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.