The “go to” person to learn from about library automation, Marshall Breeding, has posted the 7th Annual Library Automation Perceptions Report: An International Survey of Library Automation on his LibraryTechnology.org. The site is also home to the indispensable Lib-Web-Cats database and other useful tools.
About the Survey
Breeding writes:
This seventh annual Library Automation Perceptions Report provides evaluative ratings submitted by individuals representing over three thousand libraries from 53 countries describing experiences with 136 different automation products, including both proprietary and open source systems. The survey results include 730 narrative comments providing candid statements — both positive and negative – about the products and companies involved or statements of intent regarding future automation plans.
What You’ll Find
Survey results are organized categories that include:
- Migration Patterns and Trends
- New-generation Products
- Established systems
- School Libraries
- International Perspective
A selection of charts with survey results are provided organized by library type and size. Questions about loyalty of users to a specific company, general satisfaction with the product, overall functionality, effectiveness of product with electronic and print resources, and more.
An interactive version of the statistical portion of the report is also available and very useful.
Direct to 7th Annual Library Automation Perceptions Report: An International Survey of Library Automation
See Also: The Educational and Informative Library Automation History Timeline (via LibraryTechnology.org)