Library Services Platforms: the evolution of the library management systems

Abstract

The article presents a literature review about library services platforms (LSP). The history and evolution of libraries automation is addressed, and it also covers some technologies, tools and resources that have been used by libraries until the emergence of the library services platforms. The LSP characteristics are explored: they support multiple procurement processes, spanning from physical items to electronic resources; offer hybrid metadata tools, including at least MARC and Dublin Core schemas appropriate to each material; include an integrated discovery service or support a separately acquired one; are provided as subscription, based on Software-as-a-Service model and deployed through multi-tenant platforms; staff interfaces are offered through web browsers. Although Brazilian libraries still do not use the library services platforms, it concludes that it is essential to discuss the theme because of its relevance and contemporaneity.

Keywords:
Library services platforms; Library management systems; Library automation; Cloud services for libraries