I have to admit that I have yet to install or play with Ubuntu! I have a laptop here that I plan on using for testing, but I just haven’t had enough time at home yet. That said, I know that may of you have tested or use Ubuntu so I wanted to point you to this list on Lifehacker of the Top 10 Ubuntu Downloads.
Technorati Tags: ubuntu
Chris Catalfo has a post over at Thingology about the integration of Library Thing for Libraries in Koha 3.2.
The 3.2 version of Koha (which isn’t out yet) will include the improved integration for LTFL. If you are using Koha without a host, and run on the bleeding edge, you can try it now via Git.
What this does is enable and disable LTFL through the Koha Enhanced Content system preference page. Simply enter your LTFL account number (found on your LibraryThing for Libraries Account page), decide where you’d like LTFL content to display (in tabs or under other bibliographic details) and enable it. No need to edit Koha templates.
I have gotten to see it in action in my test system and it’s awesome!!!
Technorati Tags: koha, librarything
The newest report (that I know of) from Forrester is showing that Open Source is showing up more in next years budgets for companies than in previous years.
Well, cost is the primary driver for open-source consideration, as a recent Forrester report suggests, but what is most significant is the overwhelmingly positive experience CIOs are having with open source, as this same Forrester report suggests.
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Open-source software isn’t perfect, and its quality varies widely, just as in the proprietary-software world. But unlike proprietary software, open source actively de-risks the IT purchasing decision by enabling you to try before you buy, buy on subscription (i.e., no long-term commitment), and pay a lot less for equal or greater value.Small wonder, then, that CIOs are voting with their wallets, buying into open source while cutting investments in proprietary software.
I would love to see a similar study done among libraries. How many libraries are dropping proprietary options for open source next year?
Learn more about this report on CNET News.
Danny has a post on his blog that I feel needs to be repeated here - and all over the web. A the Koha conference and Koha Dev weekend, we heard that ther are still some positions open in the Koha community and they are very important positions.
Quality Assurance manager(s), to review all patches that are sent in to uphold a particular level of quality among the Koha code base. It was suggested that perhaps this be a funded position through an organization or the KUDOS user group since it would take a significant amount of time. It was also suggested that if a QA manager can not be found that developers do more peer review and sign-off on each others patches. Bug wrangler(s), to review the bugs at http://bugs.koha.org and make sure that old bugs are closed and all bugs are valid. The number of open bugs listed at the Koha bugzilla site is currently 827. Funding or development of core code re-factoring, to clean existing Koha structure, make the entire development process more efficient, and increase code speed and readability. It is hard to find a specific library to want to sponsor an enhancement that would be something that only takes place behind the scenes, so it was suggested that this may fall to a group like the KUDOS user group.
There are several roles that people play in supporting open source, my role (aside from being an open source evangelist) is the Koha Documentation Manager - a role that I learned I’m stuck in until I fall down 
hehe. If you like the ideas behind open source or want to make a switch in your library the best way to start is to join in and help the community out!
I often talk about what open source software you can use in your library to improve services and save on licensing fees. Well, a few weeks ago I was at the Taylor County Public Library in Perry, FL doing some Koha training and I learned that they also use lots of other open source applications in their library. So far, they’re using:
I can’t wait to see what other software they end up using (especially since I introduced them to a few new options and they’re attending one of my open source classes in May to learn more).
[update] Just an update. While parts of Opera are open source, the core browser is not. So if you want to go fully open source - Firefox is your answer [/update]
An interesting little piece from Techdirt talks about a law firm trying to twist an open source license ruling:
When CAFC ruled last summer about the legality of open source licenses and their connection to copyright in the Jacobsen case, we were a little worried that the ruling appeared to conflict with some other copyright rulings, in a way that could eventually cause problems.
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A law firm has been running around trying to push the idea that the ruling means using any open source software increases your copyright infringement liability. Of course, that’s only true if you don’t abide by the terms of the license. In other words, the risks are no different than if you’re using proprietary code: if you obey the terms of the license, there’s no problem. If you don’t, there is. All the ruling really stated was that there could be greater damages to those who don’t abide by the license. So, really, the law firm’s advice seems to be directed entirely to firms who plan to not live up to the requirements of an open source license. That’s hardly an increased liability for those who comply.
It’s always a shame to see people’s fears about change or new (or seemingly new) technologies lead to such silliness.
Marc Roberson, Texas resident and LibLime colleague wrote a great comment on a post at OSTATIC that asks why Open Source wasn’t considered for Texas government computers. This from OSTATIC author Sam Dean:
Earlier this month, Computerworld reported on the Texas state Senate banning Windows Vista from use in government agencies. Specifically, Senator Juan Hinojosa proposed the ban because “of the many reports of problems with Vista.” Microsoft officials reacted angrily, saying “we’re surprised that the Texas Senate Finance Committee adopted a rider which, in effect, singles out a specific corporation and product for unequal treatment.” Hinojosa has proposed Windows XP and the upcoming Windows 7 as alternatives, but why wasn’t moving to an open source solution even considered? That’s the gist of an interesting letter sent to Hinojosa, and here are some of the good points it makes.
Our very own Marc Roberson answered:
As someone who has worked on the commercial side of software for more years than I care to admit, I have to say that making the move to Open Source Solutions was a no brainer. I worked for two very large companies that supplied proprietary systems for libraries around the world. The cost of maintenance was so high that libraries were literally closing their doors to keep their systems under a maintenance contract that just kept increasing. Our solutions save them sometimes 70% or more allowing libraries to do what they do best: give patrons ubiquitous access to stable, safe, customizable technology.
In this “recession” there is no excuse for not exploring the alternatives. To do so would be a breach of fiduciary responsibility to the community as a whole.
As for stealth installations of OSS….. if you are using Firefox, you’re using open source. If you’re using Apache, you’re using open source… now the next step is Open Office and more specialized applications that can truly save big bucks and make a difference at the same time!
Is your state using or considering open source? I’d love to hear about it.
My most recent article is now available online:
Libraries, openness, and the global community
Panlibus Newsletter, Issue 12, Pg. 11, April 2009
In it I talk about ‡biblios.net and openness in libraries.
The next big conference on my travel schedule is SLA Annual in Washington D.C. I will be talking about my new book on Mashups as well as Open Source for Libraries.
If you’re coming to SLA this year, look for me and if you can - make sure to attend one or both of my talks
At KohaCon I talked about writing MySQL reports for Koha and my slides are available on the conference wiki - but I wanted to post them here as well. So check out my slides if you want to learn more.
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