[LM_NET] TAR Library processing software similar to Follett

[JJ Stratton <stratton.jj@GMAIL.COM>]

Our school district has approximately 40,000 students served by
approximately 45 elementary, middle and high schools.  We currently use
Follett for circulation, cataloging, etc.  Having lurked on the listserve
for a couple years now, I've noticed other librarians referring to other
companies and programs that do similar tasks (although I'm still confused as
to what the difference is between Destiny and Follett, or are they the
same?)  Our district, under severe budgetary constraints like everyone else
(I'm thrilled I still have a job, it was a close call), wants to investigate
Open Source possibilities, meaning free or almost free software that does
what Follett does.  Has anyone heard of this?  Can you give me some ideas as
to who the other companies are who do this sort of thing?  It's my
understanding that Follett costs the district approximately $45,000 a year,
which works out to about $1,000 per school.  I'm assuming volume discounts
are a part of that price.  Is that cheap, expensive, about right?  Not
having worked at any other libraries or in any other districts, I have no
frame of reference.  If other districts are struggling with this same type
of decision, I would like to hear how it was/is being handled.  I'll post a
HIT if I anyone is interested.  TIA.
-- 
JJ Stratton, Librarian/Media Specialist
North Canyon High School
Phoenix, Arizona
stratton.jj@gmail.com

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