LMS Migration: Problems and
Solutions
By
Dr.D.N.Phadke
Consultant Librarian &Coordinator,PGDILIT
Contact Details
dnphadke@gmail.com
Mob.Phone:9869786186
Definitions
• LMS=Library Management Systems
• ILMS=Integrated Library Management Systems
Library computerisation means carrying out all
essentially house keeping functions with the
help of computer and a standard library
software
• LMS Migration=Means process of leaving old
LMS and adopt new LMS
Background cases for LMS migration
1. Library had adopted LMS a few yearsback.Most of activities
are being carried our except a few activity which is under
framing. Suddenly software vendor refuses to bring some
more improvements .Moreover, they refuse to take software
maintenance responsibility or refuse to provide next version
2. Software company has vanished and there is no one to to
take care of software maintenance. Library wishes to have
paid service from the vendor but they do not respond
3. Library wishes to change the platform from windows to
Linux. The existing vendor doesn’t respond to calls
4. Library wishes to upgrade LMS software language to current
or web bases language
LMS Migration Cases
5. LMS has become obsolete
6.Does not support adoption of RFID or self check out
system. Vendor asks money to provide necessary interface
7.Software does not upgrade or no more features are
possible to add
8.LMS dose not allow to export the database or locks the
data and they do not allow library to change LMS
9.Computersised system does not function smoothly, it fails
frequently
10.Library does not affords to bear the cost of commercial
software maintenance.
Reasons for LMS Migrations
1. LMS fails to upgrade or give improved versions
or ask for addl. Cost for it
2. LMS company is no more existing
3. LMS lack in having database standardisation
affect the services and reports
4. High maintenance cost
5. Library wants to change the LMS platform
6. LMS does not support adoption of RFID or self
checkout system
7. LMS lacks in having modern features.
Data conversion Problem in LMS
migration
If the old LMS does not allow to export the data or
the data is not in compatible form to convert such
as:
Windows: MS Access, Excell,Word /Text-Is is not difficult to
convert such format or there are tools to do this.
PDF or file format
Fox –pro
In these situations data conversion programmes are
essentially required
If data base is in MARC,ISIS or compatible to ISO- 2709 then
it is easy to import it in new software
Data conversion tools
• DB2ISO/DB or DB2ISO-to convert Dbase or
FoxPro format to ISO 2709
• TXT2ISO
• XML2ISIS
• GENESIS used to prepare Library OPAC
without having any LMS
Care to be taken while LMS migration
or Freshly LMS adoption
1. LMS decided must have prepared with some standardisation
2. Technology and software must be modern or current
3. Data format or structure and database management system
used should be latest one
4. Flexible to accept new improvements
5. Flexible to adopt /interface new technology like RFID or self
checkout system
6. Open source based LMS are easy to maintain or trouble
shoot
7. Have agreement with vendor to cover cost of LMS
maintenance for next 3-5 years in the basic cost
8. Must provide post sales service
9. A few Future improved version should be available free
Care to be taken Contd.9. Proprietary of bibliographic database must be with
library and not with LMS vendor
10 Library must sign an legal agreement wit LMS
vendor and it must have clause to return entire money
if LMS vendor fails to cooperate or in delivering
expected service
11.Library should not buy LMS in a quotation system
12.LMS purchase committee to be formed
13.Librarian must have place in the LMS decision
making process
To see New Features in future LMS
1.Online suggestion system. Providing transparency to indenter
to check the suggestion status. Facility to see the budgeting
details to approving authority
2.Online book purchasing system
3.Using expert systems for library classification or subscribing
online classification system and interfacing subject heading
electronic source
4.Widening coverage of OPAC
5.Providing virtual browsing facility
6.Incorporate digital documents in LMS data