OPEN SOURCE VS. PROPRIETARY LIBRARY SYSTEM

Title of the Article:     Open source software use in libraries
Author/s : Payne, Alexandria and Singh, Vandana
Publisher : Emerald Publishing Group Limited
URL: www.emeraldinsight.com/0024-2535.htm

ABSTRACT:   

       This article examines the increasing use of open source software (OSS) by libraries. The variety of OSS products of interest to libraries are categorized by their intended function and include such genres as ILS (Integrated Library System) and CMS (Content Management Systems) information organization systems, communication tools, user interfaces, and OSS targeted support systems. The common library implemented Open source software includes blog, wiki, web chat, podcast, RSS feeds and social networking applications. In spite of the immense OSS applications which vary in form, available content and functionality, it should be emphasized that libraries that are dependent on OSS applications should address important issues such as reliability, security, performance, adaptability and degree of available support for the library system.

THREE THINGS I LEARNED FROM MY READING ASSIGNMENT:

1.     The most important advantage open source brings is that aside from being given free, it gives the library community direct control over the technology they use. Because the source code is open, anyone is free to examine the code, modify it or tailor it more closely to suit their needs. Unlike in a proprietary system which is restricted both by the terms of the license and by blocks with the system designed to prevent from being modified or changed; in an open source environment, motivated and sufficiently skilled individuals within the library community can add, enhance and tailor their own features and improvements. Since Open source software functionality can be verified, appended and incorporated into existing systems and computing platforms due to its available source code, librarians have the ability to modify OSS.

2.     Library professionals who are not technically trained can also make use of OSS applications because many OSS products do not require knowledge of programming or mark-up languages in order to apply or customize an OSS product.

3.     Since open source software applications vary in form, available content and functionality, libraries are offered a variety of solutions without the need for a big and immediate capital investment.

IMPLICATIONS OF THE NEW THINGS I LEARNED:

     I believe that open source software applications can fulfill basic library needs without putting in large amount of money. OSS can accommodate many of the library's needs particularly in the areas of storage and access as well as communications and the facilitation of collaborative user group. The U.P. Law Library for instance has been reaping the benefits of OSS applications manifested by the creation of a website facilitated by communication tool such as joomla and other applications such as Integrated Library System which would only require a web browser and internet access to provide full fundtionality.

     But if a library is to be entirely dependent on open source software applications, it must address issues of reliability, security, performance , adaptability and degree of available support and maintenance of a library system. These issues imply that further study is required in order to assure the future of the library. Much research should be carried out on the impact, functionality and effects of open source software implementations in library or information access and retrieval environments.

ACADEMIS SHIFT : FROM PRINT TO - E

TITLE OF THE ARTICLE :     Bridging the gap between print and electronic resources at a multi-campus university library
AUTHOR:         Mohammed, Sharon Premchand

PUBLISHER:   Emerald Group Publishing Limited

URL:                  www.emeraldinsight.com/0305-5728.htm

ABSTRACT:

     This article examines the experiences and challenges of a medium-sized academic library at a multi-campus Caribbean University, The University of West Indies (UWI) particularly located at St. Augustine Campus, in their shift from print to electronic resources. Despite encountering some problems such as : problems with information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, costs, licensing model, selection, acquisition and management, they have successfully built a "hybrid" collection of print and electronic resources. These libraries also served as a model for other libraries that were planning to shift from print to electronic.

3 THINGS I LEARNED FROM MY READING ASSIGNMENT:

     The move from print to electronic resources has an enormous impact on the functions of the library and the services that it provides to users in many ways. For instance, collection development has been affected because libraries are now moving from purchasing to licencing, a change in the emphasis from direct ownership to access. In addition, users access to information resources have greatly increased due to supporting technologies that are in place.

     Moving from print to electronic also requires a new set of staff skills such as licencing, copyright, negotiation and budgeting.To maintain a sustainable electronic information resources environment, staff would need to improve their skills.For  instance , library staff may conduct library instruction in an online medium.

     There should be a balance of print and electronic resources through the use of mechanisms and approaches to manage the process of collection development, selection and acquisition management, technology issues, staff skills, budget allocations and impact assessment.

 IMPLICATIONS: 

      In the case of the UP Law Library, it is not really  a total shift from print to electronic resources because of several factors . First and foremost is the budget. Then there are issues pertaining to licensing, selection , acquisition and management. In my opinion, I believe that there should be a balance between print and electronic resources. Some of the members of our faculty  for instance still prefer print copies of periodicals when they conduct  legal research. Students on the other hand  favor electronic copies for they are easily accessible and searchable.  It is very important that the needs of the different category of users are always being responded to.
     There is also a need for a continous upgrade of skills of library staff.  In the UP Law Library for example, members of  the library staff have to develop skills in negotiation, electronic licencing, copyright law, budgeting and financial management. They have to be acquainted with technologies specific to electronic resources. Continous training of staff is very important in order to meet the challenges presented by the shift from print to electronic.

     

LEARNING COMMONS

Title of the Article:   The evolving landscape of the learning commons
Author :                     Roberts, Regina Lee
Publisher:                  Emerald Group Publishing Limited
URL:                          www.emeraldinsight.com/0024-2535.htm

Abstract:

     This article explores the concept of "information commons" and the possibilities of developing  dynamic "learning commons". The "learning commons" model has the potential to be a laboratory for students, librarians and faculty. It is a collaboration space and requires partnerships and cooperation across disciplines. Consequently, the role of librarians is  also changing to support the requirements of a dynamic "learning commons".

