This paper discusses the trends in current library technology evaluation processes, along with the role of first precedent in determining evaluation criteria. In particular, the paper discusses opportunities to rethink the way academic libraries evaluate technology purchases to better reflect the mission of the institution, the mission of the library, while positioning itself for stricter budgetary policies. Further, the author seeks to argue that an open, interoperable library framework is the most conducive to achieving a university’s strategic mission.

1. Re-aligning Library Tech Strategy
Questioning the role of tradition in technology evaluations
Tony Zanders
Vice President, Global Customer Development
EBSCO Information Services
tzanders@ebsco.com #vala16 #s37

2. ILS products installed
among academic
libraries worldwide
3396
1055
Last Gen Next Gen
100+ products
Ex Libris Alma
OCLC Worldshare Management Service
III Sierra
SerialsSolutions Intota
#vala16 #s37 Source: librarytechnology.org

3. TIME
COST
Software dev costs
Library annual budget
License/subscription costs
Economics of Library Software in LSP era
1980 2020 #vala16 #s37

5. What is the role of the library
technology vendor?
#vala16 #s37

6. What is the role of the library in a
technology vendor relationship?
#vala16 #s37

7. We were told that the new library services
platform would be responsive to our university
libraries' peculiar and difficult configuration.
This has not been exactly the case. We are
often told that we should do things another
way and not the way we want to do them.
Perceptions 2015: An International Survey of Library Automation
January 31, 2016
#vala16 #s37

8. Who is actually designing the next
generation of library systems?
#vala16 #s37

9. We are also reminded regularly that even
the changes the vendor agrees to make
cause the vendor inconvenience, and that
we should change our procedures to align
with the technology…we don't like being
told that we're not doing things right, from
the vendor's point of view.
Perceptions 2015: An International Survey of Library Automation
January 31, 2016
#vala16 #s37

10. Is the library community
staying true to its roots?
#vala16 #s37

11. #vala16 #s37
Library
Interests
Business
Opportunities
Legacy Product Design Workflow
1982 – 2012

12. #vala16 #s37

13. #vala16 #s37

14. #vala16 #s37

15. #vala16 #s37
Corporate
Interests
Library
Practice
Next Generation’s Product Design Workflow
2012 – Present

16. TIME
COST
Software dev costs
License/subscription costs
Economics of Library Software in LSP era
1980 2020 #vala16 #s37

17. #vala16 #s37
1. Restricted hosting options
2. Restricted procurement options (e.g. buy one, must buy other)
3. Restricted business models (e.g. only subscription)
Examples of Corporate Overreach

18. #vala16 #s37
Does this affect ROI?
Implementation
1x
Software License
1x
Annual Support & Maintenance
∞
TIME
COST

19. #vala16 #s37
Does this affect ROI?
Implementation
1x
Annual SaaS Subscription
∞
TIME
COST

20. #vala16 #s37
• Advise on hosting options
• Advise on procuring paired or decoupled systems
• Advise on license vs. subscription models
• Recommend one vendor over another
The goal of the paper is not to….

21. #vala16 #s37
• Libraries have choice
• Libraries have freedom and transparency to exercise that
choice
But to advocate for a “next generation” where…

23. #vala16 #s37
• Libraries have choice
• Libraries have freedom and transparency to exercise that
choice
• Libraries take front seat in defining “next generation”
• Vendors balance short-term profits with long-term viability of
library industry
But to advocate for a “next generation” where…

25. #vala16 #s37
tzanders@ebsco.com
@zanders on Twitter
Thank you!