PHILADELPHIA — July 27, 2020 — The FOLIO Open Source Community has issued its latest named release opening the way for many sites to adopt FOLIO. The Goldenrod Release signifies the completion of Version One (V1) ILS functionality for the FOLIO Library Services Platform (LSP).
The open source project, which leverages expertise from libraries, developers and service providers, has built an open source LSP that is being implemented around the world. The Goldenrod Release includes core functionality that will allow libraries to move to FOLIO from their current, traditional Integrated Library System (ILS) or LSPs.
Jesse Koennecke, outgoing Chair of the FOLIO Product Council and Director of Acquisitions and E-Resource Licensing Services at Cornell University Libraries says the Goldenrod release marks a shift as the FOLIO Community moves from developing core functionality to focusing on expanded features identified since the initial roadmap was planned. “With libraries actively implementing FOLIO, the project has hit an essential milestone envisioned when we began — functionality allowing libraries to move to the open source LSP. We are now excited to continue to work on additional features and functionality to respond to requests that extend or innovate with the FOLIO platform to better serve libraries.”
Harry Kaplanian, EBSCO Information Services’ Vice President of Product Management for FOLIO Services is a member of FOLIO’s Product Council and the FOLIO Roadmap facilitator. He says the Goldenrod Release means FOLIO Core features are ready for adoption. “The entire FOLIO Community has been working toward V1 development status so libraries can begin implementing the FOLIO platform and library service applications.”
Academic institutions have taken a variety of pathways when moving to FOLIO. Some have started with ERM (electronic resource management) functionality first before replacing an existing ILS implementation or leveraging FOLIO apps such as circulation and inventory. Other libraries have planned their conversion from a legacy ILS to coincide with the Goldenrod Release. There are additional sites that will go live with features planned for releases later this year and into 2021.
The next release will be the Honeysuckle Release in October. Information about the FOLIO Community and the upcoming releases can be found at https://wiki.folio.org.
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