| The purpose of this study is to compare integrated library system (ILS) costs and benefits, and to inform librarians about considerations when choosing between an open and a closed source ILS. A survey was conducted among libraries that used the largest open source ILSs, Koha and Evergreen, and various proprietary ILSs. Questions were asked about initial and annual costs. Questions about benefits took the form of satisfaction ratings. The questionnaire also asked why the ILS was selected, whether it was customized, who hosted and serviced it, what problems were encountered, and library demographics.;The survey found that open source ILSs were more cost-effective than proprietary ILSs. Libraries using open source ILSs chose them mainly for affordability, and they cost less than proprietary ILSs. Although users of open source ILSs experienced difficulties with installation and incomplete documentation, they were modestly more satisfied than users of proprietary ILSs. |
