Marshall Breeding’s annual Library Systems Report, published by American Libraries magazine, may ring a bell for anyone interested in trends in library technology. HSLC was fortunate to partner with Marshall while he was in Philadelphia for the recent American Library Association (ALA) conference in late June. As part of our HSLC Presents series, he delivered a talk titled “Trends in Library Management Systems, Discovery, and the Impact of AI,” offering both a retrospective and forward-looking perspective on where library technology is heading — and how libraries of all types can prepare.
Marshall opened with a brief overview of the library systems landscape, with a special emphasis on recent mergers and the evolution of companies as they acquire and absorb new systems. While it’s been a busy year for mergers, he doesn’t anticipate much more movement in this area in the near future. He noted that smaller companies continue to play a vital role in keeping the big players competitive, helping stave off potential monopolies.
One of the highlights of his talk was the dynamic between open source (OS) and proprietary systems, and how each keeps the other in check. For instance, when an OS system introduces a feature that gains traction, proprietary vendors often follow suit. His overall guidance? Libraries should choose the system that works best for them, regardless of the model.
Marshall also discussed the pros and cons of sticking with a single vendor versus using multiple systems from different vendors. A single-vendor environment may offer stronger security and tighter integration, while working with multiple providers gives libraries more flexibility and freedom. Ultimately, systems should be able to integrate well with others, regardless of the vendor.
A particularly timely portion of the presentation focused on the role of AI in library systems. While academic libraries are beginning to explore AI applications in workflows and user services, public libraries remain more cautious—especially when it comes to privacy concerns around how user data is stored and used. For libraries considering vendor-supported AI features, Marshall stressed the importance of having clear contract language that reflects the library’s privacy priorities.
He concluded with insights into the current library funding environment, particularly in light of recent IMLS executive orders. He highlighted the value of consortia purchasing for library software as a sustainable, cost-effective approach. Since integrated library systems (ILS) are essential for operations, finding ways to share the cost—through regional partnerships or support from state or local funding—can help reduce the burden on individual institutions.
Stay Connected with Marshall Breeding
To stay current on library technology trends, you can subscribe to Library Technology Guides for regular updates from Marshall. His site includes vendor profiles, news, and deep dives into the systems landscape. You can also read the full 2025 Library Systems Report for free on the American Libraries website.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to host this event and look forward to continuing to support Pennsylvania libraries with expert-led learning and practical tech guidance through the HSLC Presents series.
Supporting Your Library’s Tech Journey
If your library is considering a new system, evaluating options, or just needs help making sense of your current tools, HSLC’s Technology Consulting Services are available to guide you. From vendor selection to implementation planning, we’re here to help you make informed, sustainable choices tailored to your needs.
Nicole Joniec, Digital Collections Specialist
