NASIG 2016

The Open URL protocol has existed for over a decade and several quality proprietary and open source Open URL link resolvers have been developed for libraries. Considering that Open URL link resolvers are no longer “emerging technology”, does it make sense to re-examine a library’s tried and true Open URL link resolver when looking towards the future? Has the Open URL product landscape evolved in concert with other library technologies?  Is it possible that a library may have “outgrown” their current Open URL Link resolver? Perhaps the library needs to take a more holistic approach and consider new technologies that would greatly improve library operations. These are the questions that the Colorado State University Libraries (CSUL) grappled with in recent years regarding their Open URL link resolver. Since its installment in 2001, the Libraries experienced organizational changes throughout the last decade--all which compelled them to consider that either an enhanced version of their link resolver or a different vendor based link resolver can improve operational efficiencies and library services. This presentation is a case study of CSUL’s strategic analysis of Open URL link resolvers, including their current product. Learn about the Libraries’ approach taken to identify Open URL link resolver products, the RFP process, and their analyses of those products. The surprising outcome and future plans will be revealed.