Post on 29-Nov-2014
description
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