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1. Introduction
Libraries have a long tradition for using technology to organize information, improve access to information, and manifest library information systems. Information professionals create and maintain library systems in order to fulfill user needs in a complex information society. Most of this work falls within the context of library technical services. Technical services include identifying, selecting, acquiring, organizing, and preparing information resources for patrons to use ([20] Evans et al. , 2011). The creation, implementation, promulgation, and maintenance of library information systems require an incredible amount of coordination between information professionals and others outside of the library. As a product of this cooperation libraries and private companies developed the modern Integrated Library Systems (ILS) ([9] Brown-Syed, 2011).
ILS are software applications and hardware that organize, track, and make accessible library information resources ([5] Breeding, 2008). Modules compose the basic architecture of these systems and represent some facet of library operations ([5] Breeding, 2008). For example, there are circulations, online public access catalog (OPAC), authority control, inter-library loan, and serials control modules that comprise an ILS ([21] Fayen, 2011). Of course, this kind of technology in the service of libraries does not come without a price. In fact, ILS comprise, as [57] Webber and Peters (2010) point out, "the most important and crucial purchase," for library administrators to consider in total cost of library operations. Due to the necessity and demand for ILS, price is a major issue for most libraries, which face shrinking budgets ([17] Donnelly, 2010).
Open source software (OSS) ILS provides a valuable alternative to proprietary systems. Key characteristics of OSS include free distribution, openly available source code, and permission for modification of software ([53] Subramanyam and Xia, 2008). To assuage any fears that library administrators may have in adopting these open source alternatives, this study organizes an explanation of their benefits into four areas: functions, adoption and technical support, usability, and economics. To illustrate the general nature and benefits of open source ILS, two major systems of this type, i.e. Evergreen and Koha, are compared with two major proprietary ILS, i.e. Sirsi-Dynix's Symphony and Ex Libris' Voyager. The comparison provides direction for library administrators considering open source ILS adoption[1] .
2. Literature review
While its application to ILS is relatively new,...