Perceptions 2014: An International Survey of Library Automation

by Marshall Breeding. February 10, 2015

From: http://librarytechnology.org/

Introduction

Launch the interactive version of the survey's statistical results

"This eighth annual Library Automation Perceptions Report provides evaluative ratings submitted by individuals representing over three thousand libraries from 80 countries describing experiences with 154 different automation products, including both proprietary and open source systems. The survey results include 994 narrative comments providing candid statements -- both positive and negative – about the products and companies involved or statements of intent regarding future automation plans. This report analyzes the results of the survey, presents a variety of statistical tables based on the data collected, and provides some initial observations. It aims to provide information to libraries as they evaluate their options for strategic technology products and to the organizations involved in providing these products and services as constructive criticism to help guide improvements.!" ...

"General Information about the Survey

The survey attracted 20 or more responses from libraries using:

• Symphony (361),
• Sierra (288),
• Atriuum (222),
• Millennium (216),
• Polaris (170),
• Voyager (149),
• ALEPH 500 (140),
• OPALS (131),
• Horizon (128),
• Destiny (122),
• Koha -- ByWater Solutions (119),
• Library.Solution(93),
• Apollo (74),
• WorldShare Management Services (74),
• Evergreen -- Equinox Software (73),
• AGent VERSO (58),
• Koha -- Independent (53),
• Alma (46),
• EOS.Web (46),
• Spydus (40).
• Concourse (33),
• Absys.Net (27),
• Koha -- LibLime (26),
• Virtua (25),
• Alexandria (23),"

...

"

Selected Survey Findings: Top Performers
Polaris continues to receive top ratings in all categories from large public libraries and in the general satisfaction, overall product functionality, and print functionality among medium-sized public libraries.
Apollo from Biblionix received top ratings in all categories from small and very small public libraries.
Alma from Ex Libris received top ratings from large academic libraries in the management of electronic resources, customer support, and customer loyalty. Ex Libris Aleph scored best among large academic libraries for print functionality and overall product satisfaction.
Sierra from Innovative interfaces received top ratings from large and mid-sized academic libraries for overall product functionality.
OCLC WorldShare Management Services received top ratings from mid-sized academic libraries general product satisfaction, in functionality for managing electronic resources, for product support, and company loyalty.
Small academic libraries rated Koha (managed independent of a support firm) highest in overall product functionality, management of print materials, and for product support.
Library.Solution from The Library Corporation received top ratings from mid-sized public libraries for product support.
School libraries rated OPALS most positively in response to all survey questions.

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From: http://librarytechnology.org/perceptions/2014/