Three things I learned from my Reading Assignment: 

1. I have learned that one of the fundamental concepts of the learning commons is advancing literacy through active learning. First and foremost, locating the learning commons in the library is a very ideal place because there are dedicated spaces within the library  and it is configured and equipped with technology. Lastly, there is collaboration with students, faculty, staff and institutional administration, thereby, enhancing the learning process. 

2. It also impressed upon me that "learning commons" is increasingly becoming an inevitable component of library service. Because of this, every library should plan thoroughly in developing  a "learning commons". In the planning stage, it is very important that the library envision an attractive, comfortable and pragmatic space to encourage users to come in, work, collaborate and use the library services and resources. I could give here as an example of a functioning "learning commons" in the University  is the UP College of Engineering Library. Generally, the elements of a functioning learning commons include : seamless technology, production software, readily available content (i.e. library resources), and comfortable, practical and attractive physical design.

3. I have also learned from the article that the concept of "information commons" is not the same as the concept of "learning commons". Although many learning commons are referred to as information commons and vice versa, they are indeed different. The information commons can be a simple online portal for library users to learn about information literacy or library services such as a website. The presence of a cluster of computers in the library that have access to the OPAC or other electronic databases could also be there. What is also emphasized in "information commons" is that it assists users in knowledge-seeking. On the other hand, learning commons are spaces with the technology and design that emphasize knowledge creation. Therefore, the library is becoming a laboratory, a space for knowledge creation, where there is collaboration with students, faculty, staff and institutional administration. In a sense, it is much broader than information commons.

Implications of the new things I learned  to my work/to me as a person:

     

     As technology continues to grow and evolve in a very fast pace, the library is compelled to re-imagine and redesign the development and delivery of its programs and services. Envisioning and planning for a "learning commons" poses  challenging roles for librarians. I envision our library to be transformed someday into a "learning commons" just like the UP Engineering Library  to further enhance social learning in the field of law where there is collaboration among students, faculty, librarians, administrators, lawyers and other members of the bench and the bar. 

     A very challenging role for librarian in the learning commons environment  is that of acting as facilitator thereby becoming a partner in the collaborative process. It is important that librarians have a good working relationship with their administrators to be able to garner their support.  Also, the librarian has the responsibility of marketing the learning commons and also of evaluating the outcomes of the learning commons. Furthermore, the librarian should also act as coordinator in technical services to make sure that the tools are available to users  and are  easily manipulated by them. These and many more challenging roles are out to test the librarian in the learning commons environment  but I believe that the librarian can surpass all these challenges and will emerge as successful in the end.

     

     

WEB 2.0

Title of the Article : Web 2.0 features in university library websites
Author: N.S. Harinarayana and N. Vasantha Raju
Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited
URL: www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm

Abstract:

     This article explores recent trends in the application of Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 features via top 57 university library websites around the world. From the ranked list of 200 universities provided on the Times Higher Education web site, top 100 universities were considered for collection of data until finally, the selection was reduced to 57 universities. The bases for selection were whether the site was in English and whether it had at least one web 2.0 feature. The websites of each of these universities were visited and data on their web 2.0 features (such as Blogs, RSS, Instant Messaging, Wikis and the like) were collected and analyzed. Findings show that 37 University libraries use RSS feeds for dissemination of library news, events and announcements and 15 university libraries provide blog space for users. Furthermore, only one libraru uses wiki, while 37 libraries use Instant Messaging in providing reference service. The use of podcast ( three libraries) and Vidcast (six libraries) are yet to become popular facilities to be offered in university library web sites.

Three Things I Learned from my Reading Assignment:

  1.   Academic library websites have evolved from being static to being dynamic or interactive websites which encouraged user participation. Library websites are changing in their content and structure at a fast pace. The impact of web 2.0 applications to libraries are manifested through integration of web 2.0 features into their websites. These features such as RSS, Blogs, Wikis, User tagging sites, Instant Messaging and social networking sites like Facebook, are integrated are being utilized and integrated into their websites.

 2. Libraries have been expanding their services by providing user-centered services through the apllication of web 2.0 facilities considering that the needs and expectations of users are changing.

3.  The trends that are manifested suggest that web 2.0 will continue to grow and its utility will increase in libraries through adding more features into the library websites.

Implications of the new things I learned :

     It can't be denied that the advent of web 2.0 has revolutionized the way libraries have served the needs of their users. Web 2.0 has allowed libraries to serve their users in better ways. But it is worth mentioning that libraries must not only have a better understanding of the nature of web 2.0 and its applications to libraries but they must also bear in mind the users' needs and expectations. To what extend do library patrons really welcome the web 2.0 features adopted by libraries? 

     Getting the librarians as well as the library staff to use and be aware of the emerging technologies such as web 2.0 applications to libraries is another important point. Library staff should be trained  as to how  these features of web 2.0 are applied in libraries. Librarians should also take up the web 2.0 challenge as a way to develop professionally through creating blogs, wikis, etc., for example. Collaboration and participation are the most attractive features of web 2.0. The trend is that it will continue to grow and to be utilized by libraries, that's why, librarians must learn to adapt to these changes quickly and judiciously.