Shared+ILS

The ad hoc committee is charged with identifying cost factors, platform issues, and benefits, functions and features of a full range of LMS options that would support LMDC libraries as a system into the future;
 * Given changing circumstances for ORCA members
 * Given the LMDC’s stated interest in achieving a common LMS
 * Given the availability of open source and proprietary LMS options

Constraints and relevant factors as identified by the LMS Options group for this project:

- This is a short term project to produce information which will support a long term LMDC effort. - Orbis-Cascade is writing an RFI for a system LMS; to be released at the end of December 2010 or early 2011. - Polling LMDC libraries will be a key part of our data gathering. - By “cost elements” we mean that, regardless of whether a product is open source or proprietary, there are factors which contribute to a total cost of ownership, such as administrative, hosting, implementation, maintenance, hardware, and software and hardware version/upgrade costs.

Our approach:

- We can identify cost centers, and perhaps actual costs, by polling LMDC libraries, both ORCA and non-ORCA. - We can identify currently available benefits, functions and features of current LMS products by examining available literature and participating in vendor webinars. We intend to list core functions and provide editorial comments (i.e. we are not making a product recommendation). - We must somehow identify whether a given LMS is flexible enough to support fundamental mission and workflow changes such as a move to shared technical services and coordinated collection development (perhaps by talking with Orbis-Cascade and other systems currently evaluating their technical environment). - We will begin work, regroup in mid-December or early January, firm up the project timeline at that point, and make a progress report to LMDC at their February meeting.

Informational Documents: