SOPAC 2.0 Libraries
September 29, 2009
The Ann Arbor District Library is now live with SOPAC 2.0 (a librarian-created open source next-generation web catalog system, a.k.a. a catalog overlay system). Two other libraries are live as well if you’re looking for sample implementations: Darien Library and Palos Verdes Library District. John Blyberg is a genius, and I’m glad that more libraries are profiting from his genius by using SOPAC.
September 30th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Our group at YourLibrarySite.com is also actively working on two more SOPAC integrated library sites – now that we’ve gotten our first SOPAC site launched (PVLD.org). Next up are Newport Beach Public Library (http://www.newport-beach.ca.us/nbpl/) and SAILS (http://sailsinc.org/ …a consortium with a Sirsi based ILS). Interest by libraries in finding a sharable open source solution seems to be growing (we are getting a lot of questions sent our way, in any case) – a development model where a library’s budget goes towards the creation of new features instead of for licensing fees.
One exciting facet to working with the library community is how libraries do not treat each other as competitors – in fact they are excited to hear when a new feature we have just built will be used by the next library to get SOPAC …in some cases pooling their resources to add a feature they both need (PVLD and Newport Beach are taking this approach) …something I didn’t see too often back when I was doing a lot of corporate work.
It is nice to see SOPAC “take off” – and I expect it to be even more fun to see where it heads next.
- Joseph Muennich
October 1st, 2009 at 3:17 pm
In fact, SOPAC’s development group has grown to include a number of very smart people from different organizations and backgrounds, so it’s not just me. We’re expecting a SOPAC 2.1 release candidate sometime in November and it will include code contributed by AADL, YourLibrarySite, and BibLibre.
October 5th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
I’m so excited to see how interactive the next generation OPACs are becoming. I’m loving the “Browse the Catalog” catagories! Go SOPAC!
October 16th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
When adopting Web 2.0 technology, libraries should do so while working it into their strategic goals and objectives and understanding their users. http://thisthatotherthing.wordpress.com/2009/10/16/becoming-library-2-0-the-right-way