Open Source Software

Introduction

We begin with with a discussion of Open Source Software--a concept that has been around for awhile, but has recently gained popularity in libraries of all types.

What is Open Source Software?

Put simply, OSS refers to a program that has an open source code. This means that source code is freely distributed so that users can change or modify the software to fit their specific needs. The open source software movement is very community driven, and modified software is freely shared with others.

In order to better understand what Open Source software means check out the following video:

OSS options have many advantages, including:

• Free to acquire
• Able to be customized
• Usually supported by large communities of users that are constantly developing the OSS, as well as quickly patching bugs
• Not vendor dependent

How does this relate to special libraries?

Law school libraries tend to have smaller budgets, less staff, and fewer resources when compared to other large university libraries, so free resources are a plus. Many libraries have turned to open source software to handle computer demands for things like word processing, web browsing, and even integrated library systems. This is partially because of shrinking budgets, but also because libraries and OSS are similar--they both revolve around freedom of information.

There are OSS solutions that are able to perform almost any function that proprietary software can. However, it is important to keep in mind that each of pros listed above are only one side of the story. Texas Tech University Law School has one of the few law libraries in the nation with a digital repository built on the DSpace open source platform. While Texas Tech found that it cost much less to use open source, they also found that it certainly wasn't free and required a lot of effort. Libraries must be aware that while they might save money on the initial purchase of OSS, there are usually other costs involved in the maintenance and development of the chosen OSS. This may be easy for libraries that have in-house IT personnel, but many libraries do not or their IT people are already stretched thin.

Many libraries probably already utilize some OSS solutions. Here are some of the most common:

• Mozilla Firefox, Lynx, and Google Chrome--open source browsers that allow more security than Internet Explorer, plus extended functionality with plugins
• Wordpress--very popular free blog software used by many libraries already
• OpenOffice--productivity suite that allows for word processing, spreadsheet development, and PowerPoint-like presentations
• PDFcreator
• GIMPshop--photoediting alternative to Photoshop
• Linux--operating system
• Google Chrome OS--a Linux-based operating system designed for working with Web applications

Law libraries can enjoy endless possibilities through OSS. Course reserve lists can be managed through an open source program called Reserves Direct. OSS programs such as OpenOffice.org offer collaborative editing. This would allow for more than one librarian to edit a project from multiple computers. There are also programs such as DimDim that offer web conferencing and a way to keep in touch with other libraries and members of the law community. LibX is an open source plug in for Firefox and Internet Explorer that lets a library provide access to library resources from a browser. Librarians can track reference stats, control public access computer terminals, schedule meetings, manage e-books, and much more using open source applications.

In addition to open source browsers, operating systems, and productivity software, a number of open source programming languages exist. These languages include Perl, Python, and Ruby. Open source languages make designing programs easier since the language being used is free. Libraries can make use of open source programming languages to improve their databases and develop new software. Dozens of free languages exist, so libraries can cost-effectively create new programs to organize their collections and distribute them to users.

In short, the possibilities with OSS are endless. For every program you can think of that requires a licensing fee, there is almost definitely an OSS alternative. Most of these programs can only make life at your library easier. Start experimenting!

References

Colford, S. (2008, December/2009, January). Open source software in libraries: Explaining free and open source software. Bulletin of the American Society for Information Science Technology, 36, 2, 10-14.

Cookbooks: Free and open-source software in libraries. (n.d.). In TechSoup for Libraries. Retrieved June 27, 2011, from http: //www.techsoupforlibraries.org/cookbook-3/innovation/free-and-open-source-software-in-libraries

Fagan, J.C., & Keach, J. A. (2010, July/August). Build, buy, open source, or Web 2.0? Computers in Libraries, 30, 6, 9-11.

Free software definition. (2006, July 4). In The Linux Information Project. Retrieved from http://www.linfo.org/free_software.html

Free Software Foundation. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.fsf.org/

Hebert, E. (n.d.). How open source software can improve our library. In CollegeOnline. Retrieved June 20, 2011, from http://collegeonline.org/library/managing-expenses/open-source-library

Rasmussen, A.I. (Ed.). (2011). Open Source as Alternative. Retrieved from http://www.osalt.com/

Schneider, K. (2008, August 1). Free for all: Open source software. In School Library Journal. Retrieved from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6582321.html

The open source definition. (n.d.). In Open Source Initiative. Retrieved July 5, 2011, from http://www.opensource.org/docs/osd

Wang, F.F.W. (2011). Building an open source institutional repository at a small law school library: Is it realistic or unattainable? Information Technology and Libraries, 30, 2, 81-84.

Worcester, LLC. (n.d.). Open Source Mac. Retrieved July 5, 2011, from http://opensourcemac.org/

Worcester, LLC. (n.d.). Open Source Windows. Retrieved on July 5, 2011 from http://opensourcewindows.org/