Press Release: Germantown Public Library to join new consortium
The Germantown Public Library will soon be a founding member of the Consortium of Ohio Libraries. This new consortium is a project to provide an open source library catalog system to public libraries across Ohio.
“This new consortium will allow us to offer more popular material in our library, while also supporting the development of open source systems here in Ohio,” said Germantown Public Library Director Joe Knueven. “Currently library systems only have the option to buy software applications and support/maintenance from private companies located out of state or to deploy an open source solution on their own. This consortium will offer a third way that is especially attractive for smaller public libraries such as Germantown” acording to Mr. Knueven.
There are a total of nine founding members of this new consortium. In addition to Germantown, other libraries in the region include the Blanchester Public Library in Clinton County and the Arcanum Public Library in Darke County.
“In times of serious funding cuts, we have to examine every expenditure and process for the most cost effective way to operate”, said Knueven. “Moving to open source software will save us at least $10,000 per year. That is dollars that can be used to provide more material and programming for our patrons. We expect to be operating on this new catalog by the end of April” stated Mr. Knueven.
By joining this consortium, Germantown Public Library is leaving the catalog consortium that is hosted by Dayton Metro Library. “Germantown joined this consortium about five years ago,” said Knueven. “That was also a cost savings measure that allowed us to reduce the expense of our own server, software and annual maintenance/support charges. The relationship with Dayton Metro has been great. We truly appreciate their willingness to host us for the past six years.”
In order to allow for an orderly transition, the Germantown Public Library will not allow new requests for Germantown material to be placed by consortia members after February 15th, 2012. Existing requests for Germantown material will not be fulfilled. after March 15th, 2012. After that date, Germantown Public Library card holders will need to sign up for a separate account with Dayton Metro Library to check out items from their libraries, and Dayton Metro patrons will need a separate Germantown library card to check out items from Germantown.
“We have had a wonderful relationship with Dayton Metro Library, their staff and their patrons. While their patrons will no longer be able to order Germantown material directly from the Dayton catalog, and vice versa, material will still be available through inter-library loans, or a personal visit to each library system,” said Knueven. “We invite you to drive to Germantown and try our new system.”
