open sourcelibrary
DESCRIPTION
This is the presentation I gave on September 17th at the KLA Fall Conference in Louisville. In it, I've highlighted both issues when converting to open source software and some of the different types of software we use at our library.TRANSCRIPT
Embracing Open-Source Software
How Using Open-Source and Free Software Can Help Your Library Improve Services and Cut
Costs
Jim Peterson, Technology CoordinatorGoodnight Memorial Library
Franklin, KY
What is Open Source Software?
Open source does not necessarily mean free! Open source means source code is available for you
to view, modify & redistribute and is usually free Usually paid support is offered Online support is usually free and available via
forums, IRC channels and e-mail Free software means you can get it for free, usually
no support offered whatsoever Not necessarily open source Freeware is a known vector for viruses and other
malware! Be wary!
What you MUST consider before choosing open source software!
Technical Expertise Is there a geek on staff or do you need to buy one?
Usually not as easy as installing iTunes on Windows Will need to be comfortable with working from the
command line Ongoing costs
ALA report from 2008 w/case studies Usually no initial cost to download/install, training
is similar in cost & scope.
More to consider...
Mergers and Acquisitions Research the prospective provider's business model,
potential for buyout, tech support satisfaction LibLime (Koha support) recently acquired by PTFS Happens to proprietary folks, but research can
mitigate the possibility of a project-killing takeover Total Cost of Ownership
Licensing – software is biggest expense on desktops Support & Maintenance – talk to other libraries Ease of use/training costs/system requirements
Operating Systems
Operating systems are the basic instructions that allow the software talk to the hardware
Proprietary Operating Systems
Expensive, especially in multiple machines
Cannot be modified (closed-source)
Require $$ productivity software (Photoshop or Office, anyone?)
Often dictate expensive hardware upgrades
Open-Source Operating Systems
Usually free to download and install, live CD/DVD
Can be completely modified – Ubuntu, Lifehacker tutorial
Come with thousands of applications
Runs great on old hardware!
Open-Source Operating Systems
Open-Source Photo Editors
The Gimp – Photoshop alternative – cross-platform
F-Spot Photo manager – great for management of photos & albums
Google's Picasa – cross platform, basic editor & photo management. Can be a “Cloud” service
OpenOffice Productivity Suite
Drop-In alternative to Microsoft Office
No license fees Will open, save, create
and interact with MS Word documents, PowerPoint, and most Excel spreadsheets
Conforms to International Standards
Free Website & Network Monitoring
Woopra – Web site traffic monitoring
Groundwork Open Source Community Edition – Network & asset monitor
Nagios – Network & asset monitor
Open Source ILS
Links to Open Source Projects Distrowatch – Learn about Linux distributions How to Choose a Desktop Linux Distribution –
PCWorld article OpenOffice – Office suite The Gimp – Creative suite for photos & graphics Groundwork – Network & server monitoring Woopra – Web site statistics & monitoring XChat – IRC Interface for chatting online Ultimate Gamers ed. – Live DVD w/games
Open Source Projects
Evernote – Searchable on-line notepad. Open Source in a new light – IBM report about open
source software use in 2010 Microsoft Office vs. OpenOffice.org – article
comparing the two office suites PC World Guide to Today's To 10 Linux Distributio
ns 58 Open Source Replacements for Sm. Bus. Softwar
e – article from Datamation
Jim Peterson, Technology CoordinatorGoodnight Memorial Library
Franklin, KY
Email [email protected](270) 586-8397
Library website www.gmpl.orgLibrary FacebookJim's Facebook
Jim's Library Technology BlogJim on Twitter