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April 26, 2006
Does Open Source Software Development Work for Libraries
Eric Lease Morgan from the Univ. of Notre Dame opened his session with the question, how viable is open source software in libraries? In addition, he asked the audience what we wanted out of his presentation? Some responses were: is it worth my time investigating open source software? Can open source software be used out of the box?
Mr. Morgan continued with stating what open source software(OSS)is about: community; 'free' kittens; investments in personnel; increase in computing responsibility; greater opportunity for innovation. A demonstration of his product, MyLibrary, followed. The 'free kittens' metaphor meant yes OSS is 'free' as a free kitten is but you need to buy cat food, play with kitty, change the litter, etc. You will spend time working with OSS.
He further explained the greater control he has with using various software and integrating these into a wholistic environment. The empowering nature of OSS was demonstrated in this session.
Mr. Morgan ended with the question he opened with, is OSS viable in libraries? His answer was "I don't know." I think his last point the 'greater opportunity for innovation' was reason enough for us to investigate OSS. I left the session wanting to learn more.
For more detail see: http://www.infomotions.com/musings/all-things-open/
Chris Herz, Ref. Librarian, Gloucester County College
Posted by at April 26, 2006 10:09 AM
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