Implementing a shared instance of the Evergreen ILS for an academic library consortium in Ontario

Project Conifer is a consortium of four Ontario academic libraries implementing the open-source Evergreen integrated library system (ILS). It aims to create a single union catalog and shared server infrastructure. The project represents increased cooperation among Ontario academic libraries. Art Rhyno, who has extensive experience with ILS systems, discusses the history and goals of Project Conifer and highlights advantages of the Evergreen open-source software such as flexibility, cost savings, and community involvement. He also outlines upcoming work to further develop the system before the scheduled go-live date in May 2009.