Time for change. A personal insight into library systems’ implementation: experiences at Exeter University Library

In 1998 over 1,000 library systems were sold worldwide. Many libraries, faced with users’ demands for increased system functionality, are considering purchase of new systems. The key to a successful implementation is proper management of time; time for planning, time for data conversion and time for the new system’s introduction – the consequences of undue haste may abound for many years. Each of these stages has many considerations including legal procedures, drafting of the system specification or a review of the functionality of available products, detailed conversion issues relating to differences between old and new systems, training and future development or product support. A short case study of the University of Exeter’s change from LIBERTAS to INNOPAC demonstrates many of the issues arising during a successful implementation.