Abstract
The systematic development on automation of Estonian library information system began in 1991. The implementation of the first integrated library system KIRI started at the National Library of Estonia in 1994. Still it occured that the system KIRI did not satisfy the needs of academic libraries.
Estonian academic libraries decided to establish the Consortium and to request financial support from Andrew W. Mellon Foundation in USA.
In 1995 the representatives of three Baltic states made an agreement to develop joint strategy for the selection of library software. The list was compiled about needed processes and the criteria were set up for the integrated library system.
The inquiry was sent to 33 firms. The vendors of systems INNOPAC, SUPERMAX, VTLS, OLIB (Oracle Libraries), LIBER, GEAC, HORIZON (Dynix), TINLIB and ALEPH answered the inquiry. The offers of library systems vendors were given to the members of the library automation group of the Estonian Librarians' Association (ELA).
After the first selection the preferencies were given to HORIZON (Dynix), INNOPAC, OLIB, GEAC, VTLS and ALEPH.
The members of the library automation group decided that LIBER and TINLIB will be suggested to small libraries.
After the first selection members of the library automation group visited libraries that have selected the abovementioned systems in Czech, Poland, Finland and Great Britain.
After the second selection the ALEPH and INNOPAC were on the list.
On May 30, 1996 the final decision was made and the INNOPAC was chosen as an integrated library system for Estonian academic libraries. The joint project was sent to the representative of Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Mr. R. Quandt on June 19, 1996.
On September 20, 1996 Andrew W. Mellon Foundation announced that the support was given to the projects of Estonia and Latvia. The implementation of the INNOPAC system is underway now.