October 8, 2009

Open Source

Public Workst

ations (in)

Libraries

Reading Room, New York Public

Library

Reading Room,Bibliotecha Alexandrina

Open source?

open source

adjective

Computing

denoting software for which the original source code is made freely available and may be redistributed with or without modification.

there was Collaboration. Which yielded many things,

including the Internet,

Collaboration

Internet

But in the beginning, there

was no open source. Not by that name, at least.

Eric Raymond

+

in the

Why

?

“computer software is an increasingly critical factor in the world economy and in the strategic calculations of businesses”

• Open Source Operating System• Many varieties, customizable

• Ubuntu Linux most popular for desktop OS

• www.ubuntu.com

• Similar to Linux• Licensed differently

• Usually used for server applications• Not commonly used on desktops

• www.openbsd.org

• Application processing done by

server• Terminals used for user display and input• Reduces power

consumption• Not suitable for video

• www.ltsp.org

• Open source alternative to Microsoft Office

• Includes word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software

• Help and support available• www.openoffice.org

• Open-source internet browser

• www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox

• Open source multimedia player• Can be used on Windows, Mac OS/X,

and Linux• Download:

www.mplayerhq.hu/design7/dload.html

• Allows users to run Windows applications under Linux

• Not all applications are compatible

• www.winehq.org

Case Studies in Depth: Crawford County Federated Library System

and Howard County Library

• Employee Training• Effective meetings • Detailed project plans • In-house technical support• Technical support personnel should be familiar with

open source applications• Employees have a clear sense the benefits of open

source software• Provide leading edge services to patrons• Encourage risk taking• Provide tech support• Use project management software

Benefits:• More reliable than Windows• Less viruses• Saved $35,000 by not upgrading to Windows XP• Positive user feedback

Complaints:• Not enough word processing workstations• Timed sessions• Not enough resources to keep it up-to-date

• Howard County signed with Open Sense Solutions in 2005.

• Loaded OpenOffice.org, Firefox, MPlayer, RealPlayer, Adobe Reader, and a large game selection on all public-access computers.

• Implemented longer session times.

Benefits:• Connects all seven branches• Efficiently utilizes funding• Owning something that adds to library infrastructure rather than

leasing from a vendor

Complaints:• Some websites don’t work with Firefox• Difficulties printing with Linux

• Added the Opera and Mozilla browsers to its primary browser, Firefox. Also, CCFLS continues to maintain one public access computer that has Windows.

• Began using Foomatic, an open source project that simplifies printing for Linux.

Goals (2005)

1. Reduce the maintenance load for the public-access workstations.

2. Reduce the cost of public Internet access while increasing its availability.

• Applications:

o Firefox 

o OpenOffice.org  

o Adode Reader 

Benefits:

• Reduced maintenance load for individual public-access workstations.

• Lowered cost of providing public Internet access to more users.

• No software security issues

Goals (late 2003):

1. Create low-maintenance kiosks in the             Student Union.

2.  Avoid Windows security issues.

• Applications:

Firefox

R- kiosk

Surveys 

Programmable signage

• Expanded from 5 LTSP terminals to 22 terminals

• Terminals are located in the Student Union, Campus Health, Campus Recreation, and the School of Pharmacy

Benefits:

• LTSP is easy to manage.

• Low cost terminal software fits within UNC budget.

• LTSP increases security.

• Open source software can provide libraries with cost-effective alternatives to proprietary software.

• Questions & Comments