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.