Open source software and libraries

'Open source 'software comes with the source code included with the compiled version and modification or customization is actually encouraged. The developers of open source software believe that allowing anyone who's interested to modify the application will make the application more useful and error-free over the long term.
There are certain criteria that must be meet before software is consided open source by the software development industry:

• The program must be freely distributed


• Source code must be included.


• Modifications of the source code are allowed by anybody.


• Versions that have been modified maybe redistributed.


• The license must allow the inclusion of other software and can not interfere with the operation of other software.

One of the problems for end-users of open source software is the lack of technical support and warranty.

Open source software for libraries would provide a less expensive option than some of the compiled ready to run versions. I could see some advantages in being able to 'fine-tune' the software to meet individual Libraries needs with out having to go back to the supplier but in saying this you would also need to have technical support on hand to implement these changes. This is a luxury that most libraries are continually fighting to achieve.

At this time I don't personally believe open source software is the way forward for Libraries. While the costs maybe less I believe the warranty and technical support provided by the compiled versions would out weigh this for most Libraries today but who knows what the future will bring and we all need to be open to change. I find it hard to see the advantages of open source software out weighing the disadvantages.

Cloud computing and Libraries

Cloud computing systems would take the pressure off having to buy all the hardware, software and individual servers for your Library. With cloud computing you only need to load one application which then allows access into a Web-based service which hosts all the programs. These services are stored on remote machines owned by another company. This technology takes the work away from the local computers which now access the cloud computing system's interface software via a Web browser.
Some of the advantages of this system would be:

• Access is possible from anywhere as long as your computer is linked to the Internet. Data is not confined to one user's hard drive or internal network
  


• Costs would be reduced because there wouldn't be the need for the fastest computer with the largest memory. All you need for each terminal is enough processing power to run the middleware, a monitor, keyboard and mouse. The need for a large hard drive has been removed as storage is provided on a remote computer.


• Removes the costs of purchasing software and software licenses for each individual computer. Instead a metered fee would be payed to a cloud computing company.


• If physical space is an issue this is also removed as there is no need for a server on site.


• Money maybe saved due to a reduction in the number of IT support personnal.

While this all sounds convincing there is also potential for problems. Some of the disadvantages maybe:

• Security and privacy.


• Is cloud computing more susceptible to hackers?


• Who owns the data? Does the cloud computing company who provides the actual storage own it or the user or company subscribing?


• Could client access be denied to that client’s data?


• IT maintenance jobs could be lost.
  

I believe cloud computing is something that could become the 'norm' for Libraries in the future. With more clients wanting to be able to access services from where ever they are and the need for reducing costs to provide services this appears to be a way for this to happen.

Web 2.0 applications

I believe Web 2.0 applications can be used for many things in today's and future libraries.
Libraries are fast becoming users of technology. From the many articles I looked at while searching Google Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and the future of libraries, it is easy to see that if libraries are to stay relevant in the technological future we need to be incorporating Web 2.0 tools into our services.

There are so many ways that Blogs, Wikis, RSS feeds, podcasts, video and downloadable audio can be used. You can create blogs to allow patrons to share their reading lists, favorite websites etc, podcasts and video to produce book trailers & virtual library tours to help them find their way around the services offered. I believe the only thing that will limit libraries in the future will be the failure of staff to embrace these new technologies and continually learn to incorporate them into the services offered.

Tagging has many different applications.Delicious is a social bookmarking service that allows you to tag, save, manage and share Web pages all in one place. With emphasis on the power of the community, Delicious greatly improves how people discover, remember and share on the Internet.With Delicious you can access any bookmarked sites on the Internet from anywhere, it doesn't have to be the same computer. You can easily share your bookmarks with friends who also use Delicious.
Folksonomies are another form of tagging.They are used to tag photos on sites such as flickr. They appear to used more broadly and could cause some confusion when people are searching for pacific content.

Technorati tags are used to keep track of blogs. A tag is a keyword or short phrase that writers assign to articles to describe or identify the content: the subject matter, the people involved, the type of article, themes addressed. This helps people searching for a particular type of content to find articles using those tags.

Podcasting is a convenient way of automatically downloading audio or video files to your computer. You can then play this audio or video on your computer or transfer the files to a portable MP3 or video player.
'Podcast' generally refers to audio. 'Video Podcast' (or 'Vodcast') refers to the distribution of video files in the same manner.

After having a look at some different podcasts it is easy to see how they could be used in Libraries. One use is for tutorials to give library tours. The Library at Charles Sturt University has a number of different podcasts to help students to find their way around. Two that I thought were good and could be adapted to use in any library were:
Services for DE Students 09/09/09
Ever wondered exactly what the library can do for you as a Distance Education student but don't have time to search our website? This podcast is just for you!

http://www.csu.edu.au/division/library/how-to/podcasts/

Five Borrowing Tips 28/01/2010
Will library fines stop you from borrowing? Do you need a library card to borrow from the library? Can you borrow from a local University library? Listen in this week and find out!

http://www.csu.edu.au/division/library/how-to/podcasts/

Book trailers would be another way to incorporate 'video podcasts' and of course ebooks are a form of Downloadable audio.

I cannot see any disadvantages from incorparating these technologies into Libraries other than the time needed to train staff and users to take them on board. In the long term I don't see these as disadvantages as I believe the skills learnt will be used to the benefit of all.