FOLIO, a community collaboration to develop an open source Library Services Platform (LSP), is kicking off 2019 with a release that will reach a variety of notable development milestones in accessibility. The FOLIO Aster Release is the first in a series of named releases that will begin to define the features and functionality of the open source LSP.
Aster will include general UX improvements and accessibility features including WCAG 2.0 support for forms, focus components, keyboard shortcuts and colors/icons/images. The release will also include cataloging template capability and MARC editing along with improvements to searching and editing instances, holdings and items.
Aster includes discovery interoperability that includes OAI-PMH along with FOLIO API support for RTAC and Patron Empowerment as well as Purchase Order Management for acquisitions and GOBI Order API integration. ERM functionality that includes agreements, license and eHoldings management, Knowledgebase integration (EBSCO’s Holdings IQ and GOKb), SUSHI harvesting and configuration is also a part of the Aster Release. Circulation improvements such as improved fines & fees, manual blocks, patron notice templates and staff slips, requests and service point support along with considerable improvements for password management have also been released.
The release aims to provide a more accessible platform for libraries in the FOLIO community. FOLIO Product Owner Lead Cate Boerema says the Aster Release is the beginning of a busy year for FOLIO. “With Aster we begin to shape the future of the ILS. The release begins to introduce key functionality for a library services platform, serve the needs of libraries and provide opportunities to extend the reach of libraries.”
The FOLIO open source project provides libraries of all sizes with choice when selecting an LSP or building library services beyond traditional functionality. Built on a microservices architecture, the FOLIO platform ensures that components can be readily developed or replaced in new releases as technologies and requirements evolve.
About FOLIO
FOLIO is a collaborative effort among libraries, vendors, developers and consortia that leverages open source technology and a community-based effort to redefine library services and innovate based on library futures. By building on what libraries need and by leveraging library expertise as well as vendor capacity and velocity, FOLIO is designed to move libraries forward, build on the services they provide and redefine the role libraries play within their institution. FOLIO also levels the playing field and makes open source technology available to all institutions regardless of size or staffing. FOLIO brings vendors together to innovate and host services for customers and introduces open source as a service to libraries. To sign up to participate or receive more information go to www.folio.org