Systems Integration
Our Service
No two libraries are alike, so why should their integrations be? At Open Fifth, we are experienced in supporting our customers with connecting the many extensions and integrations needed to administer and enhance their services, using multiple methodologies. You can read more about some of these below. Can’t see an integration you’re interested in? Not all of those available are listed below, reach out to the team today to find out how we can assist you.
Infrastructure-oriented integrations
API / CSV Automated importing
We support a couple of different types of automated importing, the most common being patron imports. We support both an API way of doing these as well as using CSVs to import into the Koha database from your registry or HR systems.
Authentication
We have existing systems with the following SSO authentication methods:
- AzureAD/EntraID
- OpenAthens
- SimpleSAML
- LDAP/AD
- oAuth2
If you aren’t running any of these, but your system can operate with SAML, then we can typically make it work with our systems.
Finance integration
With Koha’s flexible API, we can integrate with a number of finance systems into your LMS. For providers that we don’t already support, our in-house development and infrastructure experts can develop further integrations to get you set up.
Postcode search
We have a self-hosted middleware platform that integrates with your local postcode discovery service, allowing for automatic address completion within your LMS. It can integrate with your local LLPG database or a commercial postcode lookup database.
Payment integration
We integrate with a number of online payment systems to allow for the payment of online fines (and other fees). Examples include HeyCentric, Paypal, FlyWire (formerly WPM), Capita360. For providers that we don’t already support, our in-house development and infrastructure experts can develop further integrations to get you set up.
Library service-oriented integrations
SIP2 Devices and services
We support integration with a variety of SIP2 systems, including kiosks, RFID pads, laptop lockers, security gates and sorters – we’ll work with your vendors to get these working with your system.
SMS / Text messaging
We can integrate with many major SMS providers to allow for SMS notifications to be sent to your patrons/borrowers, rather than just emails.
External analytics
We have experience integrating with third party services such as CollectionHQ and the Public Lending Rights (PLR). We can provide you with standard scripts to allow services like CollectionHQ to analyse the content of your collection and to the PLR to report usage of your collection by author and title.
Internal Analytics
We can implement Metabase, an open source business intelligence tool that allows you to quickly and clearly visualise complex datasets from within your LMS. Or, allow you to connect your own business analytics platform like Microsoft BI.
Digital discovery
Open Fifth has experience working with systems like EZProxy, Vufind, Aspen Discovery, Reading List Management Systems and VLEs allowing for a rich network of internal and external resources discoverable from your LMS.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
Open Fifth has worked with vendors across the UK and beyond to implement the EDIFACT standard (EDItEUR and BIC) as well as MarcOrder processes. Automated processing of messages streamlines the acquisitions process. We support a range of messages from Quotes through to Order Responses. Vendors include Askews, Browns, Peters, Proquest Oasis and EBSCO GOBI
Interlibrary Loans (ILL)
We can set up connections between Koha and other Library Management systems to allow for Interlibrary loans, working with vendors to allow tracked management of resources between locations. We integrate with a number of services from simple email, national libraries (British Library, National Library of Sweden, LIBRIS) to commercial services like RapidILL, LibKey Discovery – Third Iron and ReprintsDesk.
Z39.50
We can set your system up to search remote systems, or be searchable itself, as you require, using the industry standard z39.50 protocol
