follett School Solutions to acquire ILS software Accessit



Follett School Solutions has acquired Accessit - a library management system used in K-12 schools worldwide. Follett offers a range of tools for schools and libraries, including Follett Destiny Library Manager, a comprehensive library management system that is part of the Destiny Suite. According to the company, Destiny Suite tools are used in more than 71,000 schools. Accessit Library is used in approximately 4,000 schools worldwide and offers a range of capabilities for task automation, accessibility, usage and engagement tracking and much more. For now, both Accessit Library and Destiny Library Manager will continue to be actively developed and supported.


2022. Koha adds Electronic resource management



The new version of open-source library management software Koha has added Electronic resource management (ERM) module. This new module adds a mechanism to track the selection, acquisition, licensing, access, maintenance, usage, evaluation, retention and de-selection of a library’s electronic information resources. These resources include, but are not limited to, electronic journals, electronic books, streaming media, databases, datasets, CD-ROMs and computer software. Also the new version adds option to require 2FA setup on first staff login, allows storing item values as a template for creating new items, adds ability to create bundles of items for circulation, adds the ability to create ‘saved searches’ for use as filters when searching the catalog.


2022. Koha enables two-factor authentication



The latest incarnation of the ILS system, Koha 22.05, saunters onto the stage with an optional dabble in two-factor authentication (2FA)—because, let’s face it, passwords alone are about as secure as hiding your library key under the doormat. This avant-garde security flourish involves time-based, one-time passwords (TOTP), which sound impressive and, to be fair, rather are. Librarians are invited to partake in the ritual by downloading an authenticator app—Google Authenticator, andOTP, or any suitably clever app that won’t lose your codes in a cosmic accident. With a quick detour to More > Manage Two-Factor Authentication, you can unlock the mysteries of 2FA by: 1) Pointing your phone at a QR code with all the earnest intent of someone trying to capture a rare Pokémon, and 2) typing in the cryptic one-time code that materializes. Thereafter, each login becomes an adventure as the system politely demands the magic authenticator code in addition to your usual credentials. Pro tip: Opt for apps with backup features—because when the universe sneezes, you’ll want your 2FA accounts firmly tethered in the cloud or somewhere equally non-ephemeral.


2007. LibLime acquires library management software Koha



LibLime has acquired the Koha division of Katipo Communications Ltd - the original developers of Koha. Assets involved in the acquisition included existing support contracts with libraries that contracted with Katipo, copyrights on the original Koha source code and the koha.org domain and Website. LibLime has been providing commercial support for Koha since early 2005. The acquisition will significantly strengthen LibLime's in-house development and support capacity, enabling the company to handle a growing demand for open-source automation solutions in the library market. The acquisition also highlights one of the unique features of an open-source business and development model: Katipo's Koha customers don't need to worry about switching to a new ILS.