Guides for library technology decisions
What we have learned implementing Koha, DSpace and OJS and building AI for libraries, written so your team can plan, budget and decide.
Koha and library management systems
- Library management
What is Koha? A complete guide to the open-source library system
What is Koha? The open-source integrated library system explained: its history, architecture, modules, who uses it and how it compares with other ILSs.
9 min read - Library management
Koha implementation guide: phases, timeline and what to prepare
Koha implementation step by step: assessment, configuration, data migration, OPAC, training and go-live, with realistic timelines and a readiness checklist.
8 min read - Library management
Koha hosting: managed cloud or your own server?
Koha hosting compared: managed cloud vs your own server, server sizing by collection, backups, uptime SLAs and the questions to ask any hosting provider.
8 min read - Library management
How to migrate to Koha from another library system
Migrate to Koha from Aleph, Symphony, PMB, CDS/ISIS or spreadsheets: export formats, MARC21 mapping, data cleanup, test loads, validation and cutover.
9 min read - Library management
Koha support services: what they include and how they work
Koha support services explained: incident response, version upgrades, server care, configuration changes and how paid support differs from community help.
7 min read - Library management
Koha implementation cost: what libraries really pay, component by component
Koha implementation cost explained: no license fee, USD ranges for implementation, migration, hosting, training and support, and a 5-year TCO comparison.
8 min read - Library management
Koha upgrade guide: how to upgrade an old Koha version without losing data
Koha upgrade guide: release cycle, supported and LTS versions, database schema updates, what breaks (plugins, templates, CSS) and a pre-upgrade checklist.
8 min read - Library management
What is an integrated library system (ILS) and how do you choose one?
What is an integrated library system (ILS)? Its modules, open source vs proprietary, Koha, Evergreen and FOLIO compared, and what to ask before choosing.
8 min read - Library management
Library management software: a complete guide to your options
Library management software explained: ILS, repository, journal system, metasearch, AI cataloging and chatbots, open source vs proprietary, and how to choose.
8 min read
DSpace and institutional repositories
- Repositories and publishing
What is DSpace? The open-source institutional repository platform explained
What is DSpace? The open-source repository software created by MIT and HP Labs: who governs it, how it is built, its versions up to DSpace 10 and alternatives.
9 min read - Repositories and publishing
DSpace hosting: managed cloud or your own server?
DSpace hosting compared: managed cloud or your own server, real stack requirements, assetstore growth, two-part backups, uptime SLAs and what to ask a provider.
9 min read - Repositories and publishing
DSpace migration and upgrade: move to DSpace 10 without breaking a single citation
DSpace migration and upgrade guide: move from EPrints, Fedora or DSpace 5, 6 or 7 to DSpace 10, keep handles and DOIs, pick import formats and plan timelines.
10 min read - Repositories and publishing
What is DSpace-CRIS? Research information management on top of DSpace
What is DSpace-CRIS: how it models researchers, projects, units and funding as linked entities, its ORCID, ROR and DataCite integrations, and who needs it.
9 min read - Repositories and publishing
DSpace implementation cost: what a repository really costs in year one and beyond
DSpace implementation cost explained: no license fee, USD reference ranges for setup, migration, hosting, training and support, and what moves the price.
7 min read - Repositories and publishing
What is an institutional repository? Definition, contents and how to start one
What an institutional repository is, how it differs from the library catalog, what it holds, the standards it uses (OAI-PMH, Handle, DOI) and how to launch one.
7 min read
OJS and scholarly journals
- Repositories and publishing
What is OJS (Open Journal Systems) and how does it work?
What is OJS (Open Journal Systems)? PKP's open-source journal platform: who uses it, what it solves, and how its four-stage editorial workflow and roles work.
8 min read - Repositories and publishing
OJS setup and hosting: a step-by-step implementation guide for journals
OJS setup and hosting, step by step: versions and server requirements, hosting options, back-issue migration, editorial workflow, Crossref DOIs and timelines.
9 min read
AI and discovery for libraries
- AI for libraries
AI cataloging: how AI for library cataloging works, step by step
AI cataloging step by step: from a photo of a book to a MARC21 record in Koha, DSpace or Alma, and the decisions your cataloger still makes.
10 min read - AI for libraries
AI metadata extraction for repositories: a complete guide to MetaExtract API
AI metadata extraction for repositories: which fields MetaExtract API pulls from a PDF, how it plugs into DSpace, Koha, ABCD and OJS, and who it suits.
8 min read - AI for libraries
AI chatbot for libraries: what it is, how it works and what it costs
An AI chatbot for libraries answers from your real catalog and policies, not the open web. See how it works, what it resolves and what it costs.
8 min read - Discovery and access
Library metasearch: how federated search works and how it differs from discovery
Library metasearch explained: how federated search queries your catalog, repository and databases in real time, and how it differs from index-based discovery.
8 min read - Discovery and access
Library proxy for remote access to databases: how it works and EZproxy alternatives
Library proxy for remote access explained: how off-campus users reach licensed databases, how it compares with SAML sign-on, and EZproxy alternatives.
8 min read - AI for research
AI research assistant for students and researchers: what it is and how it works
What an AI research assistant for students and researchers is, why it differs from ChatGPT, and how it cites your library's sources in APA, MLA and Chicago.
9 min read
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