Library Perceptions 2024: Results of the 16th International Survey of Library Automation
For the past 12 years, OPALS has been consistently lauded by our clients for offering the best ILS on the market in terms of reliability, technical support, as well as cost effectiveness. The latest results were published in the 2024 international survey of library automation on the librarytechnology.org website. OPALS was again singled out for receiving highest scores in every single category among school libraries, AND, scored highest among small academic libraries.
Survey Link: https://librarytechnology.org/perceptions/2023/#opals
Survey Narratives: https://librarytechnology.org/perceptions/2023/comments/#OPALS
Judges grant OPALS the 2023 MLA Platinum Award
OPALS 2024 Updates
Community librarians, programmers and technical support staff have worked together to prioritize and develop updates that improve OPALS. These changes dramatically expand library members’ research experience, seamlessly incorporating print, digital, streaming video, STEM and archival resources as well as integrating the variety of authentication challenges presented by each format.
WELCOME TO OPALS
OPALS is a proven, open-source automated library system. Whether your library has hundreds of resources or millions, there is likely a library just like yours that has adopted OPALS. Well over 2000 libraries around the world use OPALS every day to manage library resources that hundreds of thousands of library members can access on the Web in their institutions, at home or at a local cafe.
Explore our Website, discover OPALS’ many features, technical support and engineering framework and contact us to set up a free hosted demonstration system. Upload all of your data and in 24 to 48 hours you and your community can explore OPALS’ every nook and cranny in the familiar context of your own library data.
In addition to a thorough system assessment, you will get to sample OPALS’ librarian-acclaimed technical support. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
- Cooperatively developed
- Web-based – Mobile Device Friendly
- Standards-based
- Feature rich
- Open source
- Professional management
- Professional development
- Professional support
- Lowest Total Cost of Ownership
This alternative technology provides Internet access to:
- Information databases
- Library collections
- Digital resources (eBooks, Video streaming) – Authentication
- Digital archives
- IT Equipment
- STEM Resources
- Advance Booking: Resource selection – Order processing – Scheduling and Delivery Management – Regional and local management
OPALS technology serves over 2000 libraries around the world:
- Schools
- Academic
- Public
- Research
- Museum
- Health services
- Business
- Faith communities
- Union catalogs (ex. ILL services)
There is no need to install software or purchase and maintain expensive computer servers or software licenses to implement this powerful, turnkey Internet accessible system. The “total cost of ownership” is demonstrably and undeniably sustainable.
We can either host and maintain OPALS on our servers or we can work with your staff to install and support it at your site. Experienced programmers and technical support staff update and maintain the program, giving this open source initiative a responsive support framework that is essential for institutions that serve the public.
OPALS DEMO SITE
The best way to determine whether OPALS is a good fit for your library is to experience it in the familiar context of your library’s data. Our staff can set up an evaluation site into which we can upload your library’s MARC bibliographic records. In most cases, these sites are ready for you to evaluate within 24 hours. During the evaluation period, you will be able to try all of the system’s features and have access to OPALS support staff.
Check our Demo site to learn more about OPALS and to experience all of its features.
OPALS SUPPORT
Media Flex supports OPALS in the United States. There are reasonably priced cooperative support & update services fees that provide funding for full-time outstanding technical support and computer engineering staff.
OPALS Data Privacy & Security Policy: Click to view Media Flex – OPALS Data Privacy & Security Plan
This link will upload a PDF version of the Data Privacy and Security Plan to your download folder to view and / or print.
Bibliofiche provides support & services for Canadian and international libraries.
