Open Source Software

Success Stories

• ASU West Library successfully migrates everything to Linux (2003)
• Georgia Public Library Service is creating and open source ILS and they have a blog to track development
• Coquitlam Public Library uses Linux to manage all their Public PCs.

Great Free/Open Source Tools for Libraries

• ht://Dig -- Free (GPL) search engine software. Spider and search your website(s). Configurable and extendable search algorithms, templates, file types, etc. Live implementation: J. Murrey Atkins Library, UNC Charlotte
• Audacity -- Free (GPL) audio recording and editing software. Oral history and audio reserves projects; Audacity provides features normally only found in pro commercial audio software. Effects filters remove static, hiss, hum, or other constant background noises from your analog recordings.
• VLC -- Free (GPL) cross-platform media player/streamer with support for a large number of formats and more.
• Koha Open Source ILS -- Full-featured Library Automation System, including OPAC, Circulation, Acquisitions, and Reporting/Administrative modules. MARC21 and UNIMARC are supported. Advanced search capabilities, integrated Z39.50 server and client, and self-checkout. Commercial Installation and Support available in the U.S. : LibLime. Currently suitable for mid-sized library systems. (2005-06)
• Open Journals System OJS assists with every stage of the refereed publishing process, from submissions through to online publication and indexing.
• Prospero An Open Source Internet Document Delivery (IDD) System (The Ohio State University).
• LORLS Open Source 'Online Reading List' system. (University of Loughborough).
• An Open Source PC Reservation System which includes both a Linux server and GPL'd Windows PC Reservation Client Software commercial installation and support available from Userful

Blogs/Websites to Watch

• Linux Librarian
• OSS4Lib
• OSS Watch Open Source Software Advisory Service in the UK
• Open Source Software and Libraries Bibliography