The weekly tip for this week is all about open source:

The debate between open source and proprietary software is lively and ongoing. Some libraries succeed with large-scale open source overhauls, while others prefer the use of one or two open source applications. The function, should you choose to go there, is dependent on the unique environment of your library. WebJunction has a focus on Open Source Software which includes the following articles that can help you evaluate where your library stands.

Check out the list at BlogJunction.

CrunchGear has a list of 10 popular live distributions of Linux:

One of the great features of many Linux distributions is the ability to test them out before committing to installing them on your hard drive. Live distributions can be burned to bootable CDs, DVDs, flash drives, and more (even floppies, remember floppies?!).

Here’s a non-exhaustive list of ten popular live Linux distros as voted on over at FrozenTech. Feel free to add your favorites in the comments section.

It’s a list well worth looking at.

This via the Web4Lib mailing list:

On March 31, 2008, I will be launching the website Open Source In Libraries. The primary goal of this project is to help libraries discuss and freely use open source software to suit their needs. You are all welcome to join this community and help it grow. This is a “we” thing, not a “me” thing. Please visit the website and become a member of this new community. It’s free for everyone. There’s also an email listserv you can join. Lets all work together!

Website: http://www.opensourceinlibraries.com
Listserv: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/opensourceinlibraries

The following quote courtesy of Jeff Humphrey:

“Open source software is free in the sense that it grants freedom to the user through the absence of proprietary control. Though much open source is available without licensing fees, this does not necessarily include liberation of price. The open source model shifts most of the costs from acquisition to operations and maintenance.

One of the best things about open source software is that the code is made available to everyone to modify as they see fit. This allows users to develop the program or make changes to suit their needs even if a project is totally abandoned by the original creator. With open source, we are no longer at the mercy of closed source vendors with their forced upgrades and compatibility issues.

Open source is about community where usability takes priority over profitability. Enhancements are shared for the benefit of all users. Bug fixes are the result of users pulling together and are often resolved much faster than a closed source patch, saving organizations time and money.”
–
Allen D. Tate
Head of Computer Services
Ohio Township Public Library System
4111 Lakeshore Dr
PO Box 850
Newburgh, IN 47629
(812) 853-5468 x 313

http://www.ohio.lib.in.us/ (Library Home Page)
http://www.linuxinlibraries.com/ (Linux In Libraries)

There have been a few library open source announcements I haven’t gotten to bringing to your attention yet:

• Santa Cruz Public Library Selects Koha

• VuFind 0.8 Released

The newest issue of the Code4Lib Journal is available and has an article by Edward M. Corrado and Kathryn A. Frederick that might be of interest to you all:

Free and Open Source Options for Creating Database-Driven Subject Guides

This article reviews available cost-effective options libraries have for updating and maintaining pathfinders such as subject guides and course pages. The paper discusses many of the available options, from the standpoint of a mid-sized academic library which is evaluating alternatives to static-HTML subject guides. Static HTML guides, while useful, have proven difficult and time-consuming to maintain. The article includes a discussion of open source database-driven solutions (such as SubjectsPlus, LibData, Research Guide, and Library Course Builder), LibGuides, Wikis, and social tagging sites like del.icio.us. This article discusses both the functionality and the relative strengths and weaknessess of each of these options.

If you’re around and want to join in a class I’m giving on open source, please join me at the Central Jersey Regional Library Cooperative on April 2, 2008. Learn more.

This year’s Computers in Libraries conference has an entire track dedicated to open source - and I get to moderate that track! The track takes place on Wednesday, April 9th.

10:30am - B301 – The Open Source Landscape
11:30am - B302 – Open Source Applications
1:45pm - B303 – Open Source Library Automation
2:45pm - B304 – Open Source Solutions to Offer Superior Service Part 1
3:45pm - B305 – Open Source Solutions to Offer Superior Service Part 2

Check out my entire schedule on the CIL2008 wiki and add your own if you’d like.

Technorati Tags: cil2008, cil08

I posted about the new Library 2.0 Gang Podcast a little while ago only to find that I had jumped the gun. Now it is really really available - so check it out - subscribe - and listen often

You can listen to it via Library Journal or the new Library 2.0 Gang page hosted by Talis.

In this issue, we spoke with Aaron Swartz about the Open Library and other Code4Lib conference topics. You can check out my blog post summarizing what Aaron spoke about at the conference if you want more information.

Technorati Tags: library 2.0 gang, talis, library journal, open library, code4libcon2008

As you may know, I’m a new Mac user. I’m still trying to find my way around and find software packages that work for me. Today someone sent me an awesome site with a list of Open Source products for my Mac. Open Source Mac lists many packages I use already and some I’ve never heard of!! This is a nice resource if you’re a Mac user looking for some open source option.

Via CrunchGear:

Willow Garage makes “open source” robots and is hoping their work, in conjunction with some Cali universities, will soon appear in homes around the world. Their robots, called the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Robot Project (STAIR), have a standard operating system and all of the mechanics and software is open source, meaning you can modify your STAIR robot as you see fit.

Welcome to the future of open source!