Open Source software and Libraries

Open source software refers to an application whose source code is made available for use or modification as users see fit, probably the most common ones currently being used are Firefox and Open Office.

The main advantage is that open sourced software allows much more flexibility than software purchased with licencing restrictions. Instead of a library buying a computer program such as Microsoft office and licences to install it on all the staff and public access computers they can download Open office at no cost.
Because open source software can be stored on the cloud it can be accessed from anywhere, not just restricted to the computer that the user is currently using. Zotero, a referencing add-on to Mozilla Firefox is an example of this.

The disadvantages are that although many of the applications are free, time and training are needed for staff to be able to use and assist others to use the software. Because many of them are Linux based, users may be unfamiliar with how to use them. Also, it is sometimes difficult to import documents created using other programs.

There are Open source library operating systems available for free down load, but time and money would need to be spent to adapt them to the users requirements. Security and stability would be major issues.

Useful Web 2.0 applications and Libraries

Useful web 2.0 applications and libraries
Web 2.0 applications are constantly evolving and it is vital that libraries embrace this technology. It is also essential that library staff are trained to use these applications so they are able to assist users to access and use the technology. Today’s library user wants to be able to use modern technology to access all the information that is available, not just look at the books on the shelf.

It is important for a library to have an online presence; members require information 24/7, not just during opening hours. Therefore to it is vital to have well maintained interactive websites with links to databases and other reference points. By using web 2.0 tools, such as Facebook, twitter and blogs the library is also able to communicate with its members and keep them informed.

Flickr is an excellent way to keep a photographic record of events and activities in the library. RSS feeds are used to provide access to new articles, new titles and news. Wikkis are useful to provide interaction the library, the staff and its users. LibraryThing enables users to catalogue their own books and recommend them to others; this could be a very useful tool for librarians recommending books to patrons.
The advantage of using these applications are that the information can be easily be added to and kept up to date, unlike web site building that requires specialist knowledge. It can also be accessed by patrons from anywhere.

The disadvantages are that staff members have to spend time constantly update their skills to keep pace with an ever evolving array of applications and technologies. It is also important that things are regularly updated as there is nothing worse than looking for information about an organisation only to find that it is out of date and no longer relevant.

Cloud computing and libraries

Cloud computing is a system where information or programs are stored on a remote server in data centres. With the correct authority the information can be accessed from any computer or device at any time.

It is predicted that this is where all our computing will go in the future and therefore I think that it is necessary for libraries to embrace this technology. Already libraries are doing this by providing access to cloud based applications on the public access computers and by subscribing to cloud based journals and databases.

The big advantage will be that individual libraries or corporations will no longer have to own and maintain all the equipment and technology needed to run their library operating systems and OPACS. This will all be outsourced and stored on remote servers in the cloud. It will not be necessary to employ people with the technical skills needed to maintain complicated servers and LAN networks.

Another advantage is that you only have to pay for what you use, you can scale up or down as your needs change. Each corporation will not have to have expensive hardware to run their systems. All the upgrades needed to keep up with evolving technology will be done by the companies that host the information.
With the use of free cloud based applications and programs licencing costs for expensive computer programs are eliminated.

The disadvantages are security concerns, as with all new advancements, corporations want to be reassured that their information is secure. They want their information to be safe from attack and available only to users who have the correct authority.

Also of concern is the location of the servers and who has control over the information that is stored on them. This is probably the major reason why many organisations are reluctant to move to this new technology.


I think that in a very short space of time the majority of libraries will be run using cloud computing and we will wonder why we were hesitant to embrace this new technology.